Tag: fatherhood

Poem A Day: Day 13

jedi dad1 Comment

“13 Things I love about you”
(a poem dedicated to my daughter)

I love the way you wrinkle your nose.
I love the way you shrug your shoulders, when I am too silly.
I love the way you laugh.
I love the way you ask for cuddles, before I tuck you and kiss you goodnight.
I love how creative you are, when we play games with our imagination.
I love how you jump out of bed full of energy, and that you wait for me to have my first cup of coffee.
I love how you dance.
I love that you love to sing.
I love that you love the environment.
I love, when you get excited about the rain.
I love, when you get excited about the ocean.
I love that you ask me to read to you.
I love you being you.

things good for the heart

jedi dadLeave a comment

It took me being a parenthood to truly appreciate all the things my parents did for me, and continue to do for me. I did not realize how much time and energy it takes to raise a child…and it’s a good day if I can be fully present most of the time. I wish I had the energy of a 4 year old.

My daughter and I are on vacation in NC, and hanging out with my parents. We are taking little day trips from their house. We are eating like Kings and Queens. My father has lovingly mapped out our meals for the whole week.

I am so grateful that I can bring share these moments of joy with my parents. My father’s recent health scare made it very clear in a real and experiential way that our time together is limited, so I hope we can all enjoy these precious moments together the best we can.

My heart goes out to other families and folks, who are care givers to elderly parents having health problems or going through cognitive change. My dad’s challenges are more physical with the decline of his kidney function, but I’d be happy to engage in conversations or offer support in any way.

I work in the field of dementia care, and I also have experience as a chaplain walking with people and families through the journey of end-of-life. Thanks for reading. May a Loving Creator watch over you and your loved ones, and remind you that you are not alone.

Meditation Poem Series: #65

jedi dadLeave a comment

It’s difficult to post and meditate on weekends I have my daughter, but not impossible. I often practice metta, when I spend time with her. This weekend was full with my parents visiting from Friday to Sunday, along with having my daughter, and my girlfriend visiting. I’m not sure if I would have survived this weekend, if I don’t regularly mediate.

Meditation Poem #65
compassion for family
is often the hardest
than complete strangers

Meditation Poem Series: #61

jedi dad2 Comments

I did meditate yesterday, as my daughter napped. I sat on my cushion for 10 minutes, before lying down for a nap myself. I intended to sit for 15 minutes, but I was so tired and sleepy that I cut the sitting short.

I loved having a full weekend with my daughter. My heart is filled with gratitude and love whenever I get to spend time with her, and I’m usually completely exhausted on the day I drop her off at her mom’s house. 🙂 But it’s the good type of tired that’s good for you.


Meditation Poem #61
love grows each day
as I am present
with you

Poem: daughter

jedi dad2 Comments

you are a miracle
your love is contagious
even to two very different parents
separated by divorce

your love helps me see what’s important
helps me go let go and let God
the broken places of my heart
are slowly mended

old resentments slip away
and I can be in the same space
as your mom, because I’m there for you.
grateful we can both be present to you in the same space,
because of your love.
a true miracle indeed.

——
a poem written in gratitude for my ex and I both being able to attend a classroom social at my daughter’s preschool with our daughter.