Tag: Parenthood

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

Meditation Poem Series: #46

jedi dadLeave a comment

This is a day late, yesterday was a full day. My daughter and I were visiting up in Falls Church, and woke up to home made pancakes. We went to an Anglican church, then lunch…drive home.

It might be slightly cheating, but I did metta meditation while I drove and while my daughter napped in the car. I started with myself, then her, other people on the road, and then people as they popped up into my heart and mind. If you don’t know what metta (loving-kindess meditaion) is, I’d be happy to go more in depth either through a post or a reply to a comment.

Meditation Poem #46
may you all be happy,
healthy,and free
from suffering

Poem: Fixin’ Lunch #2

jedi dadLeave a comment

I’ll let my Southern roots speak in this poem. I feel proud that I have my daughter’s lunch fixed before midnight; I am improving with practice. I had a full meaningful day as a chaplain being of service to others, visiting, praying, doing some administrative work, but mainly connecting to God and helping out of that center. I felt more energized and less drained throughout the day.

I picked up my daughter after a full day’s work, and we were able to connect and be playful. We had dinner with my house mates, my two Quaker aunties and one of their 27 years old son. I also helped my daughter connect to her mom, her mom’s boyfriend, and grandma via FaceTime; part of brain told me that I’m going well beyond what I need to since I only got to talk to my daughter once over FaceTime last year while she was away in Florida for over 8 days. I’m trying to not keep a tally in my head, and focus on what’s best for my daughter and actually be a decent human being on my end.

So needless to say, this post is much more than just about a poem on fixin’ lunch. It’s about the little victories in life, about enjoying each moment we have, and yes…it’s about my life and how God helps my little heart grow. My daughter is a great teacher, and yes, even divorce and learning to co-parent with the ex has been a great teacher too.

Poem: Fixin’ Lunch #2

nothin’ says i love you like peanut butter and jelly.
i’ll always be your daddy even when you’re smelly.

i’ll tell you stories and use my imagination,
to explore uncharted worlds and exploring all creation.
i’ll chase away the monsters,
and even throw away trash in the dumpsters.

i’ll kiss away your boo boos,
and make train noises go choo! choo!
I ain’t to proud to use a little treat,
to have you eat while in your seat.

not always sure if I know what I’m doin’,
at least our dinner wasn’t just puddin’.
you bring smiles to my heart little girl,
and so grateful we get to share love in this world.

if fixin’ your lunch is the last act i do,
I’ll be at peace with doin’ nothin’ mo’.
love is all the little actions,
filled with meaningful connections.

i spread my knife life loving as i spread the jelly,
and pray i’ll have time for a shower so i won’t be so smelly

Meditation Poem Series: #29

jedi dadLeave a comment

It is getting harder to sit on a consistent basis, but so far I am still making it.  I will have my daughter for Christmas time, so it will be interesting how I will sit daily. I will probably have to wait to do zazen when she naps, or at night. My daughter pops up in the morning and is on the go.

Meditation Poem #29
illusions creep in
shattered by breath
I keep looking within