My wife was born three-and-a-half decades ago this week. Over one of those has been lived with me as her husband. Sometimes I quip with friends on their birthdays, "I'm glad you were born." Although it often comes across flippant, it's really a serious statement. And in a sense, it's the essence of what we mean when we utter the more banal, "happy birthday".
My life would be different (
Read MoreWhen I finally made my decision that bariatric surgery was a good decision for me, I immediately felt anxious. I believed it would be a great tool for me in getting back on track with my health. But there were so many unknowns.
Is this the right decision after all?
Who should I tell about it?
I thought about the hypothetical reactions my church members, colleagues, and friends. What would they think about the idea?
What if I end up regretting it years down the road?
Is major surgery worth the risk when there are alternate safer treatments available?
My mind hummed with potentialities.
Read More11 months. 70 pounds. 22 inches. 3 pants sizes. 2 shirt sizes. And don’t get me started on the cycling outfits!
The changes to my body, as bodies go, have been fast and furious.
Read MoreYesterday I yelled at my four-year-old. Screamed really. With gusto.
It wasn't a fair fight.
The details of how the scenario came about are insignificant compared with the broader phenomenon. (That is to say, I blew up at him because of a slinky.)
When my platform of politeness, self-control, dignity, and maturity shuddered a touch, it gave way to anger -- under which was fear of loss, probably under which was actual unrelated loss. I could see the same anger, fear, and sadness in my sons eyes even as the scene unfolded. Looking back on it later, I felt as though I had kicked a kitten.
Perhaps there are parents who do not identify with losing their cool with their kids. Perhaps there are some who hold it together 99.9% of the time (or who at least appear to hold it together). Yet I'm sure we all move through the parenting years with different styles. I talked with a f...
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