On Turning 42

I woke up and found I had turned 42…for the second year in a row.

All last year Kathi and I were telling people I was 42 when in fact I was 41. Huh.

I’m sitting here typing as my 1 year old Wynnie is dancing to ‘Adult Education’ by Hall & Oats. She smiles at me in that special way she does–telling me that daddy is loved so much.

I’m grateful this morning, if for nothing else, than because my heart is still beating and I get to be with my family for at least one more day. Reflecting on my life, I found my blessings have outweighed my troubles, making me once again…grateful.

I’m married to my dream girl. Kathi has always been the most beautiful woman to me (inside and out), from the moment I cast eyes upon her 21 years ago to when I woke up this morning. I adore her and she adores me for some odd reason…how cool is that? Her smile to this day puts butterflies in my stomach. I love that, as well as being able to walk up and softly kiss her–just because I can.

I have eleven (11) incredible children. Talented, intelligent, good hearted, noble and determined, strong willed children. All boys but eight. My oldest daughter has given me my first grandchild: Olivia. She loves to smile at grandpa, which proves she’s smart. My oldest son has also decided to work with me on WANTED:HERO and designed a brilliant game from that universe and Kathi is my co-writer on the main novels to make sure we get ALL the story included, which leads me to my next blessing;

How many people get to do what they love for a living? Granted, I was hoping for a gradual transition into becoming an author instead of having all our collective family fate based on a success/failure result…but there it is. The door was open and we, as a family, decided to grab it and hand on with tooth and nail. Books, games, audio books and more on the way folks–all based on the full story of Wendell, Chuck and Dax. Hopefully this story will appeal to and entertain people. It’s always been my dream to do this and life made it my only viable option of survival. Again,…how cool is that?

The great cherry’s atop my life are my friends.

I have been blessed with meeting and having the privilege of associating with magnificent human beings that I fondly call my friends. What they call me when I leave the room I’m not all together sure—but I adore them all the same.

All said and done, turning 42 today doesn’t seem too bad after all.

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