A Time To Be Thankful
As we quickly approach the holiday season and the end of 2023, it is not lost on me everything I am thankful for. As I’ve gotten older, time really does seem to fly by. As odd as it may seem, while the days may feel longer, the months and years pass faster than ever. It is so hard to imagine we just celebrated my dad’s 90th birthday last weekend and I am so grateful to still have both of my parents with us. While their health isn’t great, they too live for the brief moments being with family and loved ones. Last Saturday, we arranged for 14 of my cousins to visit my parents in their home. This marked the first time the extended family was able to get together since before the pandemic. My cousins all wanted to pay tribute to my dad, who is the youngest of 8 children and the last surviving sibling. I know he was incredibly moved and touched by the outpouring of love and respect and display of honor.
At the other end of the “age” spectrum, we are so blessed to have Lyla and Emmy so close to us, able to babysit them for a few hours, twice each week. I tell anyone who will listen that the best 5 minutes of my week is picking them up from school. The sheer joy I feel seeing them smile when they see me is magic. Emmy quickly runs to me, drops her jacket and backpack on the ground and says, “uppy uppy” wanting me to carry her to the car. Lyla can’t wait to show me her artwork and crafts and tell me about her day. While on the brief 5 minute drive home, they tell me stories and share what they learned that day. Of course, I know in our house, I am a poor substitute for Lolly which is why Kim “gifts me” with the pick-up duties, otherwise, they would run to her instead and I would be relegated to chauffeur status.
When we get home, there are snacks to prepare, arts and crafts to do, and playing in the backyard. It has been so much fun getting a front row seat to watching their personalities develop. Kim and I don’t take a moment for granted and are so blessed to have them close by.
Kim has raised two wonderful sons, Chip and Kyle, and we could not be prouder of the men that they’ve become. They are thoughtful, successful and independent men who have forged very different career paths and yet both are flourishing. But even more important than their success in business, they really are wonderful men. Chip has been dating Julie for the past year and has found genuine happiness without the drama. Julie is full of positivity, a loveable spirit and very down to earth. Kyle is such a great husband and father and he dotes on his family. We are also blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law, Michelle, who is compassionate, caring and loving and has been such a blessing to our lives. As they welcome their 3rd child, a son, to their family in January, we have more to be thankful for and more love to go around.
Finally, Kim and I have surrounded ourselves with beautiful friends. Over the past 25 years, we have successfully maintained friendships that started through work, or St. Simon’s or Bellarmine. We try hard to stay close to everyone in spite of our busy lives. For me, first and foremost, there is my best friend Carlo, whose love and loyalty is unwavering and he proves it time after time. As an example, about 10 years ago, my family was going on vacation but somehow, someone forgot my aunt’s luggage at home. I called Carlo in a panic hoping he could help. Carlo calmly left work, picked up the luggage from my house, drove it to SFO and delivered it to the counter in 40 minutes, breaking every speed limit along the way. My parents still talk about it. We’ve shared so many wonderful memories at their home in Incline Village or at the Pueblo Bonito Sunset in Cabo. Of course I have my golf buddies that I see regularly and we have created so many indelible memories on and off the course. There simply are no words to describe the joy and laughs we’ve share at each other’s expense, in only the way “brothers” can relate to. The trips we’ve taken to Bandon Dunes, Sunriver, Ireland and Pinehurst; endured monsoons with 60 mph winds followed by double rainbows just minutes later, countless Guinness and Redbreasts during and after the rounds, box after box of cigars by the walking chimney, not to mention a dislocated knee cap that Dick Coughlin played through (because that’s what we do). In spite of the fact that a few of the guys have moved to San Diego or Colorado or Oregon, we have a bond that will last a lifetime.
Finally, I am so lucky to be married to Kim. She really is my best friend. She understands me, encourages me to be my best, supports me in everything I do and has made me a better man. As Chip said in his toast at our wedding, “Al, I know you’ll give my mom everything she deserves, and everything she wants too.” I’m still trying buddy.
Kim and I happened to have dinner with Dick and Robyn Budelli last night and it was such a joy to see them. We were lucky to get on their busy social calendar but we wanted to celebrate the birth of their latest granddaughter. Their son, Adam, just had his first child, Ana. Francesca, Adam’s sister who has 3 kids, recently told Robyn how grateful she was to have her parents close by to help with the kids. Not only did it save them a lot of money with child care, but also the peace of mind knowing that, at a moment’s notice, they could count on family to step in and care for their children. Hearing that story is what prompted today’s blog. As grandparents, being there for your kids and grandkids is what we live for and being surrounded by love is what we have always been most appreciative of. There’s no doubt that we would trade any of our vacations to around the world, dining at countless Michelin restaurants, or attending Super Bowls or World Series for more time with our family, and especially our grandchildren.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
