Family

What are you most proud of in your life?

Proud is a word associated with ego and I try to use others in its place. Satisfaction comes to mind. I will rephrase the question.

What has brought you the most satisfaction in life?

My family. To be able to be part of the creation of a human being, listening to it heartbeat, feeling it kick while still inside the mother. The anticipation of the birth, then watching and hearing it’s first breath, first sound, smile, word, laughter, learning to roll over and crawl, walk, to form a sentence, the absence of fear in their curiosity and on and on. Everyday is a joy.

After a few years comes the first drop off day of pre-school, I dropped them off, waved to them, they wave back and I walked away and cried like a baby. I still tear up thinking about their introduction of independence without their parents being present.

Observing them growing into little people with all the zing of attitude, love, emotion and zaniness. To hear their laughter is a high like no other. When they’re sick, you wish you could take their place.

Listening to them speak about the social situations and issues at school and how they deal with it. How they bond with others their age. Hiding in plain sight, when they play with their toys and joke around with their siblings. It’s incredible.

The perception of them learning new things, playing sports, their communication of opinions, and the highs and lows they undergo.

The bliss of being able to be part of it and participate in it all. As a parent it’s a constant learning experience and helps make you a better all around person.

Letting them know, you will be their for them as long as you live a viable life.

I’ve accomplished many things in life, lived in different cities and states, received college degrees, performed on stage, on film, commercials, playing music live in front of an audience, becoming a Freemason and became the Worshipful Master of my lodge and being able to put my life back together when the floor from underneath me was pulled away, twice.

Everything, I have accomplished and didn’t has encompassed satisfaction. However, that being said, nothing has brought me my greatest satisfaction as my children have and continue to do so.

They’re all teenagers now and I still love to listen to them talk about life, friends, experiences while listening to their music playlist in the background. Driving with the windows down, blasting music and all of us singing along together while the wind flows in and out the windows.

I can look back on these times and cherish each and every one.

I’m a very fortunate man.

c 2023 Chu The Cud

All Rights Reserved.