Monday Miyagi 110209
My son will be one month old tomorrow. The last 4 weeks have been filled with new experiences and the joys and challenges of being a first-time parent. Mateo has dictated our schedule from the moment he arrived (or, more accurately, from the moment my wife started labor!). We knew this was going to happen and prepared for it as much as we could.
Our Powerful Word this month is dependability. For our youngest student’s Dr. Robyn defines dependability as, “You can count on me!”. I like this simple definition — it is crystal clear for all ages. This last month has shown me the value of having people in my life that I can depend on. I can depend on my wife, Judy. We both love Mateo unconditionally and are working as a team to take care of him and each other.
I worked hard to prepare my staff for his arrival and my paternity leave. I am proud of them for being dependable and stepping up in all of their roles at AMA. From Ms. Astre running the school, to Ms. Kristin managing the front office, to Ms. Allyson & “The Boys” teaching great classes — they have all taken on extra responsibility and done a great job. I would not be able to spend time at home with my family, and keep the school running successfully, without them.
We have also been fortunate to have both my mom & dad and Judy’s mom stay with us during parts of this first month to help take care of Mateo and to help take care of us. Their love and support during this time has been a blessing and made each day a little easier. From spending time with their new grandson (and letting us sleep or relax) to cooking and cleaning they have been incredibly supportive. I am happy to have them in our lives and grateful that they were able to be here in Seattle with us during this exciting time.
I have also been amazed at the way that our friends have been there for us. From our local friends delivering meals and spending time with us, to our distant friends being available for advice, our friends have been wonderful. We have even made new friends! Our new neighbor, brought us a giant pot of soup, a salad and a loaf of bread just after we arrived home from the hospital. We had barely met, but her kindness and generosity made a big impact. My wife and I will definitely be “paying it forward” in the future.
I feel very fortunate and grateful to have all of these dependable people in my life. Who can you depend on, and perhaps more importantly, who can depend on you?