February 2018.

Five-and-a-half months ago.

That’s how long it’s been since the last time I found myself with the energy and readiness to sit down and write my thoughts down on my personal blog. It feels like light years ago that Audrey was still in Emily’s belly and we were prepping for the last month of her pregnancy. I’ve learned a great deal about myself in more ways than I ever thought possible during this almost half-a-year hiatus from writing. Transitioning from one child to two kids has been easier in some ways; in other ways it’s been harder and has taken some getting used to.

During the past few months I’ve developed a fondness and appreciation for country music — especially classic country music from the 70’s and 80’s — that I never conceived would be possible. A song that has been burned into my brain since I had the pleasure of listening to it for the first time is, “Love Without End, Amen” a single from renowned country artist George Strait. Tears flowed from my eyes the first time I heard it as I listened to arguably the most acclaimed and distinguished country artist of all-time speak to me about the unique and perpetual role of being a father. The first chorus truly struck home as to what the role of being a father is to me and how strongly I feel about always making sure I’m there for my children no matter what the circumstances are.

[Chorus:]

And he said, “Let me tell you a secret about a father’s love,
A secret that my daddy said was just between us.”
He said, “Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then.
It’s a love without end, amen, it’s a love without end, amen.”

This stage of my life is hard and can sometimes dampen my spirits as tough as it is for me to admit. Being a man and a father I take pride in staying pretty even-keeled and not letting my emotions get the best of me, nevertheless, as much of a blessing it can be being a father to two kids there are times it can be as equally draining and strenuous. I need songs such as this one to bring me perspective and reenergize me spiritually, in addition to the love and support of my family and friends. My family will always be my top priority and a focus of mine no matter what, however, I believe that through the ebb and flow of life I call for a swift kick in the rear occasionally to remind me of what’s really important, to soak in the memories my kids create, and to always present myself in the best version possible and this song does just that.

Sure, it can be exhausting and frustrating and I know that over time new challenges will arise — ‘small kids, small problems, big kids, big problems’ I believe is the saying — but through it all my love and devotion that I have for Colin & Audrey will never hinder.

Thank you George Strait for creating a song that I can always go to when I need sensibility and clarity in my life or for when I just want to feel the profound sense of love that I have for my children.

Thanks for reading!

— Chris