Since I Recommended A Movie - Now A Song

Well I thought that since I was playing the role of movie interpreter, I would also take a moment to recommend a song. Music is extremely important in my life as it offers a medium to connect to, and be impacted by, that is hard to find anywhere else.

That being said, my song recommendation is by Dar Williams, and Allison Krauss. The song is called You'll Be The One Who Knows. It is about parenting, really it is about the journey of any parent. Enjoy!

Time it was I had a dream
And you're that dream come true.
If I had the world to give
I'd give it all to you.
I'll take you to the mountains,
I will take you to the sea.
I'll show you how this life became a miracle to me.
You'll fly away, but take my hand until that day.
So when they ask how far love goes
When my job's done you'll be the one who knows.
All the things you treasure most
will be the hardest won.
I will watch you struggle long
before the answers come.
But I won't make it harder,
I'll be there to cheer you on.
I'll shine the light that guides you down
The road you're walking on.
You'll fly away, but take my hand until that day.
So when they ask how far love goes
When my job's done you'll be the one who knows.
Before the mountains call to you,
before you leave this home,
Wanna teach your heart to trust
As I will teach my own.
But sometimes I will ask the moon
Where it shined upon you last
And shake my head and laugh and say
It all went by so fast.
You'll fly away, but take my hand until that day.
So when they ask how far love goes
When my job's done you'll be the one who knows.

What A Movie Reminded Me About Unconditional Love

Recently my wife and I watched a pretty popular movie, or at least I think it was, The Kite Runner. I knew the book was popular and hadn't taken the time to see the movie in theaters. But with our new subscription to Netflix, hey anything is possible. So we were watching this movie, and I didn't really know what to expect. But I was deeply moved by what I found. For those of you who don't know the story, don't worry I won't ruin it. For those of you that may have read the book, I am only speaking about how the movie was, as I haven't read the book...Yet.

The story begins with two young boys who by all appearances seem to be the closest of friends. It is in this exchange where I was reminded of the depths of unconditional love and loyalty. The boys are Amir and Hassan, it turns out that Hassan is not only Amir's friend, but also a servant to the family. There is more there, but I will leave it untouched. What is etched in to my memory is how Hassan treats Amir. In the beginning of the movie Hassan and Amir are running kites down after they have been cut by another kite. Hassan has an intrinsic guide that seems to lead kites to him, when other children chase wildly.

So Hassan leads Amir to where he knows this kite will come down, and they have a short exchange but very moving about Hassan. Amir is questioning whether or not Hassan is right about where the kite will land. To which Hassan replies, "Have I ever lied to you Amir"? Upon which Amir decides to mess around with his friend, he asks Hassan, "I don't know, have you?", to which Hassan responds, "I would sooner eat dirt." Amir is kind of shocked by what his friend says and answers him with "Really, you would do that?" And here is were Hassan demonstrates his depth, Hassan says that "If you asked me to I would, but I wonder, would you really ask me to do such a thing?" So we get a glimpse into Hassan's trust for Amir. Maybe it was the little boy acting, or something else but I was deeply moved by this scene. Hassan's trust and love for Amir was unconditional, it knew no limits.

The story continues with Hassan and Amir entering in the cities kite flying tournament. Amir on the lead, and Hassan as his assistant. Upon Amir cutting the final kite and winning the tournament Hassan asks Amir if he would like him to run down this final kite, the kite symbolic of his victory. He tells Amir that he would do it, "For you, a thousand times over." Another gesture in his limitless desire to do anything for his friend. It is this fateful action that is the genesis of the main story.

What I was struck by, and although my short descriptions of the events don't due the movie justice, was Hassan's example of unconditional of love and friendship for Amir.

This demonstration of the depths of unconditional love and trust were great reminders to me of the love that I hope to give to those closest to me.

Catching Up

A lot of time has passed since I have posted anything here of real substance. My hope for 2009 is to be more consistent, as I have said in the past this is an arena for me that offers me an opportunity to reflect and be impacted by the wonders of my life.

With that being said what better time than now to reflect on the last year. 2008 was without comparison the richest year of my life. With my son growing and changing everyday I can say that my heart is full. My beloved wife continues to amaze me in the way she mothers our son as well as how she loves and supports me. All of this on top of finding out that we will be welcoming a daughter to our family. I am proud and excited beyond belief for these gifts.

It is a funny thing when you stop and take inventory of the gifts in your life. In the silence of appreciation I am moved in my soul with the understanding that so many wonders have come my way. It seems that after recognizing these gifts I can only hope that I am doing each of them justice in what I give to them.

2009 stands to be following in the continuation of previous years, building on the joy of the previous year and taking it to another level. My journey grows richer with each passing day.

It's funny in the sense that when we knew we were expecting another child I thought we would be having a girl. As time passed I began to be less and less sure that we would have a girl. Then we found out and all I could think of was how do I make sure she doesn't get mixed up with a boy like me. A close friend of mine passed along an old quote that fits perfect for this, "When you have a boy, you just have to worry about one boy. When you have a girl you have to worry about all boys!!!".

I cannot wait for her to join us. And thankfully enough time is passing by at an epic pace, so it won't be long.

Meanwhile my son continues to push the envelope in all aspects of life. He daily reminds and teaches me that life is meant to be lived full speed, head on.

So it is in that spirit that I will wrap this up.

Live Well, Love Much, and Laugh Often!!!!

Speaking of laughing, when was the last time you had a great big belly laugh? Loosen up and laugh a little!!!