02 February 2010

The Best Part About Being A Dad

Often, people ask me what the best part of being a dad is. This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many things that I find rewarding—and challenging—about being a father of five children like: writing music, paying for groceries, training, watching a half of a football game, going to the bathroom by myself, trying to field more than one demand or question at a time. The wifey and me keep a mental journal of every amazing  and hysterical thing our children have said and done over the years. 
I think the best part of being a dad are the conversations that you have with your children. The conversations I have had with my children have left me dumbfounded, perplexed, amused, and in great awe at the philosophical inquiries their young minds are capable of.


For instance, just the other day I opened the door just as Luca was walking into the house. He asked, "Hey dad, how did you know I was at the door?"  I jokingly answered, "Luca... come one, I am your father, I know everything. Go ahead, ask me a question, anything. I am sure I'll know the answer." To which he replies, "Okay....  how did God make us?" I was not quite ready for that one. Where the heck did he come up with that one?


The other day my six year old, Julian, was practicing piano while Alaina was helping him along. Julian indicated that he was going to play a part of the piece incorrectly. When Alaina told him he was going to play it wrong he said, "I was just being sarcastic." One of the funniest things I ever heard Julian say occurred one night after I had just finished reading the children a book about animals. I asked the boys if they could be an animal, what animal they would be. Luca said he would be a lemur—strange, I know—but I think a lemur was one of the animals we read about in the book, so it made sense. Then I asked Julian what animal he would be. In a very soft, unassuming, little voice said he would like to be a coyote. When I asked him why, he paused briefly and said "... because coyotes eat lemurs."Luca looked over at Julian on the other side of the bed and said "Julian!











As for my girls, they just brighten my day! I am convinced that they will probably grow up to work as human P.A. systems, air raid sirens, or high frequency hearing aid testers. Yes, they are loud. They also never, EVER stop talking They talk all the time. How is that  possible? I guess I should enjoy it now while they are young. I mean, how long until they start resenting me, I become the least cool person they know, and are embarrassed of me? I think I roughly have eight more years left. I plan on enjoying my time being the center of their universe until then.


Okay off to bed so I can training tomorrow and have something to report. Don't forget to get moving on my Timex Triathlon Race Trainer Kit Giveaway!!

7 comments:

KC (my 140 point 6 mile journey) said...

You have such a beautiful family! Your kids are adorable and quite funny. I'm sure you could write an entire blog dedicated to all the funny stuff they say and about all of their accomplishment each day.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

HAHA, I love what kids say, so simple is the question, yet it is so deep in the philosphy!

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

I know what you mean...
Just the other day my 17 year old asked which rapper would have the biggest effect on the intergration of white and black X generation culture... Gucci Mane or Lil Wayne.

Of course I said John Wayne...
:)

Mark said...

Thanks for the kind words KC. They bring us great joy and much laughter (and the occasional migraine.)

Bob—that is actually a really interesting question your son proposed. I just happened to write an article on the hip-hop phenomenon that addresses some of those issues. Would be more than happy to send it to you if you provide me with an email addy.

Chris said...

Children certainly are a blessing... I couldn't imagine trying to juggle schedules of 5 of them...our 2 keep us busy enough!

rUntoNamAste said...

This post made my day. You have a very beautiful [and loud] family :)
I was wondering what the heck a Lemur was until your son's name triggered a connection: King Julian, self proclaimed Lord of the Lemurs in Madagascar.

Unknown said...

man i love julian, that kid is awesome.