Wednesday, August 02, 2006

More than just Ironman today...


I'm going to be an uncle!!!

That's right... My brother, Stephen, and his wife, Stephanie, just found out that they are pregnant (well, she is).

I am writing this to my "Ironman" blog for no real reason other than it's just an amazing piece of news. And, I think, because since this story of mine has involved a lot of ups and downs, I wanted to post a definite "up"...

I can't define or describe "why" I feel so happy about this. Or, I've been having trouble figuring it out, until I realized what becoming an "uncle" means... I have been blessed in my life with an amazing family. Between my parents, they have over 15 siblings, and all of those uncles and aunts have kids as well, making for a very large family tree. And, to be honest, I have had wonderful relationships with my uncles and aunts, from playing softball with my aunt Ros' team to learning to play golf from my uncle Erwin, to working with my aunt Marge at UBC while I was a student - and she taught me a lot about working as this was my first real job, to working side-by-side with my aunt Judy, to having a free-spirited uncle Gus who was a pilot for American Airlines before he, tragically, crashed in a small plane in 1990. In fact, most of my uncles and aunts have had profound influences in my life. Spiritually, philosophically, and also in supporting their nephews and nieces and treating us all as one of their own, my extended family is truly the greatest gold I could have ever been born into... In fact, every time I ride through Oliver, B.C., on my bike, I have fond memories of the years my family spent at the Lakeside Resort RV and Campsite. It is one of the moments where I feel like Peter Pan, reclaiming a bit of my youth.

So, I have to say, this has, by far, gotten me more excited than anything. I feel like there's a new special life about to start soon that I'll be able to be part of. Since my Ironman journey has become, for me, more of a celebration of life, I felt this moment in my family fits in nicely. It's given me another jolt of Cola for the next month. I woke up this morning refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the new workout for the day. And this is supposed to be a hard week!!!

Anyway, thought I would memorialize this on the blog so at least I know what was going on that day back in August, 2006...

24 days to race day. Bring it on!

1 comment:

Ange said...

YAY! Becoming an aunt has been the most amazing thing. I was so excited with the news of the first one, and had (and have) grand plans of being the best aunt ever who will guide and support this little one throughout his life. (And provide beer and lodging to him and his buddies when they want to come to the big city. ha ha) The day he was born is indescribable. I got the first call from my brother, being the aunty and all (and Godmother, no less!) We rushed out to the hospital and seeing Markus for the first time was a feeling I think you must only get when a life is born. The moment I held him I had this rush of love and instant bond that I cannot explain, but it was amazing. He is the greatest thing going! His little sister Katie arrived 7 months ago. The same excitement wasn't quite there, but I think it's because I already had a 2 year bond with Markus, who is my little man, so much like his aunty that it's almost disconcerting. Anyways...enjoy the whole lead up and especially the arrival of your niece or nephew. You are going to be totally blown away! Seriously. I think this is the only true way that love at first sight exists. :)