Category Archives: The Monthly Reflection (2020-2024)

I leaned over to Jordan in the Cescaphe Ballroom and admitted, “I only know a few people here. But I kinda feel compelled to make sure everyone has fun tonight.” She rolled her eyes at what sounded like a vain thought that was unfiltered by an extended cocktail hour. The truth was that the brideContinue reading “April 2022: My Flywheel”

My father-in-law, “Pop,” is fantastic with kids, and approaches each day with boundless energy and a proud set of values. To get a sense of who Pop is, just picture a Disney Channel football coach or Robin William’s characters from Dead Poet’s Society and Patch Adams. But when Pop told us he was going toContinue reading “March 2022: Be a good one”

I looked out at the frozen pond and tried to muster a deep breath.  Jordan and I had just received notice that Jack’s class would be closed for another week due to COVID protocols.  The update was one of many disruptions in a winter which has been filled with childcare issues, quarantines, and sick days. Continue reading “February 2022: Poolside lemonade”

Mr. and Mrs. Van Osten, It was an honor to officiate your wedding. Thank you for trusting me to be part of your special day. I’m grateful for my inside look at your beautiful relationship the past few months and for the opportunity to share your story with your closest friends and family. I’ll cherishContinue reading “January 2022: I now pronounce you, The Van Ostens”

My voice is hoarse.  My cheekbones ache.  My heart is full.  No, these aren’t symptoms of Omicron.  They are just the side-effects of a magical Singalong Season.  This December was special for Jordan and I in so many ways. We made new Holiday memories with the people we love, hosted both of our families onContinue reading “December 2021: Singalong Season”

I sat down for Thanksgiving Dinner this year happy, healthy, and blessed.  Thanks to great people, supportive systems, groundbreaking innovations, and a whole lot of luck, I’m fulfilled and comfortable.  I’m so grateful for the joy and meaning that my family, my friends, my home, and my job bring me every day.  These are theContinue reading “November 2021: What I’m also thankful for”

“Get in your damn car seat, Charlie. We’re going to be late for the pumpkin patch.” Yes, these words actually came out of my mouth. And yes, this is precisely what two toddlers and too many Pumpkin Spice Lattes can do to a dad by mid-Autumn. This October, I often found myself beaming with prideContinue reading “October 2021: Growing up and melting down”

Jack, Today on your first birthday, as I think back on your year, a few things come to mind. I hear the pitter patter of hands and knees as my “Silly Bud” sprint crawls across the Daycare floor when I pick you up at the end of the day. I hear the joyful squeals ofContinue reading “September 2021: One year with Jack”

I smoked my tee shot 185 yards up the right side of the fairway. I was pumped. My trusty 4-hybrid put my Pinnacle 3 in a great location to clear the pond with an iron and reach the green in 2. I had already donated too many golf balls to the South Carolina waterways throughoutContinue reading “August 2021: The Lord Duffington Classic”

Since our trip to Colorado, Jordan and I have been on a “Rocky Mountain High.” A few things might have contributed to this feeling. Maybe the high came from the rare opportunity for a kid free vacation with Jordan, my parents, my sisters, and my brothers-in-law. This was only made possible because the Bonders steppedContinue reading “July 2021: Rocky Mountain High”