Kids...

Life gives us choices along the road it takes us. Those choices are often like Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken. Our choices make all the difference.

I was talking with a dear college friend of mine yesterday during her visit while returning from vacation at the beach. We were talking about choices and I told her that I'd not change a thing about my life since college. That was not a surprise to her but my daughter was there and she seemed a little surprised. My friend knows me well enough to know that I make a decision and go on. I don't live with "what ifs". You should think about your decisions in advance and look at the possibilities and determine the correct decision. Once that is made, don't look back.

Now this is not to say we don't remember history or learn from it. Far from it. I am a huge fan and disciple of history. That is part of wisdom that comes with age. What I am talking about is the "oh I wish I had" syndrome that I think we worry too much about. Living life this way just causes us to miss the present and impedes the ability to look forward to the future with anticipation instead of anxiety.

Oh sure, there are a number of things that I wish had turned out differently. We all have those. But how we deal with them, learn from then and don't dwell on them defines us as much as or more than the actual outcome of the choice made.

Ed Coleman, a friend and colleague of mine at GSK, gave me some great advice once. I was lamenting something and he looked at me and said "Al, you have a great wife, wonderful kids, a good job and lots of friends. Now, what was it you were saying?" I've not forgotten that to this day! At that time Ed was not married and did not have kids but wanted both. What a great lesson for me. Thankfully he has a wife and child now and I'm sure he is enjoying Father's Day. Happy Father's Day, Ed!

I am lucky to have 3 wonderful kids. Each as different from the other as night is from day, but all share many of the same traits. They keep family first, they are polite, they help others, they are self reliant and they love each other. They have personalities that make them unique but have learned how to balance that with the things that are important and bind them together and to their Mom and I.

My son is with his Grandfather for Father's Day but called me early today and sent me presents. He has called a second time. I've told him to enjoy the day and make it special for his Grandfather. I think he misses me and wants to be here but I'm glad he is with his grandfather. Those times are special, too.

My girls decorated the house with streamers and balloons. They had tons of presents for me. Coffee was ready when I got up and they fixed me my favorite breakfast. We are opened presents together and I got lots of things I like! Spending time with them is always the best present and I'd not trade it for the world. We are going to dinner tonight and they are baking a cake for me. Chocolate cake, chocolate icing and pecans! Now tell me, does it get any better than this? NO!

I think we'll watch a movie today, too. I'm hoping we can find The Paper Chase. Good, classic movie that I know they'll enjoy since they've had the college experience.

Sure, there are things I wish had gone differently. Sure there are things I'd rather have turned out better. But I'd not change one thing and risk not having the greatest kids in the world. We are a sum of our parts. We are the choices we've made. If this is so, I'll take my choices and their outcomes. I have the greatest kids in the world.

Thank you Laura, Brittany and AJ for a great father's day! I love you and I am proud of you!