This weekend is my 30th high school reunion. Reunions, by nature, make us more reflective. We tend to remember the good times and oft times the incredibly bad times. My experiences over the past two years started the period of reflection earlier for me. As I look back on my “formative” years, what were my dreams? Where did I see myself? What did I think I’d be doing as I hopefully enter my 50’s soon? Let’s examine.
Brandt’s 30 years ahead trajectory:
- Hall of fame hockey career
– Career leader in points
– Multiple Stanley Cups - Supermodel wife. My wife would not ONLY be a model but a supermodel
- Kids- I just remember thinking I’d have them but not going any further than that
- Money-Lots of it. Millions.
- Houses/Cars-Nicest and the best
- Adoration from everyone
Brandt’s reality:
- A lot of lean financial years
- Married to a gal whom I consider my supermodel. But even better, she’s a cool chick, GREAT mom and a not so great driver
- Two of the most polite and interesting kids. In 21 years of parenthood, so far, this was easily the most underrated experience from my 30 year trajectory.
- Cars-Mine run and one even has 3 rows. Yeah!
- House-We have much more than we need. What makes my house the best is my neighbors and our relationships! My neighbor invited Naomi and I to her birthday dinner. Jackpot!!!
- Adoration from the right people for the right reasons. I reciprocate which is more important!!!
- Addiction
- Recovery
- Depression/Anxiety. It’s real folks
- Appreciation for the arts
- Empathy for people
- Cancer that I couldn’t take away from my son
- Death
- Sadness
If you asked me to pick my utopia I’d pick my own reality. Every single time. I was granted the biggest gift. Naomi and I created two unique kids. I was granted the honor of coaching both kids. I was given the gift to be present for them. I was given the gift to watch them grow without smothering them. I was given the grace to spend nights and days with Jacob as he fought for his life. I was granted the gift to hold my family as we wept. I was given the gift to watch my kids help me set up chairs for AA meetings. I was given the gift to see my daughter tell me over Facetime that she’s too busy at school to talk to me.
I encourage everyone to take an honest look back at the past 30 years. I encourage everyone to remember what their thought “real life” would be and examine how it came out. It’s so much better. I cry and laugh every single day. I’m living that duality of life. I would never trade a Troy Bolton night with Jacob, Ana, Schuyler, Tayl-Tay, Kendie, Fruit Loop, Allison, Macadoo, Erin, Kyle, my siblings, Oma, Grammy and in-laws for any of the riches aforementioned. I wouldn’t trade one single hospital stay. I wouldn’t trade a zoom call with Ellie Belly, Avigaelle or Ray-Ray. I wouldn’t trade 12/24 allowing Beck and Hallie Hal time with their favorite nephew. I wouldn’t trade my 20 years with my boy.
As you look back, I hope you see how lucky we are for everything we were given!
Be good to one another!
NEGU
