If you are at all interested in what makes me tick

I guess my last few posts have been more personal in nature.  Hang in there, we’ll return to our usual SharePoint programming shortly…

This post is about sharing with you a family tradition my mother started with the arrival of the first grandchild (Malcolm). Since then, there have been several (8 actually, including Wyatt’s today).  My mom calls it a ‘naming ceremony’.  From the outside looking in, it looks like we are a bunch of hipster poets reading poetry to a baby (boy or girl) in a white dress… and that wouldn’t be too far off .  But, it is more than that. It is actually another opportunity to get the whole family together for an afternoon; to eat, play and celebrate the arrival of the latest Wallbridge, Simard or Marceau.

During this ceremony, each of us will prepare a note that is read aloud, in our own unique voice, welcoming the new child into the family.  The idea is that these notes will be shared with the kid when they are older in a book and it serves as both inspiration and a kind of time capsule.  All in all, a pretty cool idea, despite all the teasing we terrorize my mother with throughout the process.

This was my letter to Wyatt today. I decided to share it here because if you are at all interested in what makes me tick, I pretty much summed it up with a few quotes and thoughts.

Hey Wyatt,

Welcome to this family of bat shit crazy carnivores and vegetarians. Pick a side mate, but note that our barbecues are better…

I thought by now we’d have flying cars. Nope, not even close. And probably not when you read this either. My point? I also thought modern medicine would be better than it is (don’t get me wrong, they are doing amazing things) – so take care of your body, listen to the advice of those that have made mistakes before you (make up your own mind, but at least hear them out) and always find ways to stay active. Your first set of ears, knees, liver, etc. will always be the best ones.

Be an individual. Define your own path and remember that if you love what you are doing, you will be successful at it. Pursue a quality and fun life, not monetary or material success that others outside the family will try and judge you on.

Be informed, cautious and thoughtful but most importantly, Take Some Risks.

A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.

― William G.T. Shedd

And to wrap this up, a few of the other things that I try to live by and some of these may serve you as well…

• Tell the truth, it’s easier to remember
• Treat others as you would like to be treated
• (And to borrow from Aunt Julie), Life is Short, Eat Dessert First

Welcome to the family. You are in loving hands and great company, embrace it.

GO LEAFS!!

Love,
Uncle Sean