What have I learned?
I read somewhere we should learn something new everyday.
I try. Sometimes.
There are days though, I admit I haven’t earned anything at all.
Everyone makes mistakes, as do I.
Just hope I’ve learned to avoid making the some ones over again.

It’s my perspective of myself that I seem to keep rediscovering.
Still learning.
What’s my priority? Today? Tomorrow?
Seems to often change.
Career? Family? Job? Friends?
Did I need the job to focus on my family?

I have 4 kids. I couldn’t love them each any more than I do.
I always knew it. I hope they know it too.
But my focus was often on my career. I was an aspiring politician.

Then it was my job. Had to always work so I could afford things…for my family, right?
I needed to do things, attend meetings, run for office so that…
at some point I could then focus on my family.
Truth be told, my bride was the real hero who kept all of us on track.

My kids are all adults now, scattered around the country.
It happened so quick, too. It’s a real shame life moves so fast.

And then.
Some years ago, 15 to be exact, I gained another perspective.
My first grandson. Nico.
He lived with me for a time.
I saw a child, not from a parent’s perspective but as someone simply there to help take care of him.
He was my constant companion. My miniature self.
He probably was one of the first, to see me as I really am. Without many buffers or filters.

And now he’s 15. He’s easy going, has a great sense of humor (kind of like mine but better) and is a really good kid.

Knowing that I don’t particularly think the Olive Garden is an Italian restaurant, he constantly wants me to take him there. “Nanu, its family!” He jacks me back.

When he’s bored he’ll send me hundreds of text messages all saying “hi” one right after another.
Yes, hundreds.
I’ve saved all of them.

I told him he was halfway to 30, and that he’s in the beginning state of being an old man.
We took a picture together and he lifted his heels up so in the pic he’s my height too.

He taught me life’s enjoyment comes not when I find the time but with the everyday journey.
And I do enjoy my life much more now.
Thanks buddy for the perspective change.

Here’s to you Dominico.
Happy Birthday old man!
Let’s go to a ball game this summer.
Salute!

Love, nanu

check out the link.
It’s a shame if you don’t.
From Detroit, too