It is hard to believe that 6-months have passed since our last update from The Beandricks’ clan, yet here we are – Winter has run it’s course, Spring has found its footing, and Summer is peaking over the horizon as the air begins to change sweet.  The calendar count-down to the end of school is certainly on everyone’s mind, and with that comes an energy both exciting and exhausting all at once.  The family, of course, is gearing up for adventure – some of them new, some more familiar, all of them surely to delight and build on their already rich story.

Father, without surprise, has made the most of the months since our last check-in; puttering away at projects, self improvement, and creating memories with the ones he loves most.  As is the case and purpose with these check-ins, there has also been no shortage of opportunity to learn and grow from wise words of his loving family.

Here, then, are a few key moments that stand out.

LESSON FORTY TWO, IN WHICH FATHER GETS TO BE TEACHER

Music and art are constants in the home of The Beandricks family.  It has been that way since long before their nest grew to the size it is now, and it surely will forever more.  There is no particular styling or genre that defines who they are, (though of course there are favourites which find themselves on repeat), there is, instead, appreciation for the art form as a whole.

Father is particularly proud when moments present themselves in which he is able to share and teach some of the important moments and staples in the history of music, and so when his daughter came forward the other day with the following statement, he couldn’t help feel that, for once, perhaps he was the one who was doing the teaching.

“Daddy, can you please cuddle with me and listen to The Beatles for a while?”

LESSON FORTY THREE, IN WHICH FATHER PAUSES TO THINK

Not all lessons stem from a particular situation.  Some, as Father has recently experienced, come from simply sitting in a moment and absorbing the words delivered to you.  They don’t always carry a direct meaning or definition, yet still carry with them an impact worth holding on to.  Words much like those spoken by the oldest of his daughters while out for a regular evening stroll; the air still, the sky bright between the moon and stars:

“Daddy, you know what I like to think about?  I like to think that the stars are made from a million yesterdays.”

LESSON FORTY FOUR, IN WHICH FATHER RECALLS PURPOSE

As we have come to know, the lessons Father has embraced over the years come not only from his loving children, but in equal parts they blossom from the wisdom of his incredible partner and wife.  He does not lose sight of this, and knows he can approach her in times of trouble, need, guidance, and perhaps most commonly: in times of self-doubt.

“My love, have you read my most recent journal entry?”

“I have, indeed.”

“Is it any good?  I fear I’m losing my touch and knack for keeping things interesting and fresh.”

“My love.  My breath of fresh air.  My Sunshine and my Stars.  Formed of elegance, strength, and courage, just like you, your words are striking and stunning, personal and touching.  You are harder on yourself than this world should allow.  Though it matters not what I perceive, nor the opinion of any other; does the act of writing make you happy?

LESSON FORTY FIVE, IN WHICH FATHER RECLAIMS IDENTITY

At various times throughout the year, Father is tasked with creating a cake to celebrate the special days of those around him.  In the earlier years, these baked treats were simple and quick, but as time as pressed on, so too has the complexity of each design.  Be they inspired by various outside influence, or by the imagination of both his children and that of his own mind, whenever an occasion arises, the discussion of the cake seems to have taken over the room.

Such was true in the most recent of celebrations of their Mother, when a design idea was presented by his two loving children.  One of ambition and perhaps of skill that lay beyond his own grasp.

“ARGH! This is just not turning out like the I thought or hoped it would.  It looks nothing like the pictures.  I’m sorry, girls, this design just isn’t working.”

“But daddy, we love it.  It’s beautiful and we wouldn’t change a thing.  it’s not about perfection.  It’s not about copying someone else.  It’s about making it ourselves, and that’s what will matter to Mom.”

LESSON FORTY SIX, IN WHICH FATHER SHARES A WISH

Some lessons strike Father stronger than others.  They may cause him to question their origins, and what led to the thoughts and eventual words that presented themselves. They may carry a weight that brings an initial sadness before going into reflection.  This sadness does not equate to lack of hope.  If handled correctly, this feeling can turn to one of encouragement, as they cause him to remember the opportunities, possibilities, and responsibilities we have for our neighbours, near and far…

As weekends can often be in the months between seasons, the pace of the household on one particular day was leisurely as The Beandricks family members each took their time to wake up and prepare for the day.  Father, nestled up on the couch by the fire, sipping his coffee and musing away in his journals, heard the pitter patter of feet begin to scurry their way down the stairs.  As his oldest rounded the corner, stretched her arms between a yawn, and then tucked herself beside him under the warmth of the blanket, the first words of the day came forward.

“Good morning, my dear, how did you sleep?”

“Good.  And can I tell you something, Daddy?”

“My dear, you can tell me anything.”

“It’s just that, every night I dream about how love is the key to survival, and every night I make a wish that the whole world could understand that.   Unfortunately, when I wake up and listen, it seems like the world didn’t listen.

AND SO…

No matter the season, no matter the length or distance of time between reflections, Father has come to appreciate that there are always things to learn from those around him.  Age does not define wisdom, a fact made abundantly clear by the words and offerings of his brave and bold children.  Whatever happens next; whatever adventures find them next is anyone’s best guess, but no matter what or where they may end up, Father, and the whole The Beandricks family, of that matter,  will always find something to keep with them.

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