Comments on: Family First

By: Aidan Donnelley Rowley

Aidan Donnelley Rowley — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:08:42 +0000

Charlotte – I am happy to know that I am not the only one with a taste for hearty domestic chaos! Too bad it also makes me crazy sometimes…

By: Crazy Committed | ivy league insecurities

Crazy Committed | ivy league insecurities — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:50:12 +0000

[...] I was away this past weekend, I did something I haven’t been able to do in a while. Two things, actually. I read an entire [...]

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:23:01 +0000

There are times when I sit back and look at the chaos of my family and am filled with joy. I know exactly what you mean.

By: Aidan Donnelley Rowley

Aidan Donnelley Rowley — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:44:00 +0000

Titanium – Thank you. I know that you have probably had your own realizations about what matters, and about the paramount importance of family, recently. I am so glad my words resonated with you and that you took the time to comment even if, in your own words, you have nothing to add. Please know that just by commenting, you are indeed adding something.

By: Titanium

Titanium — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:51:13 +0000

Yes, and oh, yes… yes.

(Sometimes, words do fail me.) But you nailed this one on the head so well. I really have nothing to add.

By: Aidan Donnelley Rowley

Aidan Donnelley Rowley — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:56:17 +0000

Terresa – Yes, I think so many of us can relate to the idea of an absence that is indeed stinging. It took me a while to come to terms with this concept, that the lack of someone could actually hurt. That holes could be as painful as knives. And you are right – the passing of days, one after the other – does help mitigate the sting. But I wonder whether the sting will ever be totally gone? Or if I want it to be?

By: Aidan Donnelley Rowley

Aidan Donnelley Rowley — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:53:19 +0000

Thank you, San. Isn’t it amazing that we can so easily lose track of these simple, good, priorities? It is amazing to me that life, in doing its thing, obscures the most pure and pressing things in our worlds. I am happy to know that I am far from alone in feeling, and deeply, that family comes first. What is interesting is that after I wrote this post, I thought about it and challenged myself. I said, “Okay, so family comes first. What does that mean? How does this philosophy practically affect how we live our lives?” And I don’t know. What does it mean to put family first really? How do we know if our choices are what is best for family? How do we live professional and social roles while shrouding our family with the affection and attention they so deserve?

By: Aidan Donnelley Rowley

Aidan Donnelley Rowley — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:49:18 +0000

Amber – it is indeed comforting to know that I am not alone in my taste for chaos. It’s funny because Husband read this post and said it clarified something for him. He thinks that on days when I am alone with the girls, I actually make an effort to wreck our place with the girls, that I enjoy the mess. At first, I was offended but that faded. I think he is right. I think that periodic mayhem is evidence of life and fun.

As for the pee mishaps, it makes me scared at the prospect of ever having a boy! Don’t quite experience the projectile pee problem with little girls.

And thank you so much for your kind words. I can’t wait for you to read LIFE AFTER YES either! And for others to do so as well! Three short months – crazy

By: Terresa Wellborn

Terresa Wellborn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:19:51 +0000

To “plow forward in his stinging absence” — I get that, but for my grandma who passed away last month. The sting is still there, but is easing a bit with the days.

I like your assertion of family and babies and sisters and knowing what matters. Knowing and embracing it.

Lovely post!

By: san

san — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:46:34 +0000

That was wonderful. Just wonderful.
I feel the same. Family comes first.