like a fire

Today marks an important day in the lives of the Martin family. We are officially homeless. Yes, we finally closed on the estate in Orlando. After several contracts that fell through and much weeping and gnashing of teeth (not pretty between me and Cathy), we are without a homestead.

We owe many thanks to the people who have been praying for us for so long, but we have a special thank you for Cheri Hulke our agent and friend. She has worked very hard for this and has sacrificed much. Thank you Cheri.

So what is next? Looking for a new house of course. II already have a couple picked out.

There is just something very special to me about being in Birmingham in the Spring. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but it seems to me that it is just more beautiful here than other places I have experienced Spring. And Spring is a special time in my heart.

Today I took the fam out for breakfast (Jack’s - Cathy wanted a gravy biscuit) and then a trip to the botanical gardens in Mountain Brook. It was just a very chill morning. I was talking to Cathy about life in general and just feeling a sense of peace and renewal in the presence of of so much new growth. It wasn’t blooming as much as it was a couple of weeks ago, when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom in the Japanese garden, but it was still a great reminder of how this season brings new growth. It somehow, very metaphysically, restores my heart and soul. To be able to experience that with my family is a great gift. A year ago, I would have been too busy to enjoy it, even if I took time to do it. So goes the soil of my heart. There are new blossoms of growth that are growing from the decay that was there before. The winter that caused so much death and stagnation is beginning to thaw and bring new life.

Hopefully more on that later.

Today Cathy had the schedule of 11-7 and we made the most of the time at home. What that means is that Cathy was running late by the time she started getting ready to go. So I offered to make her a lunch to take to work with her. It was a very pleasing exchange.

Cathy: (running around trying to get herself ready and getting lunch at the same time)

Me: “Would you like me to make your lunch for you?”

Cathy: slight pause “OK”

“But, could you cut the crusts off the bread… ”

Me: (big smile)

“and cut the sandwich into squares… ”

Me: (all-out laughter) “Are you sure you wouldn’t like triangles?”

Cathy: “No squares. I’ll do it anyway if you don’t”

Me: “Would you like pickles or cheese?”

Cathy: “No, just ham and mayo.”

“And some salsa and chips.”

Me: (too pleased) “OK”

There are times when being a stay at home dad (SAHD) that are just hilarious.