That's not fair weather fan

Ken: At the zoo

Another march madness come and gone, and I can officially say that -- even with a busted bracket -- Mom's a basketball nut. We may have to practice our dribble together once the snow puddles are gone. Ken here -- to report that spring has arrived, and we're all swingin' to the heartbeat of warmer weather. Hooray, and happy Easter!

We stayed local for the Triduum this year -- mainly due to some kind of flu bug that decided to plague our house just prior to Holy Thursday. So much for road trips to Grandma Corrigan's house. The good news is that we're all on the mend, and the bunny still managed to sprinkle a little hardboiled love across our backyard.

Life moves on, and I have to tell you that I've been thinking a lot about fairness lately. Fair play, fair games, fair trade, fair calls, state fairs -- you name it. A variety of events have transpired over the last few weeks around this concept of fairness. And so, if you'll read on in order to humor a relatively old soul, I offer a small reflection.

Sometimes life's not fair.

Georgia: Lovin' the dress

Two weeks ago, at Grandma Conrad's house, Sam and I were playing nicely on the iPad -- no fighting. Then, Georgia walked over, and without a word, laid down on top of the iPad. I may have freaked a little. Sam cried, and without even a word of seeking to understand, Mom took the digital glory away from all of us. Boo.

I spoke to Mom about this later -- shedding as much four year old perspective on the situation as possible. My argument was met with patience, empathy, and a bit of an explanation. Grateful I am, for that. Upon further reflection, however, I've decided the instances such as this iPad sitting may continue weave itself into the existence of my human experience. What's a guy to do?

Have you ever experienced this element of fairness, dear reader? Something happens, not within your control. And, while you know you're not at fault, you see the ramifications of someone else's actions lying in pieces at your feet. You are then left to decide how to piece it together, remain true to self, and move on.

Sam in Springtime

Further observation tells me that we see this more often than we'd like. A miss on a promotion due to ineffective leadership. A finished marriage due to one's inability to respect. A postponed road trip due to a flu bug. An early death due to a freak accident. Your hockey team's loss in the playoffs. Detention for both of you, even though she started it. It happens.

I've decided that -- in any of these events -- the most important decision we can make is the decision to move forward. To acknowledge the unfairness, hold our heads high, and respond with a smile. Because, at the end of it all, it is our response to injustice that is remembered.

We are called to remember that we are an Easter people living in a Good Friday world (h/t Fr. Charlie). Despite life's sometimes-unfairness, we must know and continue to believe that good has already triumphed. And we must respond to injustice by picking up the pieces. By confidently and patiently continuing. By remaining true to self and doing what we know is good, and right and true.

Until next time,
Ken

For what it's worth every minute

Penguins!

Truth: I sometimes encourage a movie after dinner so that I can cuddle on the couch with my kids without actually having to give any more physical or mental energy away.

Sometimes we sing This Old Man...He Played [Number], and I skip all odd numbers, so that we can finish our bedtime routine just a hair faster than usual.

Sometimes, we play Trouble with only two pegs per person, instead of four pegs. And you don't have to roll a six to start.

Sometimes, after a less-than-stellar day at the office, a dinner full of (delicious!) carbs, and a quick once over of the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room, I'd like the kids to put me to bed at 8:00 -- instead of the other way around.

Sometimes.

Ken's Play Dough
snowman

And then, I listen to the chatter, engage in the conversation, watch. And I'm reminded why we do this crazy thing called life. 
Examples of household dialogue tonight:

[Dad] "Georgia, eat your food."

[Georgia] "No thank you."

[Ken] "It's okay Georgia. You can use the poddy when your older. Then, when you're done pooping, you can scream for Mom or Dad or Kate."

[Sam] "Yeah, or Katie Perry."

Fish!

[Sam] "Dad, can we listen to the Beatles and have a dance party?"

Ken -- Smack dab in the middle of building his Lego tower, declares his sudden urge to see a man about a dog. He then proceeds to belt Frozen's Do you Want to Build a Snowman? at the top of his lungs whilst taking care of business.

[Ken] "I'd like to watch a show. How about you, Sam?"

[Sam] "Yep, me too. What show should we watch, Georgia?"

[Georgia] "Dora!"

[Ken] "I'm okay with that."

And I decide: yes. It's all worth it.

mbc