Well this past weekend I turned 40. As I write that, it seems
a bit strange but to be honest I’m not overly worried about it. I won’t go into
the “it’s only a number” game but to me it’s just the start of another decade.
Now, I’m sentimental most of the time but this milestone got me thinking about all
kinds of things. This blog will thus be a bit self-serving as more of a random
journal of what I’ve appreciated in 40 years.
I remember my sisters being born and being excited at both
their arrivals.
I’m proud of having earned my degree and joining the long
list of family members who’d graduated from the University of Alberta.
I recall feeling I was the luckiest kid in the world having
my grandparents all live across the street from each other when I was young.
I fondly look back on being part of the Edmonton 2001 World
Championships in Athletics team which allowed me to live out a lifelong dream
of being part of a major sporting event in my home town.
I’m thankful for my dad for coaching me at hockey and for my
mom selflessly driving me to 7am basketball practices.
My first basketball broadcast in Lethbridge with AJ was
amazing and I’ve been fortunate to turn that into many more since.
I look back on being simultaneously incredibly excited yet
almost nervous at meeting each of my nephews. I’m sure it’ll be a similar
feeling meeting my new niece or nephew this spring.
I can’t believe how lucky I’ve been to work with so many
amazing people at Incite and to be a partner is an added incredible bonus.
Je souviens
de mes premières journées à Father Jan où je ne connaissais personne, ni la
langue. Je suis chanceux maintenant que mes parents m’ont mis en immersion.
I still feel the anticipation of flying to live in Brussels
or driving across the country to live in Montreal.
I appreciate all the support and guidance from my parents
over the years and that continues to today.
I remember playing cops and robbers on between 10 and 12
Finch with my sisters and Waters. Kellie and I always got the walkie-talkies
(as the older kids should).
The Friday afternoons during university spent in the
Butterdome with Yen, GQ and Stu were some of my favourite basketball memories.
I remember all the years playing basketball with Ben, Paul
and Guy and for making the senior team (and playing quite a bit) even after
being cut in grade 11.
I can hear the 11,000 screaming fans still at Rexall Place
when Ben Thomson scored those two goals to win the Golden Bears the 2005
University Cup and how great it was to work with our Athletics crew.
I’m proud to be a member of Delta Chi and of all the
lifelong friends I’ve made because of it.
The Commonwealth Games in 1978 and Universiade in 1983 opened my eyes to how amazing international sport is.
I recall my first solo trip to Vancouver at age 9 and all the many
since spending time with the Norwoods and McLeans.
I’m thankful to the Jakubecs, Volorneys and Waters for all
the times spent at their houses playing hoops, hanging out or playing. It was
great to grow up with AJ, Ben and Kellie.
I’m fortunate to have great brothers-in-law that I can love
spending time with.
Flying around the world to work at World University Games is
something I never thought I’d be able to do.
I’m thankful for all the trips across Canada my parents took
us on so I could have an appreciation for what a great country we have.
I have and still enjoy all the times I get to visit with
aunts, uncles, cousins and the next generation.
I've loved the guys’ trips taken with JCT, Sean, Ben, Farrukh,
ACI and many others over the years and look forward to many more.
There have certainly been far more ups and downs in 40
years. Hitting this age has given me the chance to appreciate them and to look
forward to more to come.
3 comments:
What a great piece, Doug! As someone also turning 40 this year I think it's a wonderful idea to look back and remember all the things that have brought us to where we are now. You've made me think that I should do the same :)
(On another note, I loved reading it as a parent and wondering what memories will be the ones my kids cherish most)
Great comment Jennifer- I can imagine how cool it would be to see what my kids remember. Doug- you are an amazing man and a good friend. I am so glad you keep writing. Happy Birthday you old bastard. XO
Thanks for the kind words Jen and Margo. Jen, we certainly have come a long way since those days at PK but I'd love to read your blog around your birthday in May! As I don't have kids, I'd be curious the memories they'd take too so that's definitely an interesting angle.
Thanks Margo...as I said, I'm an inconsistent writer but I appreciate the kind words (ok, not the old bastard part!!).
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