On a cool September fall morning in South Minneapolis, I sit in a quiet house after witnessing a miracle. My wife Lori and I recently welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world, Andrew Fern.
I was surrounded by women in a birthcenter, yet felt at home. Growing up with four sisters, I was always incredibly outnumbered, but very loved. It was comforting to have professional guidance throughout the entire process. Being our second time around, similar to our experience with Joseph, there were many ups and downs during birth. Things moved fast, but at the same time somehow felt in slow motion. Feelings of excitement, concern, exhaustion, pain, joy and happiness were all part of the morning. Lori was brave, strong and impressive throughout. Finally at 11:57am on August 31, an 8 pound 14 ounce 20.5 inch beautiful baby boy was in Lori's arms. Blessed with a miracle, for a second time.
Anticipating significant change as I entered 2017, I developed a personal mantra that this would be a growth year. Starting a new job, finishing my first year in business school, adding a new member to our family would certainly change the landscape of life in many ways. 34 has been a big year. One might say, a Puckett Year. Just as Kirby Puckett talked about being blessed to play the game of baseball, I have been blessed with the family surrounding me, lifelong friends from SJU and many colleagues and friends across the US, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Hong Kong and beyond.
My work gives me the opportunity to connect with people from around the world. One beautiful thread across these cultures is the joy that new life brings. Sharing the news with friends and colleagues near and far, the excitement and well wishes are the same from nearly every corner of the globe. A genuine smile, offer to help and positive thoughts and prayers pour in. It's a commonality that I have loved to come to know and experience.
As I think of the devastating events over the past year across France, the UK, Spain, the US and Minnesota, I can only wish that people would exercise love over hate. I know there are deeply rooted issues that I cannot completely understand or relate to, but I can hope, wish and more importantly act to make a positive difference in this world. Even if it means helping out a few people in some way. I am not exactly sure what it is yet, but I am working towards a commitment I've made to myself to get involved. I would encourage others to take action and I know many already have. Help out two or more people in some way, it will make a difference.
Along with my personal growth year, my wife is also in the midst of transitioning careers and working as a wellness coach and yoga instructor. Our son has just moved from daycare to preschooler as well as only child to big brother. Dosh (our pup) now has two little ones to protect, watch out for and play with. Our family is growing and with that somehow comes this incredible capacity to love even more. An opportunity I am grateful for and truly blessed with.
This past week was an amazing first for Andrew. It was also a first for Joseph to be a big brother and start in a new school. It was a first for Lori and I of becoming parents of two. Here is to our new beginnings of 2017 and beyond.
Hoping this message finds you doing well, loving lots and spreading good wherever you are and however you can.
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| Andrew spreading his calm love |
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| Joseph loves being a big brother already |
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| Ready for pre-school, too cool. |
