2011 CASTAGNO RANT
Honestly I had great intentions this year of getting started on this rant early, working it, reshaping it, making it special for all of you… Well not really, the reality is that for the most part this is a selfish undertaking allowing me to reflect on the past year, smile, cry, and laugh at a host of memories; but probably more than that it is a reminder of how truly fortunate I am. So let’s fire up some Etta James on the iPod, pour a little single malt and see if we can fit all this into a few pages…
I struggle with where to even start describing the exploits of the Castagno Clan this year; to say it’s been eventful doesn’t really begin to tell the tale. From the Chicago snowpocalypse to Cory graduating from UF with honors this past weekend we have managed to fill another year with the full spectrum of experiences and emotions. I usually jump right in with the kids, but this year Tammy and I celebrated our 25th anniversary so let me start there. We decided a serious party was in order and Tammy invited 350 of her closest friends; I mean our closest friends. It was quite a party and if you weren’t there don’t miss the next one. There are days I can’t remember what made me wander out of the wilderness into this woman’s love but I know I am home and there is a peace and warmth that is beyond simple explanation and understanding. The chaos that is life strives to overwhelm us, but I cherish the moments we escape into our own private world enjoying a simple touch or look. Those of you with someone to love know of what I speak and those of you that don’t my wish is that you find that someone soon.
With only our daughter left in high school we are rapidly approaching the empty nest, or we would be if Chris had not moved back in, but more on that later. Kiersta has had quite a year and the older she gets the more of her mother’s good looks she displays, unfortunately these seem to be mirrored by an equally large portion of dad’s opinionated attitude. Quite a delightful combination for dear old dad I can tell you. She continues to shine as a soccer player and is even considering playing at the college level in spite of a couple of really nasty collisions and one fairly serious concussion at the end of last season and just to prove she is well rounded she was elected to the homecoming court this year. Don’t worry she wore a beautiful dress with her neon green “chucks”. She is tough as they come though and does not know the meaning of quit. Kiersta also has a passion for American Sign Language (ASL) and wants to be a professional interpreter when she graduates college. She does a wonderful job signing for our church and just has a real desire within in her to help people. As is probably the case with most dads and teenage daughters we do not see eye to eye on everything which I suppose is better than not seeing eye to eye on anything. Never the less we have always had a unique bond that I am counting on to see us through.
As I mentioned Cory graduated this December with honors from the University of Florida with a degree in political science. I somehow imagined that this would lead to a fervent search for a job maybe in DC or working for some think tank somewhere. Not sure what I was thinking though, he was only too happy to tell me that exploring new fields through the lens of his current degree was what really intrigued him. Apparently this is the educated way to say “hell no I’m not getting a job I’m going to pursue a Masters Degree”. Well no matter he always seems to find a way to make things work out the way he wants them too. There is no telling where he will end up though so don’t be too surprised if he is knocking on your door one evening. I was reflecting on the journey this young man has already undertaken in his young life and I know his experiences although harrowing have made him a stronger and more resilient man and needless to say I am very proud of him.
Kyle continues his exploration of Native American culture and his Mohawk heritage learning from his aunt and elders that have allowed him to sip from the deep wells of their knowledge. Kyle makes an annual pilgrimage every summer to his aunts where he spends time learning, working, visiting the Mohawk Valley and developing his understanding of life’s path. He has a few years of college left and continues to pursue his music as well. Kyle has lived with diabetes for about 6 years now and has to learn a great deal about life and himself in that time. He understands more clearly than his peers what his own mortality means and although outwardly he displays a happy go lucky attitude it takes great courage for a young person to face an incurable life threatening disease everyday. He is stronger than he thinks he is and I know he will overcome all his challenges and go on to do great things.
Chris has been out of college for a year and working in the business with me. He is learning all the things they either don’t tell you in college or lie about. He is catching on though and does a great job even when he thinks the old man is crazy cause why on earth would any one do it that way! Mostly because I am old and that’s how we do it; seriously though he brings a fresh energy and perspective that I appreciate. I don’t know why he keeps measuring my office though, I’ll have to keep my eye out for a coup d’ état. For those of you with kids graduating from college I can confirm that they do indeed move home… and they are universally stunned when you encourage them to pay rent; “I mean really dad how am I supposed to save any money?” Although hope is on the horizon as Chris proposed to his long time girlfriend Tara and the marriage is already being planned. You know what this means… yes the inevitable grandchildren. This of course leads to the ridiculous discussion of what these future grandchildren will be calling Tammy and I. She is leaning toward “grammy” I have settled on Mr. Castagno or Sir; I’m not holding out much hope however.
Musings 