CELEBRATING HIM

Last week, this little boy, Constantine, had a very special birthday - his fortieth! That number seems to be popping up all over the place for us. So, while he's no longer a little boy, he's still ever so lovable (and still happens to love a good dance). Isn't the outfit (above) ever-so groovy? We have albums full of him in similar such clothing, his mother being a keen sewing. But a key theme in all these albums is dancing; a boy and teenage version of our 'Dada' dancing for family, dancing with siblings, dancing in front of crowds, dancing in dance-troupes, dancing at the opening ceremony of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, you name it....dancing, dancing, dancing at every opportunity. He still likes a dance but, these days, doesn't get much of an opportunity to hit the dance floor or join in with a dance troupe. Still, there is dance of parenthood, the dance of a demanding career, the dance of marriage... it all keeps him 'on his toes'.

The other key theme in those albums is activity; sport, outdoor pursuits, anything physical at any and every opportunity. It's part of what attracted me to him, and so much more. His openness of mind, heart and spirit was key, and it's still there. I love that he doesn't see colour, income, sex, nationality, religion, that he defines and appreciates people by so much more...and so much less...it's simple really, what interests him about people is much more about what they hold on the inside...where they find their strength, where they have their weaknesses and challenges and how they respond to them. It's not about being perfect, just about how one rides this journey of life...that's what he's taught me, and much more. He looks for the love inside every person and I LOVE that.

Our Constantine...or Dino....or Dada...or Daddy, he's so very special, extraordinary really. I could quite easily list forty-plus ways that he makes a real and significant difference to people, to family, to friends, to complete strangers. And then there are all those 'little ways' that he contributes to the life our our family with copious breakfasts, help in the garden, bike rides, drop offs and collections, the multitude of sleep-ins he provides for this Mama...so, so many 'little' things that help to enrich the lives of all members of our family. He contributes with, and provides, such depth to our days. Thanks Austin. You still manage to make me smile.