the road is long with many a winding turn

Today (12/12/10) is the birthday of my youngest son, Ben's Uncle Dean or The Human Calcy as his Maths teacher once famously called him. He is earning a crust down in The Big Smoke so I won't see him today but he did make a special trip home last weekend for his brother Den's 30th.

We had a night out all together last Saturday at Sean's pub (we like to keep it in the family) and it was great to see such a large turnout. There were friends of all three of my sons there and it is testament to his character that so many people made the effort to show up. We have always had an open door policy in our house when it comes to friends visiting so I have known many of the boys there for nearly 20 years and shared in their highs and lows as well as those of my own family

There was a lot of hugging, a lot of laughing, a lot of emotion and even some kissing (that was Claire's fault) but mostly there was a lot of drink. Special mention must go to Cunns (pronounced Cunns) for his Rothesay reminiscences, to Hamish for his efforts with the sambuca and to Greg whose free-style dancing was the highlight of the evening

I like to think that my sons and I have a special relationship, perhaps circumstances made it that way, but the fact that they are still all close friends makes me very happy. They have a bond and now the arrival of young Ben has strengthened that bond. I believe life is about priorities and if your family is not your number one priority then what is the point in being here.

They are my legacy. As you get older you start to look back on your life and your achievements. I have no regrets (apart from not asking out Linda Bell in 1972).I am a lucky man. I have walked over The Golden Gate Bridge, I have crossed 110th Street, I have seen Scotland win at Wembley and I have eaten the worm at the bottom of a bottle of tequila (ok it may have been mezcal). I know that I have not created any miracle cure for a fatal disease but I also know that the world is a better place for having my sons in it. I realise that this is not unique and that many parents will feel this way which is as it should be.

I am not saying they are perfect and that I have agreed with all their choices in life (I still don't understand how any sons of mine could support *******) but all you can do is teach them right from wrong, point them in the appropriate direction and be there when they need you (and hope that at least one of them makes a good enough living to look after you in your old age)

Over recent years we have enjoyed many trips away together to places like Madrid, Barcelona, Albufeira, Porta Pollensa, Amsterdam, Sunderland (strangely they all seem to be connected to football) and I have been privileged to be in their company and listen to their banter and watch them in action
Claire and Young Ben are now a part of this elite club and will share in the rewards that membership brings. I was hoping Young Ben would be taking his grandpa to the World Cup in 2018 but Vladivostok may prove more challenging than Manchester.

Apologies if this week has been over self-indulgent but it is my son's birthday and he is miles from home. Happy Birthday Dean. Hope you have a good one!