Grotto at U. of Notre Dame
I've been asking myself that question for a long time now. Even turning to a "Higher Power" for an answer! I do believe good things come to those who wait. I constantly remind myself of this and also hear it from family & friends. Trying to reason with such thought over a "long" period of time can challenge you in ways you never thought were possible. While most all my friends are married, have children, family, beautiful homes, steady careers, I often find myself asking why not me? Where am I? Who am I? and what am I supposed to be doing in order to have a "sense" of contentment? Uncertainty is scary. I find myself comparing my friends stage of life with mine. is this fair? Am I way behind the 8 ball? So many questions and so few answers. Am I finishing last?
When I was a little boy I was born into a beautiful Irish-Catholic family with strong roots to our Irish Heritage. (and U. of Notre Dame!) Oldest of four, I would learn that my brother and sisters looked up to me and that I would need to "set examples" for them growing up. Irish families are supposed to be solid in faith and family values. "Marry a good Irish-Catholic girl Patrick, one that can cook", is something I heard over and over as a young boy growing up! (Grilled into my head) I even find myself wondering what names I would give to my children when they are born. Is this okay to do when your single and not even dating? One boy and one girl sounds good to me! Just missing one ingredient! and she doesn't have to be "Irish"! Am I living up to the "big brother role" by setting this example? Did I finish last?
Do good guys finish last? I don't have the answer and not sure others may have the answer. Do any of us really have an answer to who we are and where we are supposed to go and be in our lives? What I do know is that if I surround myself with the right people I will be in good hands for years to come, as long as those hands are open and not clasped. Looking towards the "higher power" is always a good bet. And when you are Irish there are many Blessings you can count on;
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!
Celtic Cross
With Purpose and Direction I will not "finish last"!
20 comments:
What up Pat!! I have a cool book to loan you (but ignore the coloring Kainoa did to it on the plane). it totally helped with my heart issues and it sounds similar to this post...
I hope you have a good night, go play pranks on Dusty!!
I got married a long time after all my friends did, at least most of them. I had a one friend who became a Jesuit priest, and I often wondered about remaining single. However, it was difficult to want to do that when surrounded by nice women so in the end I gave up on that idea. I guess it's not for everybody.
Honestly, I think no... Because though we have a tendency to go after things we "think" we want, when it all boils down to the end, all people want friendship and companionship, which is what the good ones can offer! Keep in mind that what may appear as perfect most often is not. So hang in there and your time WILL come!
Good things come to those who wait? I don't have an answer and don't know you personally, but you sound like a heckuva guy. Kellye is right...your time will come!
Pat-O-Pat,
You're like the SWEETEST guy in Kona...I dont know what the deal is!!! I need to move back home so I can hook you up.
Stay positive Chief Nerd...she will come along...I promise!!!
LeAnn the Lifeguard
There are moments when I believe everyone asks themselves "what am I supposed to be doing" "why me or not me"...etc...
Times have changed and I know many who are searching for their second half - they want to settle down, they too already have children names picked, life planned out and yet they are waiting and waiting...
It's being patient in the mean time and comfortable with your independence and learning to be your own person.Not stressing if your goals do not fall into place exactly as you had planned them to go.
If I had an answer I would share it with you, but i know it is different for everyone. We all are seeking for different answers in our life, attracted to different personalities and "looks".
The only thing I have noticed to be true is when you stop worrying about it or stop searching -the window opens and along comes that person (it seems to be true for many of my friends).
Thanks Kelly, you're right!
Friendship & companionship are key!
Pat
This post is so interesting to me because I promise just the other day I was thinking- How cool that Pat is working with dolphins every day. Now that is a person that knows what life is about and how to live a good one. Your time is coming:) And, my dad plays in a Celtic band- I should send you some music. I think you would like it!
Dude, your post today is making me cry. We all go through this......I ask myself questions about what I am doing here at Oracle, as a pro triathlete, in life, etc.....I hear ya buddy! I think we all are constantly trying to figure ourselves out. This is so normal, we all do it from time to time. Contemplating is good! You will find your place as we all will.....just someday.....you're awesome Pat!!
Bree, thanks for stopping by! You made my day!
Good to see you even though you are a "train wreck". have you not taken a shower since Japan race? Man.....:( LOL!!
Thanks for the cookies and T-shirt! you rock!
I don't need a "book" Just a bottle!!hahaha
P-
Pat, WHO REALLY knows themselves completely????? I have your answer.....PICKY:)
Ha it is funny, I look at your life now and think WOW he is a lucky guy...tropical island and NO one to answer too...NO BS everyday.....aaahhhhhh how refreshing that would be!!! :) :)
I liked your comment that you started off in good hands, but where were you now. Well, hopefully not in their hands anymore. I was taught by nuns in elementary school and they were great and dedicated teachers. Later in my mid-20's I visited one of them again since she lived near my parents. She seemed just the same as when I knew her years before. However, I was not. Getting to make friends with girls did not come easy to me and I went through quite a few difficult years before I found the person who seemed to be the best one. Life hasn't been that easy since, though, and marriage is a constant learning process. If you work at it, and take the necessary initiative, you will be successful at it. I just hope later not too many other women become jealous of your wife.
Pat- this makes me so sad! Remember this: (I'm changing the quote from Abe Lincoln)
* It's not the years in a marriage- It's the love in a marriage!"
You will find your true love and all you have experienced thus far will be just icing on the cake for you both! You are just in the "creating you" process and that's okay! It will happen and she will love all you have to offer and share with her!
Nice Guys Don't Finish Last! (The guy who said that has 5 ex-wives and a STD!) Ha! Ha! ***I'm married to one and believe me they are the BEST husbands and Dads.
Your time will come- Just keep having fun until it does!
I am peeing my pants! Jim thinks I am crazy! I am laughing so hard at you making fun of me as always!! I told Jim I was going as a mermaid for Halloween, he is stoked! AND I do shower!!! EVERY DAY!! BUT I like post swim salty skin!!! YOU are just mad that I said, "hurry, he is coming" when we were at the pier...
this is boring... change the post already!
i'm not changing my post until you come Clean!!
First, I need your email address because I'm a bit "shy". Second, you were smart not to rush into the "happily ever after". Some of us girls, me to name one, get sucked into that "my friends are all getting married, therefore I am a loser if I don't". To me, it seems like you have the dream life out there in Hawaii. You obviously have friends who care about you more than some people can say about their own immediate family.
OK, before I go writing a book I'm going to go try to find your email.
Dude.. I think Mira wants a date!
PS I sometimes go to bed after a second workout without showering but I NEVER skip flossing or brushing.
What can I say? Bree and I don't smell. :-)
Uh no, no date. Just remembering having those same down feelings and now being on the other side realizing I shouldn't have been so hard on myself.
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