Moments that make you

As I grow older and each year seems to come faster, I realize that life’s lessons are often punctuated by poignant moments–brief encounters that make an deep impression, defining all the events that led to that instant.

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost 1 year since I first started thinking seriously about graduating.  Last year around October or November I thought I could be rolling out of Caltech as early as April or May.  As it turns out, that was a bit premature but now that time is drawing very near.  Today, I am reminded of an important turning point that occurred last fall.

After spending 5 years at Caltech and still not seeing a clear ending point, I was more than a little bitter and depressed.  I was performing only the bare minimum tasks at work and had old and new work piling up.  I saw many of my classmates graduating and my situation seemed bleak.  I was in a rut; the more work that I had to do, the less I wanted to do it.  Had I continued at that pace, I may have become a 10th year graduate!  But, that is when it happened–one of the defining moments of my marriage.  My lovely wife was supportive, loving and courageous enough to tell me to get of my slump and to get busy.  And she was able to do it in a genuinely loving way that enabled me to move on rather than crippling me with resentment.

Megan may not realize exactly what impact that conversation had on me.  It motivated me to set a consistent but not too aggressive schedule and has enabled me to steadily reach my goals. More importantly, it made me realize I was not alone in my struggles.  The amazing thing to me was (and still is) that her concern and support was far more effective than any chiding or nagging could every be.  I thank God for preparing her for that moment.

Megan, I love you very much.  Thank you for helping me be a better man and making one of my moments. 

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1 Response to Moments that make you

  1. Megan says:

    I am glad I could make one of your moments. You’ve made so many of mine. ILY!

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