date: 12072025
subj: bodi day twins at monestary
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My wife worked to get me to the Bodhi Day celebration at the
monastery. It was just me, it was all of us. So she got up early
got the twins ready, when I woke, I got myself and helped get
the twins loaded up in the truck, so we could all drive out to
the monastery where I would sit for Zazenkai, and participate in
the Bodi Day celebration. It was good to be back in the Zendo. I
hadn't been in months. I missed it, and my friends there.

The night before I thought of who might be there, and all their
names. We arrived on time, and I said goodbyes for now, and
rushed off to be on a cushion by 8 AM. My wife was going to hang
out with our babies and try and find herself some breakfast
until the ceremony is over. Children the age of our twins would
not do well sitting in the Zendo. 

Zazen was good. Out of practice, I thought of my family, and
what I should be contemplating while sitting. My past
discussions with Roshi, my understanding of my place in my life
as father, and husband. My order of focus, family first, then my
practice, then what's left. Its good to have a focus, and
purpose, and I enjoy my role.

After Zazenkai all those in the Zendo participated in the
ceremony. We all had a chance to make an offering and recite to
ourselves our vows renewing our personal commitment[s].  

The ceremony was followed by a celebration open to the entire
community. This is where my wife and children joined in. I
walked out to our truck, and each of us put a baby on our baby
packs, and walked into the dinning hall. My wife and children
got to meet most the people I've told her about for a year. They
were very excited to see our babies. They all heard stories of
my wife's pregnancy during tea time. Some of the people at tea
had a close relative with twins, as well as sharing about their
experiences with their own, or their wives pregnancy. So it was
good to be able to share my wonderful family with my friends, at
the potluck.


The monk at introduced my family and I to one of the oldest
members who's spent many years in Japan in the life of practice
of Zazen. He was fun to talk to and encourages me to keep a
journal, for time goes by fast. It truly does. 

We also got to have some good treats and drink. It was nice to
be part of a community for the moment. My wife and I said our
goodbyes and walked away back to our truck to load up the family
and drive home.

I really enjoyed sharing my wife, and children with everyone.
She is a special kind of woman, and when others meet her and
talk to her they quickly find out what I have. She is a joy to
be around. 

Being happy