Bodhi Andrew Zink

October 6, 2017 Jessica

“You yourself are the eternal energy which appears as this universe. You didn’t come into this world, you came out of it, like a wave from the ocean.” – Alan Watts

& Each wave has a purpose.

Anticipation

I remember the day I heard about you. It is a magical thing really, learning that love came together to create a person. Someone who is and is not at the same time, but inevitably will BE, soon enough. And you are left waiting, for months on end, to meet this person who is coming into being- like a wave forming on its way into shore and you watch it ever the while anticipating what this wave will bring.

I was anticipating you before your older cousin, Holten was born. At his birth, I was wondering about yours as well. I left for a while, on to more adventures out West, my other home. But always planned to be back for you. The time passed and you were getting closer, I had my plans made to be back on your day. But the funny thing with plans, you should never make them. Or at least do not expect much from them. “Loose plans” are the best. Ideas, truly. But you can never exactly plan things to the line and expect as much to happen. Like due dates. Those are a general idea, not really the date of being due (unless it comes to homework and paperwork, then it is a fixed thing. They will not let you get away with that excuse). But when it comes to being born, due dates are a generalization. Something your Aunt is still learning.

So the whole summer I planned. September 20th, you were coming. And I would be there. But as the date grew closer, it became apparent that you may be anywhere up to 3-weeks early! Now that does not fair well with the plan now, does it? And you see Bodhi, I was living in Moab, UT out of my truck with your cousin Ocoee (she’s a bit harrier than you, granted, but will love you exceptionally) and working on the Colorado River every day. I could drive away, but I like to keep my word, and so I knew I was not able to leave Moab until after September 4th. And then I had a few other stops to make along the way. But none of these would deter me from making it to you.

Sure enough, I made it into town on the 19th, the day before you were “supposed” to be born. But that is not when you showed up…

Bodhi Andrew Zink

1:43 p.m.

Monday September 18th, 2017

7 lb 6 oz

20″ long

I was on my way to Ohio from Whitefish, MT, knowing you could come any minute. A 30+ hour drive with only Ocoee to assist. And she cannot exactly “legally” take the wheel. So it was a long one, full of contemplation, good music, and anticipation. I did not know what your name would be, we only referred to you as “Baby Zink.” But I did know a few things… I knew that your life would not lack in love. I would love you, as would everyone else in our crazy, wonderful family. That your parents would be exceptional, even inspirational, as they have been with your older siblings. I know that we will have adventures, once you are not too tiny for them… seriously, newborns are so small!!

Also, I am placing my bet now that you will be a climber. Just you wait and see. 😀

Arrival

I was driving through Minnesota when you were born. Only about 13 hours drive away! I maybe slept all of 7 hours in that two and a half day drive, but even though I did not make it to the hospital, I kept trucking. I remember seeing the text on my screen (do not text and drive, little man), saying that you were born. But it seemed impossibly quick! Jordan Anne was saying you were here and Andrea was saying they were not sure… Uncle Rob called them out and told them to get their stories straight. We needed accurate details!

So, what was the real story?

Your Dad had come out around 1:20 p.m. and was talking to everyone in the waiting room. When he came out he announced that Mama Bear Alisha was going to take a nap. He went back in around 1:30 p.m. and a few minutes later everyone got a text saying “He’s here.”

It was so quick and unexpected, they did not believe it! Andrea even assumed that he had prepped the text and accidentally sent it! But, alas, it was true. You had decided you were ready for this world. And like a wave, you made an impact.

I did not get to come to the Hospital, which is probably good since my history shows that I tend to go to the wrong one. I did, however, join you on your first night home. I remember Wonder Woman was playing as we all hung out in the basement, adoring your beautiful eyes and calm demeanor. You look so much like your Dad! And your older brother as well! And yet you are your totally own person. I look forward to seeing you grow into him.

A Life

When I did a post for your cousin, I had all these things I wanted to tell him. To try and prepare him for the world… and while I stand by everything I said, and as much as I want to help you guys grow into the best men you can be, I realize it is not my journey to direct.

I will be here and there for you as much as I can be, I can promise you that, little one. But you will grow into your own and strong person, I have no doubt. And as much as anyone tries to say differently, you are the only one who can make your decisions. You are the only one who can live your life. Please, do try to learn from the tips that others give you, but with a grain of salt. Know that life is yours for the taking, and take all that you can from it. Soak up each sweet and bitter moment it has to give you! And give back. Give back all you can, for it is a balance, you will find. And when you have questions, when you want help, I will be there. Or here. But never too far from you.