All in Family

Why Do We Pray?

Don Martelli
Family, Religion

Today I saw a woman with Rosary Beads on the bus, mumbling to herself, doing what I assumed was praying. I thought it was an odd thing to do -- not praying -- but to do so on the bus.

You see, I'm a Catholic but one of those covenient Catholics. I don't go to Church unless it's for a major holiday (maybe) or if someone dies. I went to CCD, have all my sacraments and all that. So, technically, I'm a Cathiloc.

I'm not sure why I never bought into the entire Catholic thing (other than guilt), but it was never really for me.

When Was the Last Time You Really Connected?

Don Martelli
Family, Revere

Yesterday the wife and I took the kids to Revere Beach, specifically the Point of Pines in Revere, MA. This part of the beach isn’t the nutty part where Kelley’s is or the sand castles. Rather, it’s a private section of the historic beach that came deeded with my mother’s house.

I’m not a hug beach fan by no means. I hate the sand in my toes. I hate it when sand gets into my sneakers. Overall, you feel like a big salty mess when you’re at the beach. However, since we are there often with the kids, I’ve come to enjoy it really.

Fourth of July Memories

Don Martelli
Family, Holidays, Revere, Video, Work-Life

Me and the fam on July 3rdThis weekend I had one of the best Fourth of July's ever.

We didn't do anything too crazy nor was what the family and I experienced out of the ordinary.

Our Fourth festivities always starts with the annual Point of Pines block party. PoP as we call it, is a little neighborhood in Revere, MA where my mother has a house that comes deeded with a portion of Revere Beach (a private section that she technically owns). The PoP block party is always on the third of July. As a result, we call it PoP03.

Why it is and How to Be, an Awesome Dad

Don Martelli
Family

My girls: Kayla and JordanToday is my seventh Father's Day and it doesn't get old. Hearing my wife and kids say, "Happy Father's Day!" with gusto is probably the coolest thing next to seeing my kids get excited on Christmas morning, the day I got married and the birth of my kids. Nothing tops those moments and nothing will. Ever.

We typically celebrate the day with a BBQ with family and friends and that's just fine with me. I like to keep things low key and relaxing. Basically, the day is the Superbowl of being a Dad. The best part is, there are no losers.

With that said, here is why it is and how to be, an awesome dad.

Live Like We're Dyin'

Don Martelli
Business, Family

My music collection is as broad as the stuff you'll find in iTunes. I'll listen to just about anything with the exception of classical and deep country-type music. My iPhone rotation is just as eclectic and I'm not ashamed to say that it includes some of American Idols, specifically Daughty and Kris Allen.

Now, I'm not a massive fan of the show, but I'll keep up on it because the show has produces some good artists and music.

Take Kris Allen for example. He's a talented dude but not in a million years would I ever thought I'd have his debut album in rotation nor have an affinity for his big single, "Live Like We're Dyin."

Happy Birthday Kayla

Don Martelli
Family

Today my oldest turns six. She was 8 pounds, 10 ounces and 21.5 inches long. When she came into this world, my first thought was, "Oh man, she has a cone head. Will it always be like that?"

Then I quickly got over my immaturity and cried just like I was watching the last scene of Field of Dreams, "Dad, you wanna have a catch?"

However, while Kayla was balling because she was ripped from a comfortable, warm and secure place, I was balling because I just became a dad. There's no feeling in this world -- natural or unnatural -- that can replicate it. Ever.

Drew Brees and His Son

Don Martelli
Family, Sports

Just finished watching the Superbowl. First off, congrats to the Saints for taking home their first ever world championship.

While the game was fantastic, the best scene I saw tonight (and arguably ever in professional sports) was when the cameras cut away to Drew Brees holding his son with tears in his eyes.

Not that I'll ever be in Brees shoes, but I know exactly how he feels. 

Accomplishing anything in life isn't worth a dime unless you can share it with your family. All the work you put in doing what you love to do is all for them. When times are tough, they are there to support you and get you through it. When things are great, they are there to pat you on the back and give you a congratulations hug.

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