Day 28… November 28
Today I am grateful for my oldest son Karai.
Karai was the one who made me a mom. He is more than just a good hairdo.
He was and is a gentle soul. Probably the most reserved of all of our kids….although most of the time that is not a high bar in our family 🙂
As the oldest, he had to teach and train us to be parents and that was no easy task for him. But he has always been so patient and understanding.
I always thought of Karai as the first of our “renaissance men”…participating in sports, being a big reader (for at least a couple of years 🙂 ), being in the choir, playing in the orchestra, and then the band… He wanted to do it all. It was an example to his other siblings of how to love so many different things.
He is a competitor, especially in soccer starting very early. It was fun for him to be able to continue playing all through college. Growing up he also played basketball, and baseball as well as participated in summer swim team. In high school, he lettered in football, soccer, volleyball, and choir.
He has always been one to play at 110% which lead to a few injuries at times but he hardly let those slow him down. He is a good team leader as well.
He has a beautiful singing voice and has said that some of his fondest high school memories are in the choir.
Then there was the time while he was at UofA when he was in a band and performed at the Spring Fling. That was fun!
As the oldest he had to teach and train us to be parents and that was no easy task for him. But he has always been so patient and understanding.
I’m Michelle. I am learning how to minimize my overwhelm, perfectionism, and people-pleasing and I am ready to help you do the same. I’m a certified Life Coach and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Come with me and learn how.
He has at times put a lot of pressure on himself as the oldest, but hopefully he knows how grateful I am for him and who he is. He is a good man.
It has been fun to share that love of music with him, listening to and singing along with multiple musical soundtracks, and attending performances of Wicked and Hades Town together at ASU Gammage Auditorium. I look forward to more musicals and plays together.
He has always been a thoughtful and kind big brother looking out for his siblings, even when there were times they might not have wanted him to. And he has been good to include everyone when he can. He is kind-hearted….probably why he and Julie get along so well.
He is the one who encouraged his youngest sister as the kicker for the varsity football team. As a former kicker himself, he gave her her first football and tee. While he was home for winter break back in 2019/2020, he took her to the football field and taught her how to kick the ball.
The first of our college graduates, he wasn’t too sad when Covid made his commencement virtual. He was afraid I would make him walk, but that wasn’t even an option.
Now he has taken a position with Gilbert Public Schools teaching in one of the junior high schools, so he is working towards his teaching credentials.
This also gave him the opportunity to coach the first 7th-grade boy’s volleyball team, as that was added as a new junior high sport this year.
Our other kids tease both him and me about him being the favorite. And while I love all my kids, and they are all my favorites, I have known Karai the longest so… ;P
He has at times put a lot of pressure on himself as the oldest, but hopefully, he knows how grateful I am for him and who he is. He is a good man and a good example to me.
What are you grateful for? “Contact Me” and send me a quick email. If you prefer, you can “Schedule a Conversation” for a free session to discuss what you want to work towards and how to get started.
The work is GRATITUDE, and I want to become a master!!
And as always…..Remember…..It’s ALL good!!
Michelle Keil Coaching 