The Last Day...
The passion for being a dad was visceral as we sat on the edges of our seats for all the right reasons at #dad2summit
The room was full, and the excited murmur was hanging in the air. the boundless vibration spoke all too well to the mood of the room. A myriad of excitement and refreshment mixed together into the sweetest cocktail that was garnished with some sadness. All in this room drank it in, taking deep belly filling gulps that were edified by the conversations, the laughter, and the hugs. As the lights dimmed for the last time, a familiar face took his place. For a moment that seemed like an eternity, the room feel silent. The pride on his face had not lessened over these last few days. From the back of the room there was a cheer and some clapping. Like an endless zypeher the clapping increased and increased is deep voice reaching all in the room. They all knew (most) of what to expect. Afterall, this was the beginning of the end.
It was so difficult to realize that the final day was already here, but there was little time left to dwell on that point. We had a couple of amazing dads stand up and read blogs, one hitting so close to home that I almost had to step out, find a quiet place, and ball my eyes out. But, more on that later. Thanks to Meta Health we also had the chance to listen to Michael Strahan talk about what life is like in his shoes. He was hilarious, congenial, and all around a great guy. At the end of the day, we all crowded into the room for the closing keynote speaker, Derreck Kayongo. Now, to be transparent, I did not think that I had ever heard of Derreck prior to the announcement that he was going to be our closing keynote. Even then, I did little to no research prior to the event. Call it procrastination, life having its way, or what may you… but it is the truth. This resulted in me preparing to listen to his story, his charge, and his battle cry with little prior thought.
As soon as he started speaking, I knew that I knew something of what he has done. I knew that I was aware of the legacy he was working towards. I had heard about the Soap Project many times, and always revered what it was about. For those of you that do not know, Derreck is the guy that has been convincing hotels from around the United States to donate their used soap for recycling and donation to villages in Africa. His story is deep and powerful, his charge about raising children in a world of inclusivity was demanding and heartfelt, his question and answer session was poignant and direct, his entire keynote session was amazing. I took some time between the laughter and tears to look around. There was not one dad that was not transfixed on this man, that was not leaning in to take in all that he was saying, or that was not as in awe as myself. To say that he inspired the ENTIRE room of 400+ dads would be a horrible understatement.
As if this was not all enough, we closed Derreck’s keynote… in song. In this tribal song, we were wishing peace for everyone. Having a room full of dads, coming off of an amazing weekend, singing together about peace…many of us (myself included) were quivering out of amazement. In fact, after the prizes and announcements there were many of us sitting in silence after some had left for the closing reception. Some were blogging, and some were sitting in utter shock as to the awesomeness that had just happened.
This song, and weekend, has had a profound impact on me, I listen to my recording of the song daily. Eyes closed, headphones on, I lose myself for a minute of pure reflection on this very moment. It is the perfect embodiment of what this summit was about for me. Legacy, unification, support, knowledge sharing, shaking hands and hugging, getting to know some amazing dads, all ending in a bass filled song about peace. I am beyond excited that I have already purchased my ticket for Dad 2.017 in San Diego. I am busy taking in all that I have learned and putting it to practice. I am still immersed in, quite possibly, the most amazing community of dads that could possibly exist. Most of all, I am humbled. Not only that I was afforded the opportunity to attend such an amazing event, but that you.. my dear readers… have followed along with me. I hope that in some way, shape or form I have been able to do some justice to all that I experienced. That I was able to make you feel as though you were there. Perhaps I have inspired you to attend next year… because if you are reading this, and you are a dad then you should know…
I AM A CRANIO DAD, I am scared out of my mind and being a dad is the best thing in the world, surrounding yourself with others that feel the same way can catapult you to some of the greatest moments you will ever experience.