When you're extraordinary You gotta do extraordinary things

Today's post is guest written by my husband, Donnie:
Pippin is a musical that has found its way into our lives on several occasions.  My brother-in-law was in it in college.  Our son Mike played the role of Pippin in middle school.  I sometimes tend to oversimplify things, but I have long held the premise that the musical is all about one man's struggle to find the extraordinary in his everyday life.
I believe this is a struggle that many of us have as we go through life.  As parents and mentors, we strive to enable the next generation to "do whatever they want to do" or "be whatever they want to be".  This is a noble goal; but I see at least two flaws with this endeavor:
-  The next generation has so many options, they frequently hesitate to pick one and start.
-  A cloud of confusion is generated as to what it means to be extraordinary
It is the second item that Kelly and I were talking about today.  Most of you probably know this, but I am currently in between jobs.  I have been working hard to make sure I keep a schedule, make appointments to meet with people and fully exercise my network etc.  But today was just BEAUTIFUL!  Kelly came home from running errands and said, "Let's go for a ride on the bike".  So we did.  We rode out through Lincoln and Concord and went for a walk at the North Bridge.  As we walked the grounds and realized what an extraordinary accomplishment those ordinary farmers accomplished at that bridge some 200 plus years ago, we talked about how happy we are that we have always been able to find the extraordinary in the ordinary everyday encounters.  Our lives are complete and we have been able to enjoy our journey together because we both have the ability to see these things. 
The celebration of a marriage, all the planning, and all the people you get to visit with - extraordinary.
The birth of a child, his/her first word, first step, even the first fall - extraordinary.
First day of kindergarten, little league championship, first day of dance, opening a recital, concert solos, a 25th anniversary...  I could go on, but I would likely bore you and would run out of space.  I think the key, at least for me is this.  I have never felt like I "had to settle" or that I missed out on an opportunity to be extraordinary because I have cherished the extraordinary 'moments' that present themselves to me.  For that and for the people in my life who have helped me with that, especially my best friend, my wife, Kelly - I am extraordinarily thankful.