Guest Post: Erik Proulx  // @eproulx

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Ben. He is the epitome of creativity. He can combine two seemingly incongruous worlds and create a new world that makes complete sense. Sponge Bob flies to planet Naboo in a diaper ship? Sure. Why not. Put them in a blender, mix them up and see what happens. He doesn't yet have the grown up tendency to stop himself before going to weird and wonderful places. And I hope he never does.

Clara. Every moment is an opportunity to find joy. Stressed about the lousy weather? "C'mon daddy, let's go save some worms! Quick, before the birds eat them!"  Feeling a little shy in public? "I'm going to see if that girl wants to play with me!" Clara teaches me to get over myself since it's literally impossible to feel grumpy around her. Nothing gets the way of her joie d'vivre. Nothing.

As a parent, I'm supposed to be giving my children the tools to grow into confident, productive adults. In reality, they're teaching me so much more.