Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Serendipity as “the faculty of phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.” Seventeen years ago, on this day, I met the woman I was meant to marry. It was not planned, and if I hadn’t listen to my friends on that fateful night, my life would’ve taken a completely different path.
Claudia and I met for the first time on Valentine’s Day, in 2004, because mutual friends of ours, decided to not let being single ruin a night created around romance. First, let me lay down the facts: I had no game (not a ladies man), no money, was headed to the Army after I graduated college that year, and had no interest in a long-term relationship. For Claudia, she had ambitions to go to medical school after she graduated, had no time for distractions, and would’ve been perfectly fine skipping a night out to keep her nose in the books. All that said, a year and four days later, we were married.
Then and Now
The years have flown by and we now have two amazing children to love, teach, coach, and mentor. It hasn’t been easy, but the one constant theme throughout our journey is togetherness. We fight, we love, we laugh, and live through the good times and the bad and I wouldn’t choose to do it with anyone else. I’ve been to more than a dozen countries, and served under the most austere of conditions, however, the fear and discomfort in each of those circumstances was subdued by the fact I would be back home with my best half where I belonged before long. Although my life experience doesn’t hold a candle to Hub McCann, played by Robert Duvall in “Secondhand Lions”, it’s a recurring monologue that enters my mind when I think about my life with Claudia, our children, and the life we built for our family…
I’m Hub McCann, I’ve fought in two World Wars and countless smaller ones on three continents. I led thousands of men into battle with everything from horses and swords to artillery and tanks. I’ve seen the headwaters of the Nile, and tribes of natives no white man had ever seen before. I’ve won and lost a dozen fortunes. Killed many men, and loved only one woman with a passion a flea like you could never begin to understand. That’s who I am.” ~Hub McCann, Second Hand Lions
Secondhand Lions (2003), Bar Fight Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkccqolaVGg
The Future
The future is unforetold for the Clas Clan, but one thing certain is it will be a familial experience. Dominic and Brianna continue to grow and thrive by the sunrise. After a successful career as a Family Medicine Physician, with the U.S. Army, Claudia is focusing on other ventures while we finish up my career in Germany. Wherever our paths lead, I’m sure the journey will be more amazing than the steps of past as we continue take on the unforeseen and nebulous challenges that arise as a team.
On and off the mats, Claudia has always had my back and I’ve always had and will continue to have hers. Even as I write this, I’m filled with the same intrigue, hopefulness, and happiness I had during the honeymoon phase of our union. I used to tell Claudia, I love her more and more each day. The truth is my love for my wife, best friend, and best half is as immeasurable as it was all those years ago.
Thank you to all of you who made it this far and indulging my Valentine’s Day letter to my wife. Family is the most important part of our lives. Hopefully this phrase reigns true for you and yours. Until next time jiujiteiros, One Team, One Family! ~Doc