"Every Life Leaves Something Beautiful Behind"

Many of us lost a wonderful life a few days ago with the passing of a dear friend and former colleague after battling cancer for many years.  Doctors told him that he only had months to live when first diagnosed, but he refused to accept this prognosis.  To say he was a survivor through and through is a gross understatement.  I often say that you could boil all of life down to two words, 'Challenge; Choice'.  Life presents it's challenge and then we get to choose how to respond.  I believe to this extraordinary man, everything that really mattered was in the 'Choice' piece, the choices he made moment to moment and the example he was to others no matter what life threw at him.

He truly showed up in life as perhaps the greatest example of the indomitable human sprit, the power of attitude and choice available to every one of us.  A true pearl in the oyster of life, he was an example of never giving up and cherishing literally every moment we are lucky enough to have on earth.  He leaves us now for what's next, having left something so beautiful behind him that words can't possibly describe it's magnificence.  His incredibly wonderful family, his friends, and our country, so much better for him having shared his life with us.  His extraordinary example of the true power of choice, living in the moment, and being of service to others.  Thank you for this my friend.  We will all miss you so very much and are so grateful for your time with us.

Nutcracker? Say What?

Kim recently told me we were going to be seeing our niece, an incredibly talented ballerina, performing in the Nutcracker.  "Nutcracker?  Say What?"  Neither of us had ever seen a ballet and had no idea what to expect.  It was time to get cultured...well a little bit anyway.  Knowing absolutely nothing about what the performance would entail, imagine my surprise when, other than the beautiful music, there was absolutely no words spoken, by anyone, not even the mice.  HA!  Not only that, there was no singing.  We soon found out, absolutely no words were needed, as the entire story was communicated by the incredible dancing.  As I settled into the dazzling performance, focusing particularly on the amazing art of our niece (yes, she was really, really good), I was struck by the messages of the story behind the beautiful entertainment in front of us.  

A a young girl, while playing mischievously with her younger brother near Christmas, is presented with a Nutcracker toy by her godfather.  The younger brother sees the Nutcracker, and jealous of his sister, wrestles her for it.  You know what happens next...."spoiler alert".  It breaks!  The unfortunate result of their 'Competing, Comparing, Chasing, and Clinging' result in nothing for either of them.  How sad.  Then, in walks the godfather who shows acts of kindness, compassion, and further generosity by mending the toy he had just given the girl.  The rest of the performance ensues from there in a story about hope for a prosperous future where joy, generosity, beauty, kindness, and compassion are all around us.  What a great time to see, hear, and feel this message that transcends all cultures and needs no spoken words.  Couldn't we all benefit from such a message these days?  Honestly, it doesn't get any better than that.  Don't worry guys, check it out.  It's honestly quite spectacular to see.  And gals, as Kim and my sister-in-law noted, you will get to watch a handsome, totally in shape guy, dance around in skin tight pants for two hours.  HA! LOL!  I know...so much for getting cultured.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

RRRAAAGGGHHH!!!

Kim and I went to the grocery store the other day for a few things for Caleb's birthday party.  I was in a playful mood, teasing Kim with the cart, over and over again racing up to the back of her feet, as if I was going to run into her.  She always gets so scared I will misjudge the distance and gets quite annoyed, having to both shop and guard herself at the same time.  Perhaps you have felt that pain when a cart accidentally hits you?  No, I didn't hit her...this time.  HA!  Down one isle, she picked up the gram cracker crust for Caleb's pie and moved on briskly, avoiding my continued teasing and leaving me to contemplate possibly adding cookies to our list.  Okay, yes these were for me.  After maybe 30 second or so, Kim comes running back, laughing and clearly embarrassed.  She hugged me tight, almost with tears in her eyes.  I asked her, "what happened?" She replied, "I thought you were right behind me, so I hid behind the edge of the next aisle and jumped out to scare you.  RRRAAAGGGHHHH!!!!  I scared an elderly lady half to death.  The woman looked very annoyed and bewildered and left in a big hurry.  I think she thought I was crazy."  We both proceeded laughing like crazy.  You know, the big belly laughs that genuinely hurt.  Kim felt so bad and so embarrassed.  "I love what a mess you are sweetpea.  You know, this is what happens when you try and get me back."  Yes, she did really get me back later.  We finished our shopping, smiling at everyone, zeroing in on the return grimaces on so many people's faces.  They all seemed so unhappy.  "I don't want us to be like that", we said to each other.  It's important to stay 'Positive and Playful' versus 'Complaining' about everything not going our way or being to our liking.  Our experience is that it makes the world a much better place to live.