Took Me a Minute... But listen...

 I have to admit it took me a minute, or two, or a few days or eight I guess to be exact...

Still, I wasn't expecting so much feedback on my post from last week. I want to start out by saying I am very appreciative of all the support - the comments, the messages, even the phone calls, (still hate talking on the phone for the record), all of it. I felt the support and the love and... well, thank you.

But here's the thing - I know -

I know I don't owe anybody anything. I know I can just be my own person, my own self, without apology. I know. 

Yes, I have a history of over thinking things. I've been known to be a pleaser, to promise my time, etc... and so on, and I know it's okay to let that all go. 

Really!

I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm asking to be heard.

I want to let people know - I'M NOT DOING ANYTHING TO BE SELFISH! MY FAMILY IS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO BE MEAN, OR VINDICTIVE! 

But people don't want to hear that do they? 

They'd rather assign their own meaning, to make it about them...

Why on earth would anything not be about them?

We are a selfish lot aren't we..? Humans...

Eh. 

My brain hurts - 

I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or call anyone out personally, but I'm tired of keeping this all bottled up so let's just get this out there...

I once had a teacher who told us flat out she was going to grade us how she liked us. She really meant she'd help our grades if we at least acted like we gave a shit, but go with me here... (Extra points to the Ready grads who can tell me who I'm talking about.)

So - going forward - if you think I'm talking about you - Sure, whatever, I am... Have fun with it. 

Life is supposed to be fun after all... 

Have a good week - I'll talk to you soon. 

When you gotta write - I guess.

 Conflicted? Confused? Perplexed? What's the word... I don't know... But I have to find out.

So, I'm writing this time purely for me - Up front, I want everyone to know that. I know some people like to read my work so I'm sharing it, but if I'm being honest - I'm doing this, trying this again - for me. 

Just about four years ago my life changed significantly, and I had to shift my focus, change my lifestyle, hell change how people know me...

... and in the last few months I'm finding out that not everyone is okay with that - 

That decisions I've made aren't the ones they wanted me to make... aren't the ones that serve them best? Even if they serve me best?

I don't know...

But I do know that just about every day in my head I have this dialogue going on where I'm trying to figure it out - so I thought I'd share. 

In little bits at a time - 

- So that's all for today. 

Thanks for listening...

The List, The Plan, My Life... Retirement? I don't know what you call it.

The reality is that it was right there in front of me. Right there, organized, ready to be tackled the entire time. I just didn't see it. 

Know who helped me...? 

Have you been paying attention? 

Of course it was my wife. Let me say that again. Of course It.Was.My.Wife.

Love that Woman!

How do we survive without these women in our lives? I don't even want to contemplate that beyond the words on the page. 

Anyway... as they say...

It was right there in front of me. When I retired 6 years ago (Yes, that says 6. I can't believe it either.) I had already started making a list of things I was going to work on for the first month or so before I headed back to work at some job, somewhere, somehow...

And then I didn't head back to work.

Our life and financial situation were such that I didn't really need to work after all. I mean I'm still never saying never, but so far - we're good. We were good then. We're good now. 

Beautiful.

But I still had that list, and I added to it and without even trying scratched some things off - just living life... 

... and then I ran into some health issues starting in 2018, and again in 2019, and then we all ran into health issues in 2020.

On the other side of all of that - hopefully, maybe... But

 - I now find myself stuck. S.T.U.C.K. STUCK!

So, being the organized soul that I am, and many will say I am overly organized oddly enough... I decided to make a list, to find a better way, to get started... to finally find a way to be retired.

In doing that - I rediscovered that list. So, over the last week or so - I know it was longer than I'd promised, but you know - life... I reviewed the list, and updated the list, and began trying to find a way to do something with the list that moves me forward. 

No, not just moves me forward, but also helps me become unstuck. 

I've got a pretty solid routine of things I do every day, ways I live my life, things I do without even thinking... The routine of the retiree so to speak. 

But why does it have to be the same tomorrow? 

It doesn't. I know that. I'm working on it. I'll get there. I am now keenly aware that I was stuck. 

Was. 

Not anymore.

It's time to look forward - 

To tomorrow. 

What's next on the list?

Have a good weekend!

Having a Plan...

While I want to write more, I don't want to just share random thoughts everyday. That's boring, or it could be - at least it seems like it to me. 

So, here's what I'm going to do. 

This weekend, and to be honest probably into next week - I'm going to take some time to do some planning, to decide where I want to go and how I want to get there. 

The tomorrows are piling up after all

- and I'd like to make them count. 

See you sometime next week. 

The Best Laid Plans - are still part of the story...

Did you ever know exactly what you were going to wear that day when you got up in the morning and then completely change your mind once you were out of the shower?

Happened to me today. 

Also - thought I knew what I wanted to write about today, but that's not working out either. 

Ah well... Tomorrow will be here soon enough -

- and it's all still part of the story. Right?

I guess we'll find out. 

Tomorrow?

Life Changes?

 Today's phrase seems to be "life changing"

As many know, I watch at least some portion of The Price is Right pretty much every week day. Today, a young lady spun a dollar on the wheel and won $1,000- happens all the time. Then, with her bonus spin, she spun another dollar and won an additional $25,000 - happens more often than you'd think, but definitely not "all the time." 

"Well, that's life changing," I remarked, and Netter agreed.

A little while later I was reading through some sports sites and ran across an article about a hockey player who was living his best life finding a career with the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League. He had been paralyzed playing hockey in high school and the article discussed his life since, and the "life changing" circumstances of what had happened to him. A different, not so positive, type of life change though honestly he is doing a helluva job. 

Yeah, I'm catching my breath too...

So, I got to thinking - you saw the smoke, (I'll try not to use that joke too often) about life changing events, good, bad, realized, unrealized... and of course, I thought about the new year. 

We all want change for the new year... Right? 

I have to admit I'm a bit stuck on this one... New Year's eve very often finds me in deep thought and New Year's day I am in deep reflection -

Not so much this year though...

I dunno... I guess I know what I'll be talking about for the rest of the week. 

What's your new year take?

Back in the Literary Saddle - as it were.

 Whew - Kinda dusty in these parts... Has it really been 8 1/2 years since I posted? Dems da facts as they say...

So much has happened - where to begin? What shall we talk about? Oh hell... who knows...

Here's what I do know - I've been retired for almost 6 years. One of my retirement goals was to write more. One of many goals... Life has taken many interesting, and not so interesting twists and turns... and well, I haven't written more. Although...

I do write in my head - every day. Not a very useful medium is it? 

Yes, I know how that sounds.

But - I've decided to give it a go, to find a space, to put down some words every day - well every work day anyway, and see if I can find this voice, my voice - again. 

I'm a lot older, a little grumpier, and maybe even a little wiser than the last time I decided to share some thoughts and stories... I feel like now is a good time. I will try not to be too grumpy.

I might stay here. I might move... I'll probably continue to share on Facebook - just because I know there's at least a few folks there who might enjoy what I write. Who knows...

The only thing I'm sure of is this: It is time to write. It's the one thing I have always enjoyed. Good, bad, indifferent. It's not work. It's just what I do. Why not share it... What do you think?

My very wise Mrs.

I’m not big on conflict. Even when I have the occasional argument around the house I tend to catch myself and let it go. My wife is usually, (read 99.9% of the time) right anyway, and my kids are really good kids with good hearts. 

Not much is worth fighting about.

Not much gets me amped up at all really. Maybe sports, particularly hockey, but even there I don’t yell and scream at the television like I used to.

When I need to advocate for my kids though... that’s when it’s on. I am a very protective Papa Chow, and I will do whatever I need to do to take care of my kids. All of them.

Which is where I think this all started. I’m not going to go into all the sordid details, but it lasted about a week, involved an incredible amount of discussion and in the end, once I knew things were taken care of, it was over.

I thought.

I’m realizing though that it wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

I’m realizing that being in that defensive mode has carried forward and I’ve been putting up some walls.

I’m realizing that for a person who doesn’t usually know how to say: “no” I have been subconsciously saying: “leave me alone.” Emphatically.

Easy things have become complicated, even difficult, and that just doesn’t need to be.

When I woke up this morning, this all hit me like a ton of bricks. By the time I had arrived at work, or about 2 hours later I had some clarity. I’m still working it out because it’s still new, but it’s time to take those walls down.

I told Netter the other day that I thought “Skinny Jim” seemed like kind of a jerk, or an ass. Which probably was the beginning of recognizing the walls, now that I think about it.

She told me that was not the case, that I just needed to stop over extending myself and learn to be more patient, particularly with myself, and that the timing, (with the weight loss) was just coincidence.

Wise woman that Netter. Don’t you think?

You Drink Like You Did 60 Pounds Ago.

What the heck? I’m not proud. I’m not trying to hide anything. The public nature of this blog suggests that I’m comfortable sharing the good, and the not so good in my life. So, I’m sharing this one too.

One of the many side effects of losing weight that I hadn’t anticipated has been rearing an ugly head in my life. In short, well - I just can’t drink like I used to.

This isn’t to suggest that I drink or drank “a lot,” because quite honestly I think that varies by individual with several factors coming into play. I’ve seen small guys who could consume cases. I’ve seen large fellas who couldn’t drink a glass. I’ve known women who, as the saying goes, could drink anybody under the table. Nobody knows for sure what all of the variables are and how one might affect another.

But one variable that I haven’t been considering is my weight, and sadly in the last few months on more than one occasion I’ve had some embarrassing moments as I “drank like I did 60 pounds ago,” without realizing that that was what I was doing.

A friend said that to me on Friday, and honestly I couldn’t be more grateful.  

No, I’m not going to break it down into detailed stories. There haven’t been any trips to jail, or court, or anything like that. Fortunately, my wife and a great group of friends have looked out for me, and tolerated me, (my word, not theirs) listened to me, and given me good advice to go on.

Still the whole thing is both embarrassing and frightening.

A man has to do a better job of knowing his limitations, and knowing when enough is enough.

And then... There was Abram.

This is a cross post from The MJB Foundation Blog.

In the literal sense the drive from Galloway to Westerville only takes about 40 - 45 minutes.

Figuratively, however it took a bit longer.

Finally though, in early October 2011 my wife and I found ourselves en route carrying an MJB Donation.

A gift for a boy named Abram who simply needed a way to get out and play with his sisters, a way for Mom and Dad to get him outside. Abram’s “Get out and play" deck as we call it now.

We had heard about Abram a few months before. His family was having a fundraiser to build the deck, they had a goal number in mind, but came the query - Could The MJB Foundation help?

Of course we would - folks who were industrious enough to hold their own fundraiser? Heck, we were right on board. We would help with the difference. They would raise what they raised, and The MJB Foundation would make up the difference.

So we carried that check with us as we traveled to Westerville.

But here’s the catch - This was the first MJB Gift of Joy we were delivering personally. No agency involved. No intermediary. Just us... and honestly - we were a little nervous.

We were greeted at the door by some lovely young ladies and welcomed in to meet Abram and his family

What followed quite frankly was life changing, and as far as that goes - MJB changing too.

When you lose a child, as we did with Meghan Joy, the feelings, the emotion, the carousel, the roller coaster are all things you do alone. Oh, you have your spouse, and you are together. If you’re lucky, like we were, you have that support, that someone to lean on.

But nobody can understand what it is truly like. Not your friends, not your family, nobody who hasn’t gone through that experience themselves can truly understand what it’s like.

But, Emma and Andy, Abram’s parents, had done just that. Abram’s twin brother Heath passed away when he was 3 weeks and two days old.

Emma and Andy knew exactly who we were, and they made us feel so welcome. We spent about an hour and a half chatting, sharing stories, talking about Heath and Abram, and Meghan and Kailey and Delaney and Livvy, Ella, Mollie and Poppy and on and on, and we gave them the check and went on our way.

Afterwards, we visited the local mall to run some errands.

As we shopped we talked about our visit and marveled at the ease with which Emma carried on a conversation, cared for Abram, and still managed to keep track of what the girls were all doing.

We could not imagine keeping up with that pace. We could not imagine the energy that must take.

We discussed the similarities and differences we shared, and we decided that we were incredibly happy we were able to help, and more importantly that we had made that donation personally.

We kept in contact with Emma and Andy and their clan, with the goings on with Abram and his deck. We invited them to Bowl for Joy and Emma came with the kids and had a terrific time.

Afterward, Emma contacted me with some ideas for other ways The MJB Foundation could help folks, and other ways that she could be involved.

We had no idea...

I'm Am Not Dead

J. “Hi Honey, How are you?”

A: “I’m fine.”

J: “What are you up to?”

A: “Not much in the 20 minutes since you left...”

So would go the conversation every Tuesday as I drove to my hockey game. I had to call my wife when I was about 10 minutes from the rink...

Because I was afraid I might die on the ice.

I know that sounds overly dramatic, but in looking back on why I always called then, but don’t often call now - I’m realizing that’s why I did it.

I’m 5’7” tall, and I weighed 210 pounds.

I couldn’t give up the game I love, but I also knew I was taking a chance, or at least I felt like it.

I was afraid I might die.

I tell this story now because I’m about to head into the one year anniversary of the weekend where I truly made the decision to lose the weight and make changes to my lifestyle and eating habits.

It’s March Madness Baby!

Every year for the past 10 years I’ve headed out to meet some friends at a local bar and grill for the first weekend of the NCAA College Basketball Tournament. Over the course of the weekend we sample all and any parts of the menu, we have some beverages, we put the outside world aside, and we live basketball for pretty much 72 hours. It’s tradition. I love my friends. I love the camaraderie. I love the good time. Last year, I learned to love the salad.

This year, I love March Madness because it marks a significant point in my life. A point where I had to admit to myself that I felt like crap... a lot, that it was time to take stock, to turn some things around-

to live.

I feel like I’m doing things the right way. It’s not some crazy diet. I didn’t change who I am.

I am not finished.

I am not dead.

We Are All Good at Something

Some of you have heard this one, but I need to share it again today.

I once took my brother in law for a ride in the only new car I've ever owned. (Long time ago)

"What kind of engine does this have in it?" he asked.

I quickly replied: "A black one."

"Really," he said "How do you know?"

"Well because I opened the hood and looked and it's black." "Oh wait," I stopped myself. "It's a V6."

Laughing he replied: "How do you know that?"

"Because there's a sticker on the side that says V6, and I know that has something to do with engines."

I often tell this story at the end of the basic computing classics I teach when my students are telling me they still don’t think they can do it, or they feel inadequate, or they’re still clearly afraid, for lack of a better word.

I stop them and I ask them if they have something that they are good at. Of course, they always reply yes, and I tell them that everybody has something they are good at, something they can do better than other folks, and the reason is because they need to / want to do that, and in this day and age, they will probably need to or want to do something, eventually, that will require a computer and then they will have buy in.

I then tell the story above finishing by sharing with them then that once I started paying for auto repair I had a reason to know more about engines. Save for replacing a battery and basic things like wiper blades and tail lights I never did learn to repair cars,  but I can tell the difference between when my alternator is going bad, and when my thermostat is stuck, and I know there’s no such thing as a “wobble shaft.” At least I think there’s no such thing as a wobble shaft. ;-)

In general, they get it, and they walk away smiling,  feeling good about being good at something which hopefully will give them confidence to go on and learn new things, and improve themselves.

We all are good at something. Say it with me. Say it out loud.

I think, and I’m seeing a lot lately everybody spending so much time focusing on what they need to do, and what they can’t do, or don’t think they are capable of doing... and I wonder why instead of focusing on the can’t, they don’t focus on the “how can I learn?” or “Who do I know that can teach me / help me?”

We were all put here together for a reason.

You know, it’s just a thought.

Have a good weekend!

Pushing a Bigger Button

I would be lying if I didn’t admit that it is sometimes very frustrating to run a charity designed to help kids with challenges.

Too often it seems, those kids are forgotten.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) in particular seems to be a forgotten condition when it comes to identifying “those in need,” but it is certainly not alone.

CP is just not a big button, as I like to call it. It’s not cancer. It’s not autism. It's (usually) not tragic.

But.It.Is.Everyday! - Just like autism, and just like cancer.

(Please note * I do not mean to diminish the very serious nature and need for support for cancer and autism causes.)

Last summer at Golf for Joy I made a plea to those in attendance that if they took anything away from that day it was just that.

The conditions that affect the kids we try to help are very much like the traffic that we are all encountering now as we travel through Columbus each day - a little bit different, a new set of roadblocks each day, a concrete tunnel which seemingly never ends.

We have a new joke this year that if you put the word “adaptive” in front of some piece of equipment, it’s price automatically raises into the thousands of dollars.

Unfortunately - It’s not so much a joke. In fact, it’s very much a reality. Not funny at all.

Of course, it’s not just the kids who have to deal with these issues.

So many parents fight tirelessly, day after day, caring for their children and their loved ones, trying to maintain some sense of...

Heck, I think we can say it - normalcy.

Which really...

Is impossible.

Very often when my wife and I talk about the 15 months we had with Meghan Joy we note that really...we don’t remember all that much. Very much like the sports cliches you hear so often -

We took one second, one minute, one hour, one day at a time- trying to move forward as much as we could--

I think that part of the reason we continue The MJB Foundation is because we know that struggle. We know that fight. We know what it is to want to feel normal - and we want to help those who are still in the fray.

This year, for the first time ever - The MJB Foundation is nearly tapped out. To date, because of the generosity of our supporters, we’ve been able to give Gifts of Joy totaling $11,041.31 to children with challenges this year, and we’re committed to what might be as much as $6,000 more. (Some of the equipment has to be fitted so there could be some cost variance.)

To put this in perspective - Our events this year raised right around $7,000.

While it’s true that we are giving away more this year than any other, and we had a little bank to spend - it’s also true that more and more families are finding out about us, and more and more kids will need our help.

But we don’t have that big button, and well, we need a big push.

I always said that being at this point is a problem I’d like to have, but I have to admit it scares the holy bejeesus out of me.

But not as much as the day-to-day might scare the holy bejeesus out of those families, and those kids.

So the takeaway is this...

I don't honestly know how many people read this blog, but I will admit to knowing at least some eyeballs give it a glance every now and then.

So... If you have a second, if you're so inclined, I would really appreciate it if you could help us spread the word, and let people know that we're trying to help those kids, and we could use all the help we can get to make this button bigger.

Ohio Idols for Independence

A guest post today. It really speaks for itself.  If you have a moment, we appreciate your time. Thanks.

Hi! I’m writing to invite you, your family and friends to the first annual Ohio Idols for Independence benefit concert. Our goal is to raise thousands of dollars to help kids with cerebral palsy find their voice at home, at school and in their communities.

This event is close to my heart because my daughter, Adriana, lives with cerebral palsy. While she falls on the severe end of CP, the amazing advancements in technology have given her the gift of independent mobility and communication.

I believe when kids with CP find their voice, regardless of physical ability, they experience true independence. Some kids find their voice through music, sports or dance. Other kids, like Adriana, need specialized care and equipment to find their voice. And as many of you know, these things are expensive. Proceeds from the event go to The MJB Foundation to provide funding for children so they get the specialized care, equipment and services they need just to be a kid.

Please join us in helping kids with CP by purchasing your tickets TODAY! Tickets are just $16 and they are available online at www.ohio-idol.com. You can also purchase tickets directly through me by writing a check to The MJB Foundation for the number of tickets you want. Just send me an email and I’ll bring them to you.

If you have any questions, you can email me or call me at 614-309-0799. For information about The MJB Foundation visit www.mjbfoundation.org.

Thank you!

Patty Lyons

Patty Lyons
p.lyons@sbcglobal.net
Parent & Chapter Leader
CP Parent Columbus, A Family Resource Group for Cerebral Palsy
Reaching For The Stars Central Ohio Chapter
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Never eat when you're angry

Ordinarily things like this just roll off my back, but today... Here's the story -

I went into a local eating establishment for lunch / dinner. (What do you call it when it's 4:00 p.m.?)

I was greeted with a hearty welcome to... Okay, no I wasn't, but I usually am.

A nice young lady came to the counter and asked me what I would like.

I'll have a.. "Um, excuse me," a voice interrupted from the side. "Can you tell me..."

The nice young lady went to answer that query.

Another young man came to the counter. "What can I get you sir?"

I would like a..."Um, can I get some water..." another voice interrupted... and the young man was gone.

Deep breath Jimmer. "Does somebody want to help me?"

The young man returned. "I'm sorry sir, what did you say?"

I said, "Does somebody want to help me?"

I just went to give that girl a cup. What, you having a bad day or something?

Insert screeching tire noise here. Did anybody else see that needle come off that record?

I couldn't help myself. "Forget it!" I snapped. I told the guy behind me to go ahead. To his credit, he just stood there and watched.

What sir?

I wheeled around - "She asked me what I wanted and then went to help that person. You asked me what I wanted and then went to help that other person. I.AM.STANDING.RIGHT.HERE...IN.LINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Um, do you still want your sandwich?"

I did. I was hungry, and I have a long night ahead of me.

He hustled to finish making my sandwich, the transaction ended. He chopped $.50 off the price of my sandwich and offered me a free drink which I declined.

I then learned an entirely new lesson.

Never eat when you're angry.

Commence stomach ache.

!Sigh!

The Speech

(This is what it sounds like in my head. Who knows how it's going to come out...)

They say that: “Everyone who has ever passed through the doors of Bishop Ready knows that for as long as they live they have a home here and they are always welcome back.

Today, I feel that, and I thank you. I want to also thank those who nominated me, and accepted me into this select group. I am humbled by this honor, and I hope that in my life I am able to continue to do the work that brought me here, that is my passion. I want to thank an incredibly supportive family, a whole team of people, hundreds of supporters, and all the folks who inspire me to do the work I do. They’re the ones who deserve the recognition.

I was very nervous about being here today. I asked my girls, who some of you know, what I could say that wouldn’t make me sound like “some old” guy.

They just laughed.

So, I asked another friend, and she told me to just talk about what I do.  

As I look out at all of you I remember myself in those very same seats. I was excited for the future, even if I had no idea what that future held.

It took me sometime to figure it all out, and that’s okay. All I really knew was that whatever I did, it probably shouldn’t involve math. More importantly, I wanted to do it as best as I possibly could.

I learned here at Ready that each and every one of us has the ability to have an impact on our environment, and most especially the people around us.

Just being a Dad, carrying on my daughter Meghan’s legacy through our work with The MJB Foundation, and being the best Dad I can be to my daughters Kailey and Delaney I’ve found my life’s work, and somehow that lead me here today.

At The MJB Foundation we strive everyday to make sure that children, all of the children can know the real Joy that should be childhood.

As my children have grown I have stressed to them, and to their friends and other youth I have worked with, the importance of finding a way to enjoy their childhood.

That’s what life should be all about - Joy - and that is my wish for you today.

Thank you!

Taking Care of My Kids

Mr. Wright,

I'm going to begin by asking that you not send me the "canned response," and you not refer to what happened with your school's football team and the Westland High School Band as a mix-up.

This was not a mix-up. This was a blatant disregard for the rules. You know it, and I know it.

I still cannot believe that with more than 3 minutes left during halftime the Liberty football team actually  came onto the field while the band was still performing and refused to leave...even after their coach was asked by both the Westland band staff and the athletic director. (photo credit to Julie Prater)

In fact your coaching staff essentially told our band directors as well as parents in the press box, who were counting raffle money, that they didn't care that they were breaking the rules.

Did they also not care that children's safety was in danger? Two band members were kicked. That's two too many.

One wonders what your reaction might have been if your football players had pushed the wrong tuba player to the brink? That's a pretty heavy instrument.

Do you comprehend where this could go wrong on so many levels?

I learned afterward that the Liberty football team has a reputation of doing this repeatedly. REPEATEDLY? even to your own band at times.

That is wrong! An immediate, and unequivocal apology should be issued by every coach, and every administrator in your building to every band it has shown this type of disrespect.

I have friends whose children attend Olentangy Liberty. Their kids are good kids. I am confident that the kids on the football team are probably good kids just doing what they were told.

I am not, however as confident in the goodness of your coaching staff, or frankly in you sir with the copied and pasted response referencing a "mix-up."I have seen you give to many, MANY concerned parents.

It's a sad day when the adults are the ones who need to learn the lesson.

Please do the right thing here and apologize, and have your coaching staff apologize with assurance that this will not happen in the future. Don't apologize to me. Apologize to the Westland Band, every single member and director.

It is my understanding that several media outlets have been copied on many of these emails. One can only hope that at the very least the threat of bad publicity will compel you to do what is right.

Sincerely,

Jim Brochowski
Westland Band Booster Treasurer

If Jim Brochowski can do it...

Maybe this is why:

As I stood up at third base I could see him looking at me and shaking his head. I had just smashed, (Hey I was 13 I still smashed things.) the ball into the fence in left field and while I was disappointed it didn’t go over I was also thrilled with what was probably the best hit of my life.
I scored on the next play and as I walked up to my Dad he said: “Just think how far it would have gone if it had been a strike.”

Ouch!

He was right though, the ball I hit was pitched almost over my head. As the infamous movie line goes: I like the high ones!

Now, I love my Dad and I don’t blame him for anything about my upbringing, but my point is I always have greater expectations, It’s taken a long time for me to learn how to be satisfied, and well, I don’t handle praise all that well.

The year to date has been a good one. The MJB Foundation has raised almost $7,000 with an event still to come, I’ve lost 42 pounds, (as of this morning), and I learned a couple of weeks ago that I’m to be inducted into my high school’s hall of fame, mostly for my work with the foundation.

Right and left I’m being congratulated and praised. Folks are using words like inspirational, and...

… And I have no idea how to handle this.

My wife even wants to have a celebratory get together after the HOF induction. She created a Facebook event, and made me a host so I can invite people who are on my friends list, but maybe not on hers.

Really?

“Hi, Come celebrate me?”

That just feels wrong. Egotistical, making a big deal out of nothing. To me, it’s just weird.

I feel like if I can do what I do, anybody can do what I do, and the reality is it’s not me. It’s an incredibly supportive family. It’s a whole team of people. It’s hundreds of supporters. It’s the folks who inspire me that help me do the things I do. They’re the ones who deserve the recognition.

I’m told I just need to learn to say thank you and move on, but when people are heaping this high praise, thank you doesn’t seem like enough. Not even close.

A friend once told me that she loves exclamation points because they add emphasis to what is otherwise ordinary. Okay - let’s give this a try...

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!