I was born on April 28th, 1964... yes, I will be 46 this week. Daddy was born 33 years prior, I was born on his birthday.
Growing up friends and family never made me feel like my birthday was HIS birthday nor his birthday MY birthday, we celebrated together but it was always made special for each of us.
On my 12th birthday and Daddy's 45th mama threw a surprise party for us both. I went home with a friend after school and daddy went somewhere. When we got home later that afternoon all the neighbors and friends for each of us was there.
That birthday mama and daddy gave me a motorcycle. I never asked for a motorcycle, but I got one. I rode it sporadically at best, but daddy LOVED riding that motorcycle and it quickly became more his gift than mine, which was appropriate.
For years that motorcycle sat in the garage and every now and then daddy would take it for a ride. Every now and again he tells us he is going to buy another one, which I quickly explain to him is not a good idea!
Since I was little, daddy has always told me I was the best gift he ever got for his birthday.... that's pretty nice praise for a child.
I may not have always realized it, but getting him for a daddy was the best gift I ever got for my birthday as well. I was born to a man who honors his family above all else, a man who loves, laughs and lives life to the fullest.
Daddy is an example of what a father should be.
I didn't always understand that and sometimes when he was tough on me, I thought I was cursed, but then you grow up and realize his influence and strong hand and stronger love shaped me into the man I am today.
As a teacher and Coach, daddy molded hundreds of kids in the mountains of God's Country into the adults they are today, generation after generation has been touched by his influence, strong hand and love.
It is nice to look back at 46 and see the man I called daddy as an influence in so many lives. I used to be jealous that so many students had his time, today I realize, he has so much to give; if only Sam and I would have gotten it his gift for life would have been wasted.
I am the one who got the best birthday gift, the gift of love, laughter and respect for the man who has lived his life giving to so many.
Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Listening
Today I had two friends ask me if I had posted on my blog recently, sadly the answer was no. In all honesty I haven't felt like writing.
Since mama died, the thought of writing anything here has terrified me. She loved this blog and I couldn't wait to share each story with her, now without her being here to read, it just isn't as much fun to write.
But here I go, although I have no idea what I am about to write, let me begin....
Everyone told me that losing a parent would be hard, I never could have imagined just how hard. Mama died on February 21st, today is April 18th and the emotions are still just as raw as they were the moment I knew she was gone.
My faith, my family and my friends have gotten me through this. But not a single moment of a single day has gone by since she passed that I haven't thought of her. I just want to pick up the phone and hear her voice. I want to hear her say she loves me and I want to know that I am going to see her again.
On the outside I seem pretty together, on the inside I am a mess. I go about my day everyday and keep a brave face, but a simple commercial or moment on tv can have me in tears.
The final thing our family did together was celebrate Communion, or the Lord's Supper. It was mama's wish, that someone from the Church come to the house and serve us this blessed meal together. So on Saturday the 20th, a Deacon from mama and daddy's Church came to the house and served us the Lord's meal as a family. Mama was already slowly making her journey home, but we surrounded her bed, as a family, and took part in the Lord's feast, that memory will be with me forever.
My Church serves communion on the first Sunday of each month, I missed it in March because I was busy with my election campaign. (To be honest, I was not in any place emotionally to go to Church and have Communion that week.)
On Maundy Thursday, I was in Church and had to leave the room when Communion was being prepared because I wasn't ready yet.
Last Sunday, we served Communion, the second Sunday of the month because Easter fell on the first. I took Communion and the warmth and love I felt as I took the bread and wine was palpable, I knew my mama was with me. It was emotional, but I got through it.
Easter was tough. Daddy came down for the day and as wonderful as it was to be with him, the empty seat was painful to see.
Daddy and I talk every morning, it is wonderful to hear his voice and we have been there for each other through all of this.
Daddy and I will both celebrate our birthdays on the 28th of this month, another first.
All these first seem like they are difficult, but I imagine the seconds and thirds and fourths are going to be just as hard. Mama was my rock, the person I always knew I could talk to and now she is gone. Now I talk to her in my mind and in my prayers and sometimes I just talk out loud to her, I just wish I could hear her answer.
A couple of weeks ago she did answer, although I had no idea she had until a friend of mine told me. I had an event on the 9th that I was responsible for. About 10 minutes before the event began I was running around getting everything finalized when I got a text from Sam.
The text was a picture of the headstone on mama's grave that had been put in that day. Of course I lost it but regained my composure and kept going with my event.
A few days later I was relaying the story to my friend Beth when she said "you know what that was don't you, that was your mama telling you she was with you." Beth was right, although I don't hear her voice any longer she still communicates to me... I just need to find the new way of listening.
Thinking back on it mama has spoken to me in numerous ways over the last 8 weeks.
When I arrived back in Florida after being with family to find my yard completely made over, my house cleaned beyond spotless, hot chili in the crock pot and a memory garden planted in the back yard. That was mama telling me that she has entrusted me to wonderful friends, a Florida family, who is there for me in good times and bad.
When on a particularly bad day, I called Sam and said I am having a bad day and within 2 minutes he had me laughing, that was mama passing along the love of siblings through us to get through difficult moments.
The night I was sitting on my sofa, deep in thought and feeling lonely, when an acquaintance, a Southern lady, drove up handed me a freshly baked pound cake and departed, that was mama knowing that everything is ok as long as you have a freshly baked pound cake on hand.
When a friend stops by to drop off flowers or neighbors who have suffered their own loss just sit and listen to me, that is mama helping me work through the grief and letting me know that I am not alone.
When Chelsea or Zack text or email me, or when Donna and I talk, that is mama passing along love to a new generation of Rumsey.
Countless cards, letters, phone calls, emails, Facebook messages all acts of love and kindness, the type of grace mama showed to others through her years is being given back to me now in my time of loss.
The rose bushes in the backyard that have been covered in blooms this year, each time I see one I think of mama and feel renewed.
It is comforting to know that mama still speaks to me in these brief moments. Moments of love and grace, now I just find a new way of hearing her.
Since mama died, the thought of writing anything here has terrified me. She loved this blog and I couldn't wait to share each story with her, now without her being here to read, it just isn't as much fun to write.
But here I go, although I have no idea what I am about to write, let me begin....
Everyone told me that losing a parent would be hard, I never could have imagined just how hard. Mama died on February 21st, today is April 18th and the emotions are still just as raw as they were the moment I knew she was gone.
My faith, my family and my friends have gotten me through this. But not a single moment of a single day has gone by since she passed that I haven't thought of her. I just want to pick up the phone and hear her voice. I want to hear her say she loves me and I want to know that I am going to see her again.
On the outside I seem pretty together, on the inside I am a mess. I go about my day everyday and keep a brave face, but a simple commercial or moment on tv can have me in tears.
The final thing our family did together was celebrate Communion, or the Lord's Supper. It was mama's wish, that someone from the Church come to the house and serve us this blessed meal together. So on Saturday the 20th, a Deacon from mama and daddy's Church came to the house and served us the Lord's meal as a family. Mama was already slowly making her journey home, but we surrounded her bed, as a family, and took part in the Lord's feast, that memory will be with me forever.
My Church serves communion on the first Sunday of each month, I missed it in March because I was busy with my election campaign. (To be honest, I was not in any place emotionally to go to Church and have Communion that week.)
On Maundy Thursday, I was in Church and had to leave the room when Communion was being prepared because I wasn't ready yet.
Last Sunday, we served Communion, the second Sunday of the month because Easter fell on the first. I took Communion and the warmth and love I felt as I took the bread and wine was palpable, I knew my mama was with me. It was emotional, but I got through it.
Easter was tough. Daddy came down for the day and as wonderful as it was to be with him, the empty seat was painful to see.
Daddy and I talk every morning, it is wonderful to hear his voice and we have been there for each other through all of this.
Daddy and I will both celebrate our birthdays on the 28th of this month, another first.
All these first seem like they are difficult, but I imagine the seconds and thirds and fourths are going to be just as hard. Mama was my rock, the person I always knew I could talk to and now she is gone. Now I talk to her in my mind and in my prayers and sometimes I just talk out loud to her, I just wish I could hear her answer.
A couple of weeks ago she did answer, although I had no idea she had until a friend of mine told me. I had an event on the 9th that I was responsible for. About 10 minutes before the event began I was running around getting everything finalized when I got a text from Sam.
The text was a picture of the headstone on mama's grave that had been put in that day. Of course I lost it but regained my composure and kept going with my event.
A few days later I was relaying the story to my friend Beth when she said "you know what that was don't you, that was your mama telling you she was with you." Beth was right, although I don't hear her voice any longer she still communicates to me... I just need to find the new way of listening.
Thinking back on it mama has spoken to me in numerous ways over the last 8 weeks.
When I arrived back in Florida after being with family to find my yard completely made over, my house cleaned beyond spotless, hot chili in the crock pot and a memory garden planted in the back yard. That was mama telling me that she has entrusted me to wonderful friends, a Florida family, who is there for me in good times and bad.
When on a particularly bad day, I called Sam and said I am having a bad day and within 2 minutes he had me laughing, that was mama passing along the love of siblings through us to get through difficult moments.
The night I was sitting on my sofa, deep in thought and feeling lonely, when an acquaintance, a Southern lady, drove up handed me a freshly baked pound cake and departed, that was mama knowing that everything is ok as long as you have a freshly baked pound cake on hand.
When a friend stops by to drop off flowers or neighbors who have suffered their own loss just sit and listen to me, that is mama helping me work through the grief and letting me know that I am not alone.
When Chelsea or Zack text or email me, or when Donna and I talk, that is mama passing along love to a new generation of Rumsey.
Countless cards, letters, phone calls, emails, Facebook messages all acts of love and kindness, the type of grace mama showed to others through her years is being given back to me now in my time of loss.
The rose bushes in the backyard that have been covered in blooms this year, each time I see one I think of mama and feel renewed.
It is comforting to know that mama still speaks to me in these brief moments. Moments of love and grace, now I just find a new way of hearing her.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Promoted to Glory....
Mama passed away last Sunday. After years of fighting for her life, she made the journey to heaven early Sunday morning. She passed away in her sleep, surrounded by her family.
Over Valentine's Day weekend the entire family gathered in Edgewater, FL not knowing that the end was so near. Sam took mama and daddy home to Georgia on Sunday, February 14th. Mama wanted to go home.
Early Monday morning Sam called me and told me I needed to come home. Within the hour I was on the road.
During the week prior to her passing, my family was all together. We spent many loving hours together.
We left nothing unsaid and for that I am thankful. I am thankful that mama did not suffer and she is now home with our Lord.
Sam and I both spoke at mama's funeral. I have never been more proud of Sam than I was sitting in the Church pew listening to him talk about mama, he was masterful in his words and love for mama and our entire family.
I re-wrote my eulogy twice and finally finished it at 11:30 on Monday night, I lovingly post it below.....
On behalf of Daddy, Sam, Donna, Chelsea, Zack and Aunt Beck, I want to thank you all for being here today.
Several years ago at the funeral of Coretta Scott King, men and women from around the world stood to talk about the legacy of Mrs. King. As the service was nearing an end Former President Bill Clinton stood and walked to the podium, he simply said. Let’s not forget there is a woman in that box and today I want to talk about the woman.
Well, today I want to talk about this woman, Martha Joyce Bellamy Rumsey. Daughter, sister, wife, mother, grand-mother, teacher, role model, lady, friend and Christian.
Most of the people in this room know her simply as Mama, a tough, dedicated woman who fought through more tragedies and struggles than most of us will ever know. Through it all she never lost her zest for life, her passion, she never gave up and she never complained. Up until the day she died mama fought to live, even in her last breaths she was fighting to live.
In a household full of men, mama was a total lady. A southern lady. Supper was on the table every night, meat, two vegetables, biscuits and gravy. Sweet tea was always in the refrigerator, or as mama called it the Frigidaire. Mama ruled with grace, but she also ruled with an iron hand. She was the real boss of the house, she knew it, and we all knew it. The last thing you ever wanted to do was disappoint mama, and in the Rumsey house, we worked hard not to disappoint mama.
She taught us manners and respect. All questions were answered with yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, no sir, we cleaned off the table after every meal and you never walked away from the kitchen without an “I enjoyed it.”
In our house there was one rule. Daddy tattooed it onto our brains….. don’t do anything to embarrass your mama, ever. Think about it…. Don’t do anything to embarrass your mama; it’s a pretty good rule to live by. I don’t think Sam or I ever embarrassed mama…… and that is a badge of honor I will carry forever.
Mama was a role model to my brothers and me…. and to hundreds of students who passed through her classroom doors. Ironically in a household of men, some of mama’s primary life influences were women. Four women shaped my mama through life and helped make her the woman she was.
Mama’s sister Aunt Beck, her big sister, her friend. Aunt Beck has been a major influence in all our lives; she taught mama about life as they grew up and she was the one mama chose to help her make her journey into heaven. Aunt Beck we love you and will always be thankful that you are a vital part of our lives.
When mama and daddy moved to South Georgia, she met Gracie Hudson….no words can describe Gracie other than, she was a character. Gracie was boisterous; she could make mama laugh harder than anyone else could. Gracie became a second sister to mama and for Sam and me a second mother. Gracie died a few years ago and I know she and mama are sitting on the banks of a catfish pond today, cane pole in hand, laughing, loving and remembering their times here on earth.
When we moved to Clayton mama met her best friend, Sara Singleton. Mama and Mrs. Singleton had lives that intertwined. Teachers, Coaches Wives, mothers of boys and coffee lovers. COFFEE LOVERS. For as long as I can remember mama and Mrs. Singleton would meet daily for coffee. 1:30 in the afternoon would find the two of them at the Singleton’s, the Rumsey’s or in later years McDonalds. Mrs. Singleton is my mama’s longest lasting friendship, her best friend; the two of them shared a bond like no other relationship in my mama’s life. Mrs. Singleton, my mama loved you and I know you loved her…. Thank you for always being there for mama.
The fourth woman of influence came along late in Mama’s life. Sam brought her home one day, shy, quiet, reserved. Donna. It took me a while to warm up to Donna, but she knew exactly how to get to mama’s heart. From day one Donna was able to connect with mama. For many years our house had a dark cloud over it, we mourned Tom and as hard as we tried that cloud remained over us….. until Donna came along. Donna gave us a new dimension in our family, a girl…..we didn’t know anything about having a girl in the family but mama thrived on it. Donna made mama happy, she was much more than a daughter in law, as mama told Donna last Thursday, she was the best thing to ever happen to the Rumsey family. And as much as I believe I was the best thing to ever happen to the Rumsey family, if I am honest I have to agree with mama. Donna thank you for bringing joy back to our household.
Sam and I are mama’s boys. In our minds mama was as close to perfect as anyone the good Lord ever created. While truth be told, she wasn’t perfect, she was in our eyes. Mama cooked, cleaned, kept house, taught school, and still had time to spend with us both.
Mama taught us simple lessons….simply. Christmas is for family, Sundays are for Church, Family is the most important thing there is. Mama’s family was her greatest pride and joy. She nurtured us, she made every holiday special, she would call just to say hello, and she made sure that the simple things in a day were important.
As lucky as Sam and I were to have mama, two people were even luckier. They got to have her as a grandmother. Chelsea and Zack; mama’s angels. While being the son of Martha Rumsey had a lot of benefits, imagine what it was like to have her as a grandmother. Mother’s have to say no sometimes, grandmothers don’t. Chelsea and Zack, you dada loved you more than you will ever know. She celebrated every moment of joy you had and hurt when you hurt. Know that your dada will now be your angel, she will watch over you from heaven, just always remember don’t do anything to embarrass your dada and you will be fine.
Over 60 years ago Mama met the man that she would marry and she chose well. Daddy words will never be enough to thank you for what you have done for mama over the years. Life wasn’t always perfect, but you both fought to make it the best it could be. In mama’s final years, daddy was her caretaker; he cooked, he cleaned, he made sure she never missed a medication; he catered to mama’s every need. I honor what my daddy did for mama and hope that I can prove to be half the man he has been through the years.
Not a single day will go by that I won’t miss mama. She lived on her own terms, but she also died on her terms. She had everything planned; she made it easy for us. Last Tuesday mama sat Sam, Daddy and I down to tell us what she wanted for today, I guess you could call it her final lesson plan. Every detail was planned and I pray that we have executed it to her satisfaction.
As hard as death is, the last week has been a wonderful blessing. As a family we have all been together, we have laughed, we have cried, and we have talked about everything. I can safely say that we all had the chance to say evertything that needed to be said. Every I love you was more intentional, hand holds meant more and simple touches will be forever cherished.
I hope for each of you, when the day comes to say good bye to the most important person in your life that you will be as fortunate as we have been with mama’s passing. The Lord blessed us as a family by letting us has Martha Rumsey in our lives, and he blessed us again by taking her without pain, knowing she was loved by us and we were loved by her.
I attend a multi-cultural Church in West Palm Beach, Florida. We have over 60 nationalities represented in our Church. Several years ago one of our members died, a lady from Jamaica who had fought cancer for several years.
I made a comment to a friend from Kenya about how sad it was that she had died. My Kenyan friend said something that I will never forget and today it has more meaning to me than it ever has before.
My Kenyan friend said….. no Kendall, Deborah had not died, she has been promoted to glory.
Promoted to Glory…… promoted to glory!
What a beautiful way to view the passing of a loved one. So today, my mother is not dead, she is Promoted to Glory. On Sunday morning she crossed over to her glorious after life, no longer in pain, with lungs that would never need the help of an artificial device to breathe again.
Mama ran into heaven and into the arms of Tommy. She now sits with the Lord in a huge celebration of a life well lived, enjoying her time with ma-ma, gramps, Pa and me-ma, Uncle Larry, Lloyd, Bubby, Aunt Tenie, Bridget, Vickie and Gracie.
A celebration worthy of a promotion…. A promotion to glory!
Friday, February 12, 2010
My Valentine
I first met my Valentine on April 28, 1964. From that day until today she has held my heart.
From the first day I met her, my Valentine has loved me without question. She comforts me when I am sad, she celebrates my successes and provides guidance through every step of my life.
As a child she kissed my bumps and bruises, as an adult she kisses my heart.
Through almost 46 years of life, I have never doubted my Valentine's love, not for one day, not for one moment.
I cherish every memory with my Valentine. She talks to me about the things that matter, she talks to me about the journey of life and she talks to me about nothing of importance..... we just talk.
My Valentine warms my heart through memories, through her actions, through her being.
Growing up I revered her, today I honor her. She is my friend, my confidant and my Valentine.
From the first day I met her, my Valentine has loved me without question. She comforts me when I am sad, she celebrates my successes and provides guidance through every step of my life.
As a child she kissed my bumps and bruises, as an adult she kisses my heart.
Through almost 46 years of life, I have never doubted my Valentine's love, not for one day, not for one moment.
I cherish every memory with my Valentine. She talks to me about the things that matter, she talks to me about the journey of life and she talks to me about nothing of importance..... we just talk.
My Valentine warms my heart through memories, through her actions, through her being.
Growing up I revered her, today I honor her. She is my friend, my confidant and my Valentine.
She is my mother...... Happy Valentine's Day Mama! I love and appreciate you more than you will ever know.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Slippery Slopes
It has been abnormally cold in Florida over the past couple of weeks. Last night it got down to 30 degrees at my house, the coldest night I have experienced here since I moved in 1996.
With the low temps, I have been thinking back to a time many years ago when I couldn't wait for the cold weather to arrive, the beginning of ski season.
God's Country is in the far northeast corner of Georgia, at the foothills of the Appalachian Trail. It gets cold in those mountains and each year we would have one or two really pretty snowfalls that blanketed the horizon.
When we built our house, mama's main wish was to have a wall of windows that she could sit in front of and watch the snows fall, she got those windows and we have watched many a snow shower from within the confines of that home.
In the 70s a group of developers built the southern most ski resort in our county, Sky Valley. It was a beautiful Alpine inspired resort with huge arching windows, intricate wood carvings and probably the smallest ski slope known to man.
With only a couple of snowfalls per year, Sky Valley utilized man made snow to keep it running. Once the temp hit 28 the big snow machines would be brought out and a base of ice (not really snow) would cover the slopes and the season would begin.
I began snow skiing when I was 11 or 12. I loved to slide down those icy slopes over and over again. Through many passes and slides, I became a pretty good skier.
Nothing was more exciting during those days than a school's out, snow day. Coach and Mrs. Singleton would pick me up early in the morning and joined by John, their son and an assortment of other friends we would pile into their old Scout and head for the slopes.
Piled into the Scout like a bunch of sardines in an aluminum can, we would make our way up the ice covered roads. Slipping and sliding the whole way. No seat belts, no airbags, basically a rag tag vehicle making our way up the mountain.
Once we arrive at Sky Valley we would spend the whole day going up and down that tiny slope. Some wonderful friendships were formed there and memories that will last me forever.
At the end of the day, mama and daddy would pick us up in our Jeep Cherokee. Another rag tag vehicle with no seat belts, no air bags and we would slide our way back down the hill.
Over the years mama, daddy and the Singletons made that trip hundred of times. Many times when they probably shouldn't have, but their boys wanted to do it, so they did.
I can still taste the hot chili from the lodge dining room and feel the cold air hitting my face as we made our way to the top of the hill on a chairlift.
My love for snow skiing continued through high school and into my first year of college. Those were great times, innocent and exciting.
Today, Sky Valley is a shell of its former self, it is sad to see how things have changed there, but my memories of that time will always keep me warm when the temperature dips.
With the low temps, I have been thinking back to a time many years ago when I couldn't wait for the cold weather to arrive, the beginning of ski season.
God's Country is in the far northeast corner of Georgia, at the foothills of the Appalachian Trail. It gets cold in those mountains and each year we would have one or two really pretty snowfalls that blanketed the horizon.
When we built our house, mama's main wish was to have a wall of windows that she could sit in front of and watch the snows fall, she got those windows and we have watched many a snow shower from within the confines of that home.
In the 70s a group of developers built the southern most ski resort in our county, Sky Valley. It was a beautiful Alpine inspired resort with huge arching windows, intricate wood carvings and probably the smallest ski slope known to man.
With only a couple of snowfalls per year, Sky Valley utilized man made snow to keep it running. Once the temp hit 28 the big snow machines would be brought out and a base of ice (not really snow) would cover the slopes and the season would begin.
I began snow skiing when I was 11 or 12. I loved to slide down those icy slopes over and over again. Through many passes and slides, I became a pretty good skier.
Nothing was more exciting during those days than a school's out, snow day. Coach and Mrs. Singleton would pick me up early in the morning and joined by John, their son and an assortment of other friends we would pile into their old Scout and head for the slopes.
Piled into the Scout like a bunch of sardines in an aluminum can, we would make our way up the ice covered roads. Slipping and sliding the whole way. No seat belts, no airbags, basically a rag tag vehicle making our way up the mountain.
Once we arrive at Sky Valley we would spend the whole day going up and down that tiny slope. Some wonderful friendships were formed there and memories that will last me forever.
At the end of the day, mama and daddy would pick us up in our Jeep Cherokee. Another rag tag vehicle with no seat belts, no air bags and we would slide our way back down the hill.
Over the years mama, daddy and the Singletons made that trip hundred of times. Many times when they probably shouldn't have, but their boys wanted to do it, so they did.
I can still taste the hot chili from the lodge dining room and feel the cold air hitting my face as we made our way to the top of the hill on a chairlift.
My love for snow skiing continued through high school and into my first year of college. Those were great times, innocent and exciting.
Today, Sky Valley is a shell of its former self, it is sad to see how things have changed there, but my memories of that time will always keep me warm when the temperature dips.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Milestones....
January, the beginning of a new year. Wow, where did the last year go? And the one before that and all the ones since I was an 18 year old kid with my whole life in front of me.... where does the time go?
We measure our lives in milestones. New Years, birthdays, anniversaries. Sometimes we measure our lives in wealth, luxury cars, designer clothes.
What if in 2010 we measured our milestones daily, what if for this year we measured our self-worth in something more simplistic, something that could really make a difference?
One of the things I learned in 2009 was that kindness and compassion are still rampant in our society, it sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Do the people who have prayed for me, loved me and guided me know that I measure their past year as a success? Do the people who have done that for you know the difference they have made in your life.... sadly, like me, the answer is probably no.
What if for this year, 2010 we set new goals, not abandoning those that allow us to live the lives of comfort we already do, but smaller more tangible goals.
Kindness, compassion, understanding, love, friendship and grace.
How different would the world be if those were our guiding principles instead of who has the nicest I-pod, who can shout the loudest to get their point across, whose Mercedes is newer.... how different would the world be?
As we embark on a new year, with new goals and aspirations, wouldn't it be great if this year we measured our lives by what is really important, the kind of person we can become.
2010 like every year starts off with great promise, like a daffodil breaking through a soft bed of snow, the potential is limitless. My goal for 2010 is to be the best person I can be, to return the love, compassion and friendship I have been shown.
Several years ago I set a goal for myself.....
Some days I meet that goal, others I don't, but if I continue to strive for that ideal imagine how great my life will be!
It is expected that we measure our lives each year with those milestone moments, there is nothing wrong with that, but this year, my challenge for myself and you is to measure your life successes in smaller increments. Live each day to the fullest, honor your neighbor, and find a way to be of service to someone each day.
Service, it doesn't have to be something big. Helping a lady across the street is service, opening the door for someone, sharing a kind word with a stranger, it is all service. What if in 2010 we took it upon ourselves to make a difference, small differences added together to make a huge difference.
I continue to work towards financial security and having nice things in my life, that is expected... but this year, the small things are what I will use to measure my life.
Making a daily difference, that is a milestone I can be proud of!
We measure our lives in milestones. New Years, birthdays, anniversaries. Sometimes we measure our lives in wealth, luxury cars, designer clothes.
What if in 2010 we measured our milestones daily, what if for this year we measured our self-worth in something more simplistic, something that could really make a difference?
One of the things I learned in 2009 was that kindness and compassion are still rampant in our society, it sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Do the people who have prayed for me, loved me and guided me know that I measure their past year as a success? Do the people who have done that for you know the difference they have made in your life.... sadly, like me, the answer is probably no.
What if for this year, 2010 we set new goals, not abandoning those that allow us to live the lives of comfort we already do, but smaller more tangible goals.
Kindness, compassion, understanding, love, friendship and grace.
How different would the world be if those were our guiding principles instead of who has the nicest I-pod, who can shout the loudest to get their point across, whose Mercedes is newer.... how different would the world be?
As we embark on a new year, with new goals and aspirations, wouldn't it be great if this year we measured our lives by what is really important, the kind of person we can become.
2010 like every year starts off with great promise, like a daffodil breaking through a soft bed of snow, the potential is limitless. My goal for 2010 is to be the best person I can be, to return the love, compassion and friendship I have been shown.
Several years ago I set a goal for myself.....
Laugh each day and show grace to others.
Some days I meet that goal, others I don't, but if I continue to strive for that ideal imagine how great my life will be!
It is expected that we measure our lives each year with those milestone moments, there is nothing wrong with that, but this year, my challenge for myself and you is to measure your life successes in smaller increments. Live each day to the fullest, honor your neighbor, and find a way to be of service to someone each day.
Service, it doesn't have to be something big. Helping a lady across the street is service, opening the door for someone, sharing a kind word with a stranger, it is all service. What if in 2010 we took it upon ourselves to make a difference, small differences added together to make a huge difference.
I continue to work towards financial security and having nice things in my life, that is expected... but this year, the small things are what I will use to measure my life.
Making a daily difference, that is a milestone I can be proud of!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The BEST Year of My Life
Today will be my final post for 2009. I am leaving for an extended stay in God's Country on the 18th and will return home just before New Year's.
Before I go any further I want to wish you and your family a blessed Christmas, I hope that you are able to spend time with those you love and remember the true spirit of Christmas isn't about the gifts we give or the food we eat, but the gift that was given to us, so many years ago in the birth of our Jesus the Christ.
This year has been the most difficult of my life. I was laid off from my job, a job I loved, back in January. Sam likes to remind me that my lay-off occurred just 2 hours after President Obama was sworn in.
Never did I imagine that I would be in the place I am at 45 years old. The year has tried my patience, my faith and my self-worth. As much as I know my lay-off had nothing to do with my job performance, it still stings when you are told that your services are no longer needed.
I have struggled this year in ways that I wouldn't wish on anyone, but through it all I have made it through, in many ways a stronger man than I was when the year began.
Through all the crap of being laid-off, I have found so much. I have been blessed in ways that I never imagined and have renewed my faith in the power of simple acts of kindness through the people who have carried me through.
As poor as my bank account is, my heart and soul are richer than they have ever been!
In March, the people of Lake Park, Florida elected me to the position of Town Commissioner. After a grueling run-off, I beat a long-term incumbent with over 65% of the vote. The job of Commissioner has been the most rewarding I have ever had. If only I could live on $9,700 a year!!!!
In this year, I have given back to my community and I feel like we are on a good path for the future. Like most communities we face difficult challenges ahead, but we have grown together and will move forward together.
Through the blog and Facebook, I have reconnected with old friends and relatives. People I have not had contact with in decades returned to my life. It has been wonderful to hear from so many people and renewed friendships.
The blog has given me a joy for writing once again. Something I hadn't done in years, but I have found that putting the words on the blog have been cathartic for me, remembering the good and bad times of life is important and the blog has given that to me. Maybe someday I will find a way to make a living with my writing, it really is something that I enjoy doing.
Many of you have embraced the blog and sent me notes through the year to encourage me to keep going. You don't know how much those simple acts of kindness have meant, I will appreciate it forever.
There are many more stories to come and I look forward to sharing them with you in 2010! I hope in some ways the blog has helped you to remember the moments in your life that were important, the ones that helped you grow, made you smile and sometimes made you cry. Memories are a powerful thing, without them our pathway through life would much less meaningful.
2009 has renewed my faith in my fellow man. From a simple hug, kiss on the cheek or telling me you are praying for me, the most important lesson I have learned this year has been that the fellowship of man is strong and thriving, when one of us is down we can rally behind the person and lift them up...... you have done that for me.
I will never be able to thank you all enough for the compassion, prayers and love you have shown me. I hope someday to pass that along in your honor to others in need.
Finally, 2009 has drawn me closer to my family and those I cherish most. Mama, Daddy, Sam, Donna, Chelsea, Zack and Aunt Beck are the most important people in the world to me. My family keeps me on track, we bicker, we laugh and we cry together, but through it all we love.
The love my family has shown me during the past year has been incredible, never judging and always without question, I am honored to be a member of the Rumsey clan!
Yes, in many ways 2009 has been a horrible year, one that I would like to forget. However, the lessons I have learned will be invaluable to me as I move forward in life. You can take my job, my money and my status, you can't take my compassion, love and the gifts that have been given to me through this year.
I will survive this and come out the other side stronger than ever before. Life isn't about the jobs we hold, the cars we drive or the money we make, it is about the friends, family and memories we cherish.
To all of you, thank you for being a part of my 2009 in more ways than I can measure the BEST year of my life!
Before I go any further I want to wish you and your family a blessed Christmas, I hope that you are able to spend time with those you love and remember the true spirit of Christmas isn't about the gifts we give or the food we eat, but the gift that was given to us, so many years ago in the birth of our Jesus the Christ.
This year has been the most difficult of my life. I was laid off from my job, a job I loved, back in January. Sam likes to remind me that my lay-off occurred just 2 hours after President Obama was sworn in.
Never did I imagine that I would be in the place I am at 45 years old. The year has tried my patience, my faith and my self-worth. As much as I know my lay-off had nothing to do with my job performance, it still stings when you are told that your services are no longer needed.
I have struggled this year in ways that I wouldn't wish on anyone, but through it all I have made it through, in many ways a stronger man than I was when the year began.
Through all the crap of being laid-off, I have found so much. I have been blessed in ways that I never imagined and have renewed my faith in the power of simple acts of kindness through the people who have carried me through.
As poor as my bank account is, my heart and soul are richer than they have ever been!
In March, the people of Lake Park, Florida elected me to the position of Town Commissioner. After a grueling run-off, I beat a long-term incumbent with over 65% of the vote. The job of Commissioner has been the most rewarding I have ever had. If only I could live on $9,700 a year!!!!
In this year, I have given back to my community and I feel like we are on a good path for the future. Like most communities we face difficult challenges ahead, but we have grown together and will move forward together.
Through the blog and Facebook, I have reconnected with old friends and relatives. People I have not had contact with in decades returned to my life. It has been wonderful to hear from so many people and renewed friendships.
The blog has given me a joy for writing once again. Something I hadn't done in years, but I have found that putting the words on the blog have been cathartic for me, remembering the good and bad times of life is important and the blog has given that to me. Maybe someday I will find a way to make a living with my writing, it really is something that I enjoy doing.
Many of you have embraced the blog and sent me notes through the year to encourage me to keep going. You don't know how much those simple acts of kindness have meant, I will appreciate it forever.
There are many more stories to come and I look forward to sharing them with you in 2010! I hope in some ways the blog has helped you to remember the moments in your life that were important, the ones that helped you grow, made you smile and sometimes made you cry. Memories are a powerful thing, without them our pathway through life would much less meaningful.
2009 has renewed my faith in my fellow man. From a simple hug, kiss on the cheek or telling me you are praying for me, the most important lesson I have learned this year has been that the fellowship of man is strong and thriving, when one of us is down we can rally behind the person and lift them up...... you have done that for me.
I will never be able to thank you all enough for the compassion, prayers and love you have shown me. I hope someday to pass that along in your honor to others in need.
Finally, 2009 has drawn me closer to my family and those I cherish most. Mama, Daddy, Sam, Donna, Chelsea, Zack and Aunt Beck are the most important people in the world to me. My family keeps me on track, we bicker, we laugh and we cry together, but through it all we love.
The love my family has shown me during the past year has been incredible, never judging and always without question, I am honored to be a member of the Rumsey clan!
Yes, in many ways 2009 has been a horrible year, one that I would like to forget. However, the lessons I have learned will be invaluable to me as I move forward in life. You can take my job, my money and my status, you can't take my compassion, love and the gifts that have been given to me through this year.
I will survive this and come out the other side stronger than ever before. Life isn't about the jobs we hold, the cars we drive or the money we make, it is about the friends, family and memories we cherish.
To all of you, thank you for being a part of my 2009 in more ways than I can measure the BEST year of my life!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)