Friends of Dave #261: super soaker
And Just Like That....
Today is the day, Friends. It's official. One half century in the books for me.
During my small slice of time on the planet so far I have:
Visited 38 states, and have lived in 3
Seen parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Canada
Had one major surgery and gotten stitches on 4 different occasions
Completed 2 marathons and 1 half Ironman Triathlon
Spoken at one commencement ceremony
Gained and lost over 20 pounds in a two year span multiple times
Been fortunate to be present at the birth of 4 human beings
Been fortunate to never had to watch someone die
Been fortunate to have known 3 of my great-grandparents
Witnessed a group of people be struck by lightning
Learned how to both water ski and snow ski
Gotten at least 5 speeding tickets, having to appear in court twice
Managed to avoid being in any serious car accidents
Been hired more than 20 times and been fired twice
Made people both laugh and cry on purpose
Experienced tremendous joy, heart felt pride and crushing disappointments as a result of things my children have done or said
Caused others to have experienced the same myself
Eaten camel and ostrich
Sang Frank Sinatra songs in front of over 200 people at a wedding...more than once
Met Muhammad Ali
Written over 5 million words
These are just a few of the milestones, events, opportunities and skills that make up the entire unique mosaic of this one person's life over 50 years.
What does it all mean?
If you are looking for that answer in a short intro to an email newsletter, you are going to be sorely disappointed. I am still processing it all myself.
But I know that I have made an attempt to do something with my time. I have tried and seen new things. I have succeeded and I have failed. I have put myself out there and I have missed opportunities.
Most importantly, I have learned.
And maybe therein lies some of the answer. Maybe it is more about reflecting on the learning and the growing -- and the people and experiences we encounter that act as catalysts along the way.
It is not to marvel at all that we have done but to just appreciate the process itself.
So today I'm grateful for every memory, every scar, every argument, every award, every citation, every bead of sweat, every treat, every smile, every punch and every hug I have received since December 1971.
It's been a wonderful journey so far and I am so fortunate to have been on it. I'm looking forward to more learning in the days, months and years to come. Hopefully I am lucky to have many more opportunities to do so and maybe share a little bit along the way too.
Thank you for being there with me, Friends. To be continued...
XOXO
Dave
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