Gratitude

L.S. "Bo" Dean Jr.

Senior Human Resource Analyst at New Hanover County Serving and serving with our approximately 2400 public servants.

发布日期: 2015年11月30日

2016 thanksgiving tradition continues

Annual Thanksgiving Tradition: Year 16: 1600 things, events, feelings I am grateful for this year....

16 Years ago I started a list because a lot of folks I encountered were having a hard time or shared that they did not see a lot they could be grateful for in this area.

I had learned about writing gratitude lists to generate for myself the good around me and keep gratitude first in my heart and mind. So, I sent out a “gratitude” list of 100 things I was grateful for in Wilmington that year.

It was met with great success as it spurred on others to think about things they could be grateful for and draw attention to the positive and create perspective that might not always be in focus.

I decided, and have kept up, that each year I would do the list but make it equivalent to the number of years I had been doing it!

This year I am at 1600, and I am so glad to be able to have this exercise.

I include groups, things, organizations, service, and places.

Names are only used in reference to gifts..don't go looking for your name! LOL! :)

I GENERATE A NEW LIST EACH YEAR. This is stream of consciousness and I try and write it at once, over several hours. I had to do it this year over three days, so it is not as smooth, but it was a wonderful and meaningful journey.

Regardless of what my circumstances might be, regardless of what events may occur in my life, it is a tradition I will continue, because, I/we am/are blessed and it is worth remembering, offering thanksgiving, and sharing with each other!

I hope it will spark a list of your own and feel free to steal mine!

I am grateful for:

1.) My higher power, whom I know as God, who sustains, directs, and loves me.

2.) For the breath of life

3.) For 26 years and counting, one day at a time

4.) For entering our 20th year of marriage to the most amazing human being I could have ever been blessed with and the unbelievable revelations of love and understanding of self, togetherness, and commitment that this has brought.

5.) for being LEGALLY married in the state of North Carolina, my home state, my family’s state of nearly 400 years, and a place I love and serve with all my heart.

For my family of birth and the strengthening of our bonds
For watching my niece have her first home t
For spending time with my great nephews and their new goats at their place
For watching my other niece grow as a business woman and amazing mother
For playing ball with my great nephews at my sisters at Christmas
For sharing time with my aunt nell this year
For connecting with family on facebook
For being able to work on pictures and scan them to share with others so we all have the memories
For the wall of portraits I am stewarding that I pass every morning from my shower where I can be wished off for my days by those who are no longer with me and those who loved and cared for me for so loing
For gift of understanding these connections before they all passed
For the gift of love that transcends all other
For the gift of the certainly that I will see them somehow again
For the gift that they are with me each and everyday
For the gift of prayer that was shown to me not as a communication, but as a listening
For the gift of inventory to do a check
For the gift of looking at my motives
For the gift of seeing where unresolved issues dwell
For the gift of a spiritual life modeled for me
For the gift of values and morals modeled for me by powers of example
For the voice of conscience deeply rooted in me
For the life of my dearly departed Uncle Marshall
For the loving tribute paid to Marshall by so many on his passing this year.
For our beloved gift Jax and his unconditional love that he brings into our life every day.
For being able to walk Jax and enjoy seeing him bounce down the street
For the eye surgeons at VCA Wrightsville Beach Animal Hospital
For the endless grunts of joy with ear rubs with Jax
For the joy of seeing jax play with all at the Miracle Field and run free out there
For watching the joy of jax with Michael and how they give each other such love and life
For all my spiritual family who help me see God Daily through their actions, words, and mostly their love
For my spiritual mentor who gives me time, patience and love to help me continue on this journey
For LS fellowship
For the connection with those that see that gratitude is an action..a verb
For the connection with those who believe and understand progress not perfection
For the connection with those who are open to our differences and embrace our humanity and see our common connection as human beings with love and openness of heart
For the connection with those who do not take credit and see the workings of a higher power in each of us
For the connection with those who see that it is what we do that is important, not what we have or accumulate.
For the connection with those who are open to extending themselves to the risk of hurt
For the connection with this who are open to extending themselves to the risk of being loved
For the connection with those who are vulnerable
For the connection with those who trust they can be strong
For the connection with those who see that loyalty and integrity manner
For the connection with those who are forgiving as we are all human
For the connection with those are not absolutist
For being in a growth mindset
For helping others to see a way to a growth mindset
For the most amazing supportive friends ever
For the connections with friends old that we keep in touch for 20, 30 and 40 years over facebook and other means
For the connections and times with friends now in the present
For the ability to have friends
For the ability to be loyal and loving
For the loyalty and love I have from others
For the power of sharing our grief and healing in times of trial
For the power of sharing our joy and growing
For the amazing ways God is revealed in each person in my life
For the ability to discern more
For new friends this year who have shown me so much about loyalty, honor, service and respect.
For knowing more about humility
For the powers of example who help me be a better man
For the truth tellers who will share with me what they feel
For those who care enough to tell me when I am not on the right path
For those I witness who give, expect nothing, and share, and don’t hoard and dwell in excess
For the gifts of beautiful actions I see every day from so many I care for an about.
For a roof over our heads
For our home and staying put when I felt so challenged to have something different
For our back yard and the little garden
For the tree from mother’s yard in Raleigh which gives such blooms every year
For the connection across the fence to the best neighbor one could ask for
For watching jax try to dig through to the next yard to play with his pal!
For the birds who visit our yard throughout the year
for the magnolia blossoms that are so fragrant and abundant
for the sound of the wind chimes mother and Harold gave us on any given day
for the sound of the buoy chimes we got in the out banks years ago that echo in heavy winds
for being able to sit in our den and just be silent
for sitting with each other..and just being in our home
for the giant skylight and the look to the heavens as the best view in town
for the pieces of history that have now come to our home that remind me of times past, but build for times moving forward
for space to create, draw, color, write, and paint in our home
for the little gym in our garage
for all the meals we have
for food we are able to enjoy, but never take for granted
for air condition when it’s hot
for heat when its cold
for a dry home, no leaks when it rains and storms
for flooring that is solid beneath our feet
for electricity that is constant
for internet and connectivity
for clean drinking water
for having laundry in our home
for having shower and bath in our home
for having a refrigerator to keep food
for a stove and appliances to cook
for music, entertainment and other means of diversion in our home
for books! Lots and lots of Books in our home! (and I mean lots)
for art to enjoy
for the portraits of family gone from this world and the reminders of their presence
for a place to pray
for spiritual connections through scripture and writings
for spiritual connections through memories of things from along the journey
for pictures and albums to enjoy the moments along the way
for the Business Acumen and integrity of Bennie Sheally insurance
for a home base to have peace in order to be ready for the world
for clothes to wear
for shoes to walk in
for shores to run in
for sheets and blankets and pillows
for a bed to sleep in! Oh yes, a bed! J
for cups, plates, silverware, and household goods
for what makes the house, our home: so much love.
For the tree out front we have protected and cared for and welcomes us home everyday
For our neighborhood
For being able to walk without fear in our neighborhood
For the dog stations
For the extended neighbors
For the turtles in the community pond
For the lone tree on the retention pond that reminds me of the giving tree
For the leadership of our HOA who do their best
For our security enforcement officers
For Mr. Earl and Earl’s towing (yes, they are amazing and help to keep our neighborhood safe and keep it so that emergency responders can get to our homes, etc etc etc)
For the amazing handywork and support from Jimmy Rexelroad
For the painting company and professionalism of TJ Dreschel. Best in town
For fresh paint on our walls and color to embrace us
For the jets in my tub to soothe weariness
For Community Solutions Southeast, best management company around!
For a new roof and skylight this year
For 17 years in the same home! OMG (longest I have ever lived in the same house)
For being so close to the beach
For being so close to downtown
For being so close to work
For access to healthy food and choices for healthy and nutritious food.
For being so close to church
For Church of the Servant Episcopal
For the ministry of Very Reverend Catherine Powell
For the labyrinth in Church of the Servant
For the outreach and ministries of the Church of the Servant.
For still getting tidelines regardless of our attendance
For the rowan lecompte window in Church of the Servant
For the Rowan lecompte “Cartoon” in Church of the servant
For the Lobster fest at Church of the Servant
For the Bargain box of Wilmington
For all the grants to partners made from the monies of the bargain box
For all the free clothing to those in need
For the suitcases made for those who enter foster care with basics and something to love.
For the gardens surrounding the parish
For Christmas service
For the great Easter Vigil
For the extraordinary and soothing choir
For the sound of that organ filling the air
For being the spot of homecoming for Mama Weller
For LS Fellowship
For understanding more about the Kelly House
For the services to women and children through a better life through the Kelly house
For the alcohol free talent show and fundraiser for the Kelly house
For the committee for the fundraiser for the Kelly house
For the innocence of those who have never done an event who just believed in making a difference and doing good in the world
For the coincidences that never are
For the amazing talents of the performers for the first Cape Fear’s Got Talent
For the laughter of the comedic gifts of Blaire Postman
For the music of all the talent that came to sing, perform, and be a part
For the musical talents of mason peacock
For the musical talents of susan savia
For the musical talents of the Midatlantic
For the musical talents of L-Shaped Lot
For the musical talent of Jason Andre
For the musical talent of Randy McQuay
For the musical talent of Laura McLean
For the musical talent of Eric Miller
For the musical talent of broccoli brothers
For the musical talent of the Wilmington Symphony orchestra
For the musical leadership of Patrick Harris
For the musical Leadership of Reid Wallace
For the musical leadership and prowess of Steve Errante
For the musical talent of Wilmington Celebration Choir
For the musical Talent of Joey Gore
For the musical talent of Steve
For the Musical Talent of Will Maxwell
For the musical talent of Alan Upham
For the musical talent of Ben Sciance
For the musical talent of Chasity Scott
For the musical talent of Grenaldo Frazier
For the airlie concerts series
For the Wilmington peace Day celebration in Hugh McRae
For the Cape Fear Grandmother’s for Peace
for the drumming circle at the Wilmington Peace Day Celebration
for the gift of radio from Sandra McClammy
for the gift of radio from Brandon Hickman
for the gift of working with Brandon, Sandra and Frances at this year’s Heart walk
for the gift of TV news of Jon Evans
for the gift of TV news of Frances Weller
for the gift of community service and use of heart and soul and celebrity to make the community a better place of Frances weller
Weller wheels
Frans Fans
For the gift of serving events and sharing the voice and talent for hosting of Randy Aldridge
For Randy Aldridge in the morning doing such a great community job!
For the gift of serving events and sharing the voice and talent for hosting of Jon Evans
For the gift of radio of Foz
For the gift of service to the community and creating good in the morning and all day of Foz
For the gift of radio of Laura
For the gift of being an activist and using the radio to serve a better purpose of Sheila Brothers
For the gift of being an advocate with radio for the community of Jackie Jordan
For Port City Daily
For the music of WHQR’s 96.7
For the music at Christmas of WGNI
For the music on Sunday mornings on 97.3
For Teen Summit from Sandra and Big B
For the Rip the Runway and the honor of being involved
For the Lillie Ann Heggens Scholarship
For the example of service, commitment and care of B and Suprena
For example of service and commitment and care of Sandra
For The leadership and care of Shea Carver and Encore Magazine
For the Encore Awards
For Encore Restaurant Week
for Wilmington Biz Journal Daily emails
for the Biz Journal Expo
for the Biz Journal’s Health Care Heros
for Avril Pinder winning a Wilma Award
for the Star News
for still having a local newspaper
for SALT magazine (so beautiful!)
for the Star News Conscience Fair
all the non profits in the area who do so much!
Good Friends
Good Friends luncheon at Christmas
Playing santa every year at the Good Friends luncheon
Witnessing over 700 women coming together to help the community and work with Social Services to fill in gaps in services through Good Friends
The simple brown bag lunch at the good friends luncheon
The testimonies of helping others at Good friends
the empowerment of women at Goof Friends
the non-profit leadership of Joy Grady at Wilmington Health Access for Teens
Wilmington Health Access for Teens 20th Birthday party
Being honored to host the 20th anniversary event
The amazing partners speaking at the 20th anniversary
For the non-profit leadership of Joy Grady
For the fundraising and marketing prowess of Mary Martin
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Ashley Miller
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Eddie Stuart
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Kitty Yerkes
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Jennifer Bell
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Amy Feath
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Joy Wade
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Leslie Owens
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Kevin Thompson
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Janine Powell
For the fundraising ethics, prowess and mission driven worth of Mebane Boyd
For the Non profit leadership of Margaret Stargell
For the Rape Crisis Center
For the Open House Youth Shelter
For the methadone dispensing from Coastal Horizons and the hope in the face of the impact of opioid addiction and heroin epidemic in our region
For the substance abuse treatment at Coastal Horizons
For the non profit leadership of Joy Grady
For the non profit non profit leadership of Steve Spain
For Habitat for Humanity
For the homes created through Habitat for humanity
For the sweat equity and investment for persons of all abilities to have homes for life long subsistence and performance through Habitat
For the Turkey Trot at Wrightsville beach on Thanksgiving for Habitat
For the Golden Hammer breakfast for Habitat
For the guiding morals, values and convictions of Habitat and the dignity and worth of all persons in having homeownership
In providing the guidance to be good homeowners and stewards of homes through habitat.
For the restores and the means to continually produce means to operate habitat while recycling and providing others with good homegoods
For the designer showcase with the REStores and showing how to take something old and make it fabulous and reuse it in a new and wonderful ways
For all volunteers who give time to make a home for others
For all volunteers who work the shops and events to make it possible to provide for those in need.
For the non profit prowess, acumen and leadership of Jennifer Bell
For Access of Wilmington the Miracle League
For emma’s hugs with that squeal
For playing “Happy” for craig
For being able to year after year to do the polar plunge with Craig and Tammy
for the pumping up of the crowd of Evan Cokes
for the gift that Erin shared for me
for the sisters, Bozart and Bannon making it happen week after week
for the looks on their parents faces of such joy and love
for the tears of joy that are shed EVERY single time we play
for ally husser getting down to YMCA
for john paits pure, loving enthusiasm
for every player’s ability
for the rubber on the field
for the brax employees statue to welcome all to the field
for the alpha mortgage/seacoast realty announcer’s booth
for the intracoastal realty communication board
for the trot and Kathryn Nixon outfield
for the solar farm
For the board of Access of Wilmington
For the fiscal conservatism and program driven expensing of the board of Access
For the ongoing partnership of Access/Miracle League and the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County in Olson Park
For Olson Park
For the new marker dedicated to Peggy Olson and all she has done and continues to do
For Peggy Olson period
For the life and legacy of Coach Joe Miller
For the new marker dedicated to Coach Miller and all he stood for for many generations to come to learn and grow from
For the Gregory memorial American Flag named for Mr. Gregory, WWII Veteran that we salute every game with the national anthem.
For the McKenzie Picnic shelter which has housed many a meal, sheltered programs, helped to celebrate birthdays and is named for a man who was NHC and played in the minor league team in NHC and his daughter now makes his name one of pride for his continued legacy.
For the Roya and Henry Weyerhaeuser Dugout and the many many players who play from it eveyry game and take the field with such a sense of joy and pride and glee and do so with ease because of what Roya and Henry invested in.
For the NEW Campagna Family Dugout. Dedicated to the amazing Rocky Campagna and his entire family who have literally been the saints of the field and coveted it with love, dedication, growth and sustenance.
For the Nixon Family and trot coming out to the field and he and Kathryn and the boys hanging out and always supporting every season
For Brax Cups
For The leadership and continued support of the Hexter Family
For the leadership and continued support of the entire Brax Company
For the leadership and support , and legacy of Coach Sheila Boles
For the leadership, support, love and legacy of the UNCW Men’s Baseball team
For UNCW Baseball being buddies with the players every game they can
For UNCW Softball being buddies with the players every game they can
For the SeaBells of UNCW being the voice of our league and singing the national anthem everygame with such beauty!
For the joy of being able to announce the games
For the joy of witnessing the parents, guardians and relatives see their players have joy and fun and play while sitting and cheering them on
For listening with our players who hear the beeper ball and the joy of the hit and swing when the ball connects to the bat
For the players who run the bases, all of them, because running, being able to just be out side and free to do so is so amazing
For the players who slide across the rubber into home and feel the excitement of being a player
For the buddies who assist and make sure all goes well for everyone
For all the laughter of the players every minute of everygame
For all the clapping for every hit
For all the clapping and joy for every return to home
For all the encouragement and patience for each player to succeed
For Dude and the other assistance Dogs who work with the players
For the UNCW Recreational Therapy students
For the Watson College of Education Students
For the other UNCW Student volunteers and buddies
For volunteers who play HOMER
For the dancing on the field and the happiness
For Truck 17 coming out to the field on Saturdays
For Shift C of the NHC Fire Department and volunteering to be buddies this year
For Eddie Biddenbach and the golf tournament
For Eddie Biddenbach visting out field
For J Michael philly Deli sponsoring a team
For Osprey Global Solutions sponsoring a team
For Exception Educators sponsoring a team
For NHRMC Rehabilitation Hospital sponsoring a team
For the Landfall Country Club Staff sponsoring a team
For donations of food from Chipotle
For donations of food from Uncle Louie’s
For Donations of Cookies for everyone from Sally Price at Goodness Gracie’s Cookies
For Cape Fear Memorial Foundation
For the PPD Field
For the moment when you see a player who could not swing with a tee, move to hitting a pitch and feeling that movement and joy
For the Softball Skills Camp
For the GAMES grant and access to the field for exercise and growth
For the access to the field for Schools throughout the area
For the field sign from Exceptional educators
For the field Sign from Parkway Volvo
For the field sign from Mega Corp
For Tammy Pruden’s Birthday Party for the Miracle League with the Imitations
For the Cam Art Day at the field with the Broccoli Brothers
For the Movie Night at the field under the stars with the families
For the “I am beautiful fashion Show”
For the amazing Miracle Makers Luncheon
For the leadership of George Rountree for the Miracle Makers Luncheon
For all my friends who filled three tables for the Miracle Makers luncheon
For the videos at the Miracles Makers Luncheon from Chad Porter
For the videos at the Miracles Makers luncheon from Emma Grace Wright
For Pine Valley United Methodist Church hosting our Miracle Makers Luncheon
For the UNCW Communications Studies Students marketing campaign for the Miracle League
For the Kiwanis Miracle playground
For the Miracle League, access, being able to burn our loan note!!!!!!!!!
For spending the day with Lucas on the playground
For the Morrison/Johnson family room at the miracle league park
For kickball games before the games with everyone
For the coaches
For services of Sarah Harris during her tenure for the Miracle League
For the pitching service of Taylor Shuler during his tenure at UNCW with the Miracle League
For Taylor Graduating
For those who gave for the health and well being of Kyle in money, time, care, meals, amazing demonstrations of love for a youth in our midst
For the blessings of Dr. Schreiber and his oncology team
For the blessings of fundraising with Quintiles ? Marathon and all those who gave and made it possible to raise money to help.
For the gift of those who care enough to make a difference for students at UNCW (always remembering the interim chancellor and barb Biehner)
For Kyle being Cancer free
For Kyle’s new hair! J
For Kyle and Sarah graduating and moving to Mexico
for witnessing the bravery and love of a young couple going through such an extraordinary time and being so powerful through it!
the most wonderful work in the world
for having a job that helps me grow and learn and stretch
for having employment period f
for being empowered in my work and in my growth
for being able to create emplowerment for others
to work in a team where we have each other’s backs and care deeply for each other
to work in an organization that is not perfect, but cares deeply about public service and who we serve
to witness on a daily basis the deep and abiding concern and delivery of service to individuals no matter who they are or where they come from or what their background is
to withness on a daily basis the desire to do the right thing
to be a part of the process on a daily basis to find means to deliver services in a way that meets needs and creates better outcomes
to be a part on a daily basis of encountering what makes us a better place
to be a part of something that will outlast me and does not need me but allows me to be a part and a contributing part
for me to feel like I have value
for me to have feedback that is positive
for me to be able to recogntize others and teach recognition and means to do so
for the ability to find partnerships and ways to engage the world to move us forward and build capacity
for me to have the privilege to getting to know the best of service and those who see the worst an find ways to support them and see to their success
for me to experience being with Fire Services
for me to have an experience being on shift in Station 17
for me to see that you never sleep in 24 hours
for me to see the family, the loyalty, the bond, and the WORK
for me to see the first call, the first in all. The detail and the amount of heart, soul and wisdom it takes to be that, always strength of character first, last of all strength of body
for being called brother
for understanding more to do more
for me to be on shift at 911
for me hearing the voice of calm as someone reaches out crying for help
for seeing the multiple ways and needs that a telecommunicator I shaving to respond while ensuring that the person on the phone is ok and taken care of.
For seeing the always that strength of character is first, last of all, strength of body.
for every department we have the honor of working with
for Crucial Conversations and Crucial Accountability
for leadership that wants everyone to succeed
for leadership that empowers that success
for a library system that engages veterans with services
for a library system that educates those in need on the affordable care act
for a library system that provides many with their only access to the internet
for a library system that connects and excites our youth to reading, literacy and the power of learning
for a library system that houses a place for engagement in our shared past and where we are going in the future
for our friends of the library board that help offset our costs for the library
for the library book sale which lights up my husbands face every time
for the librarians and all the things they do way beyond the working with books to navigating and negotiating dangerous encounters with the public and sheltering the homeless.
For the libraries’ access for us to e-books and online learning
For our parks and gardens
For the NHC Arboretum
For the new memorial gardens at the arboretum
For the encounter with the military veterans when the memorial was being installed and the emotion they felt over the garden
For the vision of Al Hight and all he does for the community and for the world of gardening and cooperative extension to make our world better
For the amazing programs of the ability garden at the NHC Arboretum
For the FOA at the NHC arboretum
For the wedding lawn at the NHC arboretum
For the japenese tea house at the arboretum and the peace and tranquility of that garden
For the dragon sculpture by dumay at the garden
For the water lilies in the fountain
For the second annual employee appreciation event at the arboretum
For buffalo wild wings and their generosity
For the family photos on the foot bridge
For the staff at the arboretum
For the league of volunteers at the arboretum
For the arboretum plant sale
For the art in the arboretum
For Airlie Gardens
For Airlie’s exhibition this year of Dumay Gorham’s works
For the owl in the tree
For the owl inspiring our 20th anniversary gift
For the giant hummingbirds
For the walks in the Spring and the renewal among the Tulips in the Spring Garden
For the walks in the concerts out on the pier listening to the music reverberate on the creek
For the excitement of the violin when the “devil went down to Georgia” when the midatlantic played”
For being able to spend time in the park with my husband and my mother in law and just relax
For the butterfly house
For Christmas always starting because of Enchanted airlie
For the Minnie Evans Bottle House lit up at Enchanted airlie
For the egrets in the oaks on the pond
For getting to know the staff for all parks better with training specific for them
For all the work that is done to make Hugh McRae accessible
For the grant that has been won through Trillium to make the playground accessible at HM
For the F3 group partnering to bring in the pull up bars in the park
For the F3 group meeting in the park in the mornings
For the faith of the F3 group and encouragement of each member
For the amazing opportunity to learn through ATD
For the trip the ATD conference
For meeting the authors of “Fish”
For meeting Bob Pike and new ways to train
For seeing new ways to engage and grow
For being able to go to the advanced graphic facilitation training in San Francisco
For flying and being able to enjoy the flight (because of the company)
For surviving four 50 foot drops on the way back! And being able to laugh about it!
For the spiritual connection made in the workshop to those engaging in the facilitation practice
For the walks on presidio and processing it all there
For seeing beach blanket bingo with Beth!
For seeing a process to walk folks through to find out their way for themselves and being that guide!
For implementing that with a group and seeing it happen when I got back and being a part of that process!
For walking into that training feeling not worthy and walking about feeling like I belonged and empowered and ready to change to world
For being able to visit Lucas Studios
For hanging out at the yoda fountain! J
For taking breaks at the palace of fine arts
Seeing ways to make a difference without injecting my own will on the world and tapping into something bigger and better
For the SWAIN Center for professional Development
For being on the SWAIN center advisory board
For the acumen of Diane Badash and the leadership of Tom Porter at SWAIN
For the first ever Public Service Professional Development Academy through SWAIN for NHC!
For the first co-hort successfully deployed for the PDS
For the faculty at UNCW who have joined in to teach for the academy
For the kick off luncheon and engagement session for the Academy
For the guidance and enthusiasm of my director and fierce supporter in all this.
For the NHC project management academy
For the acumen and expertise on Project management from Dr. Drew Rosen
For the NCH Supervisor Impact Training
For the New Skillsoft site
For the new interweb site for all training
For all the Reach for the Stars Program reaching a year and over 6000 recognitions!
For the first Reach for the Stars Banquet at Cape Fear
For Chad Porter being our speaker for the Reach for the Stars Banquet
For gift of partnering with CFCC for the Daniels Hall for this event
For the delightful catering from Pine Valley Market!
The Sheriff’s Explorers coming to volunteer for the event
Students from the Community Justice Program coming to volunteer for the event
The amazing NHC Recognition committee
The NHC Fire Services Honor Guard presenting the colors
For the most amazing trainer to work with and the acumen he brings, rick Titcomb
For the most amazing friends at work ever
For the fish tank in the government center
For the new green roof at 320 Chestnut
For the employee appreciation event at 320 Chestnut
For the partnering with CFCC
For the partnering with Wilmington Downtown Inc.
For the Partnering with the Arts Council
For the Partnering with Atlanta Bread Company
For the partnering with Fleet Feet
For the Partnering with Hook Line and Paddle
For the partnering with Community Fitness Solutions
For the programing that helps to bring wellness and fitness to the firefighters from Coach Knox and Community Fitness Solutions
For the programming that helps to bring wellness and fitness to social services from Coach Knox and Community Fitness Solutions
For so much of my needs and help, so grateful to my friend and all he does for me and so many, Brian Knox at Community Fitness Solutions
For the willingness for staff to do training around our history of NHC called “KNOW NHC: Past Present and Future” to look at where we have been, where we are going and where we are .
For the Cape Fear Musuem
For the exhibit, “Reflections in Black and White”
For the expert historian of Jan Davidson and curation of Barbara Rowe
For the exhibits that are recognizing all of our history and shared experiences
For the innovation with the space and utilization for a discovery park
For the amazing teaching that occurs in the museum for all students
For the museum boards and the guidance to ensure inclusion for all
For the preservation of the cape fear region’s story for future generations.
For the prrivledge of going the detention center and going in and behind the scenes
Seeing upclose the work the officers are doing to connect on the inside the danger on the outside to make an impact on the gang issues
For all the work the detention officers are doing to protect us but also to protect those inside as not all have been convicted and its complicated
For the work of the sheriff’s office on patrolling the north and south of the county
For the work of the SRO’s in our schools and the safety, comfort, security and sense of community they bring everyday
For the work of vice and narcotics and all they are doing to eradicate
the poisons that are eroding the communities around us
The collaborations with the sheriff’s office to reduce recidivism and make impacts on crime prevention
The sherriff’s citizen’s academy
The fire academy for youth in the summer working with the sheriff’s department to make an impression and teach youth about our public safety front lines
For putting me in the bucket and taking me up 50 feet! J
For the leadership of the Sheriff
For the leadership of the Chief of Fire Services
For all who serve in harms way
For the leadership of the Chiefs of police in the region, but most assuredly Ralph Evangelous
For the pretrial release program
For drug court and the intervention for creating whole lives
For community justice services
For going beyond set goals in reducing juvenile recidivism and making an impact on increasing youth getting through and maintaining success in schools
For the historic agreement reached between the courts, the school system law enforcement and cooperating agencies to make an impact on getting our students out of the prison pipeline
For the exemplary leadership in justice of Judge Jay Corpening
For the exemplary leadership in Justice of Judge Faison
For the exemplary leadership in Justice of Kathy Stoute and all her staff
for environmental services in New hanover county
for our Murph and ability to generate our own income on recycling
for the amazing job managing the waste in this area
for Pink Trash and their service not only to our home but to charity as a whole
for plan NHC and the look at creating a comprehensive plan for the next 25 eaqrs
for Plan NHC and including the entire community in looking at what we need and how we need to move forward
for the tax department and their re-evaluation process
for the accessibility of the tax department and the service they provide
to our IT department at NHC and all they do to support internally so we can servce externally
for our employee health clinic
for the flu shots we were given on site
for the ability to go to the clinic and get services as we need
for my regular physician Bart Williams
for Wrightsville Family Practice
for the extraordinary hours and ease that Wrightsville Family makes available
for having health insurance
for having life insurance
for having sick days, paid
for having vacation days, paid
for having holidays, paid
for having my own office
for having a retirement plan
for having access to a health and wellness program
to have incentives for health and wellness and be in a supportive environment for being healthy
for having rooms to train in
for the gift of speech
for believing in the values we share
for the shared values of professionalism, integrity, innovation, stewardship, and accountibilty
to feel connected to the mission and vision of the place I serve
for feeling connected to public service at my very core
for being connected with others who truly believe in public service at their core
for the extraordinary people in property management who literally keep our lights on and keep everything running
for the sunsets on the way out of work
for the flags over the south entrance and the clouds behind them on any given day
for the friendly woman at the coffee kiosk and sharing a story with her
for the delivery of lunch from the bowling alley next door
for being able to walk to Blue Surf if I want to
for being next to my PCJ on Racine for coffee
for being able to come home at lunch and be with Jax
for being so close by work
for the feeling like I belong
for knowing that I am accepted and cared for
for being allowed to help and be of assistance to others
for seeing transformation and changes happen and success
for being connected to the possible and empowered to make it happen with others
for the beautiful red brick courthouse
for being able to take part in the commissioners meetings and recognize service\
for sharing time in that historic space where so much history has occurred.
For the priviledge of being able to crawl up those ladders and that skinny flight of stairs and go up in that bell tower
To embrace the view from the bell tower
For being able to overcome the fear I have of heights and go up that tower and be rewarded with the views of the city and the river
To be able to share that experience of that tower with others
The cool feeling of walking across the ceiling of the commissioners chambers to get to the tower
For the ability to think for a minute what it must have been like to be in that building 150 years ago and look out form there and across.
For the health department
For the extraordinary delivery of flu vaccination to the community through the department
For the new clinic in the health department
For the maternal and child health services
For Dr. Kent Guion from UNCW’s Diversity and Inclusion office coming to the health department and doing a cultural competencies conversation
For the health education from the health department
For the HIV/AIDS walk held at the safety fair by the health educators this year
For the advocacy and speaking at the walk by Jeff Mills
For SAGE Wilmington and its founder Jeff Mills
For the Univeral Case workers at Social Services
For the Universal Case workers attending to clients and handling all the changes from NCFAST in such and amazing way
The Social Services Training Unit
The Social Services Social Workers
Adoption and foster programs through the Deparment of social services and all the advocacy and work they do for all these children in need
Gaurdian Ad Litem of the cape fear
The volunteers for Gaurdian Ad Litem who advocate for the children
The Methodist home for children
The fundraising prowess, integrity and grace of Regina Richardson Hawse.
The safety expo for the cape fear
All the vendors who came out for the safety expo
The NHC safety committee
For having the safety expo at CFCC
For the access for information about storm safety for all
For the Emergency operations center
For the emergency operatons center activation for the flooding this fall
For the emergency response to edgewater club road
For the firefighters at the command center who walked children to safety and home during the flood on edgewater club road
For the command center being so responsive to the needs of those who were stranded and in need of assistance
For the shifts of employees who served in the emergency operations center around the clock during the storm
For the EOC training to prepare all of us to be on point during a storm
To be a witness to those I work with receive recognition for their achievements
To see the implementation of new iniatives take place and be successful
To be allowed to be a part of new initiatives
For the partnership with UNCW’s clay studio
For the craftsmanship of Professor Aaron Wilcox
For the recognition of service of employees with a piece of hand thrown, crafted pottery, specially made at UNCW
For the partnership with Kids Making it
For the recognition of service of employees with a pen set crafted by underserved youth who are journeyed craftsmen creating hand turned pens of cape fear river wood for these employees and their service
For the efforts of Kids Making it and their ability to transform lives with skill teaching and entrepreneurship.
For the new location of Kids Making it on Castle Street with expanded workship
For the hippie ball for Kids Making it
For the non profit leadership of Jimmy Pierce
For the retention rate of students completing high school and going on to higher ed through Kids Making it
For the ability to go in and shop at Kids Making it
For the laser engraving for in wood at Kids Making it
For the phenomenal financial stewardship of the Finance department in NHC
For the leadership of our elected register of deeds Tammy Beasley
For the slave records being accessible and the revelation of these records connecting families to their past and ensuring that this history is always available and understood
For the work to preserve the records and make them more accessible in the register of deeds office
For the program to provide veterans with discounts and resources through the ROD office
For the ROD ensuring that all would be served as the law was adjusted and made marriage available to all.
For the northeast library’s executive development center
For the classroom space for groups to be able to train, meet and hold meetings
For our congressman having an office in the government center to be accessible to constituents in the district
For the city of Wilmington parks advisory board
For the county parks advisory board
For the boards and committees for citizens throughout the county
For the employees of the Wilmington Housing Authority
For the continued work on choice neighborhoods on the northside
For community gardens in our communities with food desserts
For the foot patrols continuing in Creekwood and other housing communities
For the ABC Board of New Hanover County
For the ability to train and work with the dedicated staff of the ABC Stores
For the income from the sales of liquor going back into the community
For the airport authority
For the new leadership and vision at the airport under Julie wilsey
For the development of the property and expansion of use and revenue production
For the lounge at the airport
For the rocking chairs at the airport and it retaining the feeling of “Wilmington”!
For the leadership of our County Commissioners
For the Leadership of the Wilmington City Council
For the amazing leadership of our Sheriff
For the leadership and direction of our DA
For the maintenance of our retention ponds and standing water and keeping the mosquitos at bay
For environmental services keeping us safer from diseases as a whole
For the leadership of Superintendent Markley
For the leadership of Special Education leader Julie Askew
For our public School teachers, assistants and educators as a whole throughout the system
For our school nurses
For our school nurses working so closely with Wilmington Health Access for teens in our High Schools
For our WHAT on site health clinics in our high schools
For our WHAT main site clinic on oleander
For the ability to provide primary and mental health care to our youth onsite through WHAT
For UNCW
For the students at UNCW who volunteer throughout the community as a whole and enrich the lives of so many
For the faculty of UNCW who don’t just do research and teach, but who are actively involved in the community, giving back and making huge differences
For the Baseball program at UNCW showing athletic prowess, integrity, good academic standards, good character, high standards, and living by example.
For the Softball program at UNCW showing athletic prowess, integrity, good academic standards, good character, high standards, and living by example
For the Men and Women’s soccer program at UNCW, showing athletic prowess, integrity, good academic standards, good character, high standards, and living by example
For the track program and the track being saved, as this, among all the programs shows a group of the most diverse, highest academic standards, with the integrity, good character, high standard and living by example like the others.
For the math department, our family business J
For the Honors Scholars College, always my home, my heart.
For the undergraduate research and work
For the leadership of the new Dean of the Watson College of Education
For being a part of the Watson College of Education Advisory Board
For the work to produce teachers, educators to meet the needs of the 21stcentury in such a superior way through Watson
For the atrium in the Education of building that I will always be grateful for because of Bob Tyndall’s tenacity.
For the maker spaces that are being created by the faculty of the Watson College to inspire and innovate
For the cutting edge technology and practices in teaching delivery coming out of Watson
For the new dean of the Cameron School of Business
For the Cameron Executive Network
For the business acumen through Cameron and the engagement with the community
For the beauty of the campus
For the cross city trail running through the campus
For running the “loop” around campus.
For the loop around campus being exactly three miles
For the sunsets rounding the corner on the track
For the beauty of the pines on the front of campus
For the growth in the trees on the cross city trail
For the LGBT Resource Center
For the Ann Boseman Flack Gallery in the Union
For the AIDS remembrance quilt still hanging that we made and mother quilted
For Harold’s photograph on display in the permanent collection
For the Honors Lounge in the fisher union and the TV WORKS! J
For coffee meetings in Fisher
For events in the burney
For the old warwick still hosting events
For the Kate Bruce/ Diane Levy Honors Scholarship being endowed
For the John Myers Arts Scholarship
For the LS Dean Honors Scholarship continuing
For the Ada Zola King Dean Nursing Scholarship
For the Boseman-TenHusin Scholarship
For the Thad Dankel Scholarship
For the E.L. White Society
For all the investments people make into scholarships for students at UNCW
For the Alpha Phi sorority for always helping with the heart walk
For Schweitzer Awards at UNCW
For Katrina Knight at Good Shepherd getting the Schweitzer Award at UNCW
The non profit leadership if Katrina Knight
The Good Shepherd Center
The fierce advocacy for the homeless through the Good Shepherd Center\
The Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network
All the churches who are open their doors to house families who are homeless
All the churches who are support churches for families are homeless
The transitional housing that WIHN owns and operates.
For every moment waking up and Michael is there
For the realization that the transition of my mother has come in the form of their love for me is with me and part of me.
For the joy of my marriage every day being so powerful and real and more so as we grow old together
For just being able to share time together
For the joy of Hearing Michael laugh to futurama
For the joy of watching Michael enjoy a new puzzle
Being able to get away even for a few days
Walking in the light rain through Brookgreen gardens together
Our Spring time walk in Airlie
Our time in Enchanted Airlie with Martha
Thanksgiivng with Marth and Harold
Christmas with Martha
Seeing that smile of guilt and joy when a donut is near!
Hearing him play the piano in the house and just being calm and relaxed
The Nancy Phelps Hodges and Marth Stines Freeze Women’s Empowerment Scholarship at CFCC
Scholarships at CFCC
The amazing programs to help people re-tool their lives at CFCC
The partnership with CFCC to do so much to engage people in skill building
The 911 Memorial at CFCC
The Fire Memorial at Empie Park
The new Fire Station on Cinema Drive
The Strategic Management academy with Dr. Tom Barth
The service of the Masters of Public Administration program at UNCW
The MPA fellows program at New Hanover County
The leadership of NHC in establishing and modeling a MPA program
The leadership and creation of the MPA fellowship program of Dr. Tom Barth
The strategic management academy putting so many of us together from different countys
Learning more about how others operate in management as public servants
The faculty of the MPA program
Having the strategic management academy at Halyburton Park
Learning more about Halyburton and the natural preserve that it is
For the preservation of key acreage in the middle of the city of Halyburton
For the early morning walks in Halyburton before class
The incredible work of examining and looking at ethics overall
our lowes grocery on south college road
our lowes grocery being remodeled
all the care and personal attention at our grocery
seeing miss sarah on the register for all these years at the grocery store
for joe and szheuan
for blue surf and the Cuban!
For the sushi special at Nikkis on Fridays
For the my PCJ on raciness
For the care and customer service of all at the PCY on Racine
For all that PCJ does for so many to make good things happen
For the coffee at PCJ
For the help and service at NHRMC
For the Betty Cameron Children’s Hospital
For the service from everyone at NHRMC and all they do for so many
For the Willie Stargell Dialysis Unit
For the Willie Stargell Foundation
For the celebrity players who are so loyal who come to the willie stargell tournament
For the pictures of the players at the dialysis unit
For the joy of seeing Devlyn enjoying for every moment with the celebrities
For the approval of the charter for GLOW: Girls Leading of Wilmington School for Girls
For being allowed to come to the parent/guardian/student event for the GLOW summer camp and see the wonderful activites and events for the school
For the most special gift of a cresh
For gifts from friends period
From cards and messages that come
From words and texts that come when least expected
For the love I know is there
For the love that is expressed
For the friendship which is so powerful
For knowing trust
For knowing loyaly
For being able to be trustworthy
For being able to be loyal
For being failthful
For being worthy of having someone be faithful to
For being worthy and understanding more of humility
For knowing the unconditional love of God and being congniscent of the grace and responsibility
For not feeling compelled, but glad of heart to share and be a part of all this
For letting go more and more of things I cannot control to be free to participate in things that I can be useful for and with
For letting go, without judgement, of relationships that are not consistent with the direction of my life and being open to new and loving ones while still being able to love
for not being afraid
for not being in a place where worry prevails
to be able to sing
to be able to be silly
to be able to feel when it is appropriate and not
to be able to live more fully
to be able to cook food for us
to work in a place where I can cook and take care of myself
to be able to have not only clean water but to be free of all soda now for almost four years!
To be free of fast food for six years to date
For being able to go to a gym to work out when I need to
For the 02 gym being accessible and clean
For the help that some of the trainers at 02 have given to me at the gym
To see the powers of example at the gym who are supportive and helpful for me on my ups and downs on the journey
For the ability to keep moving forward through the downs in my health journey
To not have given up when I have hit a rocky spot on my own health and wellness
For the loving support and ability to throw around a medicine ball at work! J
For the health center work out area at work
For the ability to get up and walk around at work
For the LELO running app on my phone
For the map my run app on my phone
For having music to keep me motivated on my phone
Having a smart phone at all, I don’t take these things for granted
For having inspirational apps on my phone for daily readings
For being able to download books on my phone
For books to be able to read and grow on my phone
For encountering people who talk and share about books for growth and wellness
For being connected on facebook to mentors and friends who keep me growing
For the connection to elin while she is artist in residence in Japan and the amazing journey with Hiroshima
For the learning and listeing to her journey in Japan juxtaposed with world events of late
For the connection with Karl in Mexico and Ct.
For Karl’s reminder for now 26years of living life to the fullest and being about creating good and doing good and the next right things
For the coonection with my childhood friend joel and having a piece of his art in our house
For the art of Joel Berquist
For keep connected to so many from so many parts of my life whether we speak often or not, it is that connection that is so special and keeps good things flowing always
For letting go of cable and be cable free now
For limiting the the news and the fear mongering in our lives
For being open to seeing and looking for resources that balance out and research what is happening in the world and for my mother who taught me to do this
For the business leadership, ethics and partnerships of Danny Dahl
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Jim Moore of James Moore Insurance
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Alan Gregory and Gregory Construction
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Andy McVey and Murchison, Taylor and Gibson
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Michelle Clark and her realty team
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Patrice Willetts and Property Shop
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Tony Harrington and the Property Shop
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of first citizens bank
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Anlyan and Hively
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Jeff Lesley Realty
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Olson Farms
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Gib Laitte
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of the Country Club of Landfall
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Frances Goodman
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Barb Beihner
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Bret, Kelly, and and all at UBS
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Harrison Sasser and the Gentlemen’s Corner
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Gary Shipman and Shipman and Associates
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Kathy and Chrisite and Pine Valley Market
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Wilmington Biz Journal
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Live Oak Bank
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Jack Barto and NHRMC
The lean team at NHRMC
The welcome and open opportunity to learn from Judy Yankey and Greg Firestone at Lean NHRMC
Being able to witness the lean process at work in NHRMC
The millions in Savings to all of us at NHRMC through LEAN
The focus on the patient through LEAN
Being a participant in the Kaizen event
Being a witness to the passion and investment of care of the staff of NHRMC
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Chuck Earney CPA
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of lean President Amanda Lee at CFCC
For the transparency and commitment to public service and to the citizens we serve of president Amanda lee
For the transparency and commitment to public service and to the citizens we serve of county manager Chris Coudriet
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of the entire group of restaurants with the moushakis family
For time on the pier at the oceanic
For the manager of the oceanic helping make our 20th anniversary very special
For the wonderful service and times at the oceanic
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of the group of restaurants with Boca, brasserie, OC, and townes
For seeing Michael light up at the banana fosters at boca! J
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Cathy Luna and Luna Ad
For the Business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Charles Davis and Sean Franklin at SawMill restaurant and catering
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of the laymon group
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of the wells insurance group
For the business leadership, ethics, and partnerships of Steve Coggins
For the business leaderships, ethics, and partnerships of Hansen Matthews
For the leadership ethics, and partnerships of Brandon Knox and Community Fitness Solutions
For the amazing wisdom of Tom Morris
For the posting on LINKEDIN by Tom Morris
For the ministry of Reverend McLaughlin
For the ministry of Reverend Henry
For the ministry of the Very Reverend Powell
For the ministry of Reverend Walker
For the ministry of Reverend June HighFill
For the ministry of Reverend Richard Elliot
For the ministry of St. John’s Episcopal
For the sing on the street that says “blessings to all who pass here”
For the outreach of St. Andrews Presbyterian and the prom dresses for young women
For the resources for mental health of carrie clements
For the resources for mental health of nova swanstrom
For the resources for mental health of rich olge
For the resources for mental health of joe kertez
For the resources for mental health of louise Coggins
For our public defenders office
For our district attorney’s office
For the advocacy for those in our community who are in need of help at the worst of times through the court system
For Judge Ray
For Judge Crouch
For Judge Robinson
Judge Noecker
Judge Luther
For the outcome of our city elections
For all who seek public service and elected office honestly and not self servingly
For all who serve with intent for service to the people
For all who see service without need for something in return
For all who see public life as a life of value and one worth living
For all who give to the common good
For the convention center
For St. Thomas Preservation Hall
For the further development of the inland greens park and its opening date coming soon
For the trails in the woods behind UNCW
For the sewhawk sculpture at the front of UNCW
For the seahawk sculpture next to the Business building in the side courtyard
For the Shinn plaza courtyard between honors and the international house
For the meaningful iron dome on Shinn plaza
For the legacy of honors and undergraduate research of Jerry Shinn
For the sunsets over the pond on the autumn hall shell cross city trail
For the access to the cross city trail through the woods from our house
For escaping the city in the woods at UNCW and being completely at peace
For the reminder of Gary Shell’s legacy on the sign posts along the way on the trail
For the wooden bridges along the way on the trail
For broccoli soup at Panera
For atalanta bread sandwiches
For healthy eats at Epic
For the culinary excellence of James Bain
For the culinary excellence of Silverstri Masters “Smokey”
For the culinary excellence of Christi Ferreti
For the culinary excellence of Keith Rhodes
For the comfort of Something fishy
For the best seafood for us always at Fish Bites
For the amazing sushi at Nikkis
For the best service and food at chipoltle Mayfaire
For the such good greek salad at zoes
For having so many options for going out to eat
For the best steak at Texas Roadhouse (yea, I said it. And it is!)
For the good people at Surf House
For ordering in at the office at breaktime
For feeling like we are family at brasserie
For feeling like we are family at positalia
For the culinary excellence of chef nina
For the amazing service, care and love for all at the tavern at CCL
For the amazing group of service from all at CCL
For a “club” that is inclusive and welcoming
For skills to discern
For the ability to discern
For the necessity to dicern
For the ability to share discernment without shutting down the feelings and beliefs of others
For a God who shared with me that what someone says and does is not always who they are and to never shut someone completely out.
For running with Amanda and Matt on the loop
For watching friends grow and have victory and success
For snapchats from Aubrey and watching ADA get bigger by the day
For all the social media and ways to stay connected and share good things
For watching youngin’s buy their first homes and find roots
For being able to be a resource from time to time for those looking for things
For understanding it is about facilitation, not taking credit
For bangz hair salon
For the business acumen, ethics and partnerships of Bangz
For the amazing customer Service of Jess and Margie and all at Bangz
For the few times hunter can still wash my head as he gets so famous as a cutter!
For watching someone like hunter grow and become successful
For the ever changing décor at Bangz and the fun it brings
For the continued health and well being of Frank
For the continued health of all who have walked journeys
For the fact that I still have hair!
For the wigs for women with cancer that Salon Beyond Basics is doing
For the wigs that Laura Hexter is doing with the Copper Lily Salon
For the outreach that Salon Beyond Basics does with so many fundraisers and charities
For the cape fear literacy council
For the business ethics, acumen and outreach of Cape Fear Audi and Cape Fear Landrover
For the programs for adults in literacy at the cape Fear literacy Council
For the non profit ethics, leadership and integrity of Yazmin at the Literacy council of the lower cape fear
For the health and wellness outreach of nick and wanda kentrolis at Crest Fitness
For NHRMC making sure their employees have a gym for health and wellness
For Chris McAbee at live oak bank and coming to warm up the heart walk
The Windell Daniels remembrance at the heart walk
The prayer this year offered by Sheriff McMahon
The dancing with Frances on stage at the heart walk this year!
The amazing mix of Saundra at the heartwalk
Sharing the stage with B, Frances and Saundra for the heart walk
The kids in their superhero capes for the heart walk
The dog areas for the heart walk
Having the heart walk at Marfaire this year
All the sponsors for the heartwalk
The ELT for the heartwalk
Pete Devita getting the lifestyle change award from the heart walk
For NHRMC coming out to do hands only CPR for the heart walk
For PCJ giving coffee for the heart walk
For the College of Health and Human Services being a sponsor for the heart walk
For the Watson college of Education being a sponsor for the heart walk
For all those who gave to my birthday party annual heart walking giving
For the furniture finds on facebook
For the Wilmington yard sales on facebook
For the health and wellness outreach of Jai Dobias-Shaw
For the health and wellness and recover of the Wilmington family YMCA
For the YMCA express at Market and Kerr
For the capital campaign for YMCA
For the YWCA
For having my mother in law here in Wilmington
For dinners out with Martha
For the ivy cottage
For warehouse at the ivy cottage
For the gift of knowing that when I have on finger pointing out at others, I have three pointing back at me.
For the gift of the mindset of “have a nice day unless you have made other plans”….and the gift of acknowledging my respoinsibilty in my own life and well being
For the ability to admit when I am wrong (eventually..and hopefully I will get better and better about doing it more quickly! J )
for the most amazing gift ever of having someone I love and adore want me to be a role model/friend and mentor for her 5 year old
for every moment of the two hours a week I get to spend with this amazing young man
for the love and gratitude in my heart for just showing up and being allowed to do any of what I am allowed to facilitate
to look up at the moon and marvel
to look this child and think of how this world HAS to be better for him
to look at this child and think of how WE have to make this world ok for him
to look a this child and think what can I be doing to make today the best it can be
to KNOW that what I do in my own little space DOES effect others
to feel that connection and feel like it is a priviledge all around
for Wilmington Friends School for Children
for the Cape Fear Center for Inquiry
for the Wilmignton Arts and Sciences Academy
for the Isaac Bear Early College
for the CFCC early College
for all those who see egalitarianism and opportunity, a balance between direct instruction and inquiry as a way to bring our youth into a better place for thinking and being
for the NAACP and all their advocacy
for the leadership and advocacy of Deborah Maxwell
for Cape Fear Equality
for the board and leadership of Cape Fear Equality
for St. Jude’s MCC
for the Men’s Fellowship at St. Jude’s MCC
for Wilmington Pride
for positive and affirming places and resources for all LGBTQI Persons on facebook and online
for the Frank Harr Foundation
for the life and legacy of Frank Harr
for the castle Street Antique District
for Michael Moore Antiques
for Port City Properties
for Just for Buyers Realty
for the life and Legacy of Karl Davis
for the Karl Davis Leadership Wilmington Alumni Award at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
for the Leadership Wilmington Program
for Hands on Wilmington
for the Economic Scorecard coming together
for the leadership on the chamber
for the chamber foundation
for the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
for the butterfly house at Fort Fisher Aquarium
for the gardens surrounding the aquarium
for the white alligator and cape fear river area at the aquarium
for the big tank and the amazing features of the aqurarium
for the accessible playground at the aquarium
for the end of the island past the aquarium and the area for kayaks
the sunsets at that end of the island
The lives of those honored at the dignity picnic
For being able to continue to grieve this year and hopefully be there for others this year
For being able to share some very special time with Leanne and Harold and go through some thigns of mothers and work on sharing them and moving on in some ways
For being able to show up to loss the best way I can this year
For the life of Muty and watching from a far the letting go with another friend I love very dear.
For the life of Little Liam Batton, who I joined so many in prayer for, and will always rejoice with angels
The life of Eric Redolphy and the life he lived with Micah
The life James Faison Sr. and the legacy of service and devotion to the community as a whole
The life of Pat Delair
For the friendship, love and life of memories of one of the heros in this world, Katherine Weller
For the life and lifetime of joy of Uncle Marshel
For the life of Michael Hall who departed way too for all
For the life of Eugene Murphy, as he gave me my friend beth and is with her so powerfully
For the life of Joyce Anderson, who I loved and made my friend Michelle whom I adore
Learning about the song old Danny boy and how much moms Weller loved it
For being able to speak at momas funeral
For being able to give the invocation at the heart ball
For being able to give the invocation at the YWCA woman of achievement
For being able to give the invocation at the coastal horizons annual dinner
For being able to tell the story moms told me of racial awareness and living a life of love and inclusion
For being able to host and mc the power of the purse event for what
For being able to host and mc the anniversary of What
For being able to mc and give the invocation for the nourish north Carolina event
For Nourish North Carolina naming a new Executive Director, Steve MccCrossan
For the volunteer leadership and chairing the Nourish Gala of Shannon Thompson
For the thousands of New Hanover County Children that Nourish NC helps to give nutrition to at home
For the awareness that Nourish brings to the community of 1-4 children going hungry and filling that need
For the “packing” events and the families and groups that work together to put together the food for the children
For the schools and particularly the teachers who ensure the students are getting the food with discretion and dignity
For the Nourish NC food drive through the recognition committee at NHC
For the fire service at NHC taking the lead on collecting food for the Nourish NC during the drive and helping other departments to take in food from the public
For the Fill the boot campaign that fire services does every year for MDA!
For this being the 60th year that fire services has done the fill the boot campaign
For the over 75K that is raised during this campaign for MDA
For the firefighters who take shifts and makes this happen in busy traffic
For the volunteer leadership of Captain Ben Bobzien in making this effort successful
For being witness to all the amazing giving so many make every day to the community at large
For the leadership as chair this year for the heart walk of Mary Margaret Vann
For the leadership as chair this year for Power of the Purse of Denise Szalosky
For the leadership as chair this year for the Hospital Gala of Beth Quinn
For the amazing work of the She Rocks organization for Ovarian Cancer
For the Leadership of Beth Quinn and Mary Barto and She Rocks
For the Leadership in the awareness raising, year after year, of Breast Cancer of Frances Weller
for the She Rocks Luncheon
for the amazing run in Brunswick forest for She Rocks!
For being able to kayak
For kayaking out further than ever this year
For seeing schools of dolphins while kayaking this year
For encountering the egrets in the marsh
For seeing the blue crabs under the boat as I paddled through the shallow areas
For the amazing peace and quiet in the grasses and away from the channel of boaters
For the immense sense of peace on the boat
For the release from the world out on the kayak
For finding new channels and places this year on the kayak
For sitting in the water on the diminishing republic and watching the boats go by
The diminishing republic
To be able to launch under the draw bridge at WB
To live so close to the waterway
To have a kayak
To have a car where I can transport a car
To be able to fit into a kayak
To have the strength to paddle
To be able to share my paddling with others
To have time to listen to God out on the water
To have time to speak to God out on the water
For another amazing year of running period
To be able to let go of some of my grief on my runs
To be able to shed some of the stress on my runs
for being able to run
for the many sunsets I have seen while running
for the many sunrises I have seen while running
for moments that I have been able to have and share because I was running and being out in the open
for the 2nd Annual Miracles in Motion Race
for having a completely accessible race for the cape fear region
for having a race where everyone, whether in shoes or wheelchairs can have the experience of racing together
for the beauty of the day on that crisp morning in February for the Miracles in Motion Race
for the awards and the inclusion of so many in getting awards for succeeding in the race!
For the Quintiles ? Marathon
For being able to run this year in the marathon
For being able to run through the cramps at the end
For Kyle, Sarah, Harold, and Michael being on the road to cheer me on
For Saundra, Margaret, Frances, and the hackmans being in the neighborhood to cheer!
For the encounter with the woman on the track where we were there for each other and kept on going
For Michele Hackman running across the finish line with me
For all the work that Tom Clifford and without limits does to make running and lives better
For all the work Michele and colin Hackman do to make running and lives better through running
For Go-Time Race Management
For Without Limits Coaching
For the enormous contribution that Quintiles makes to the Landfall Foundation
For turning into landfall and being greeted by Kathryn Nixon and being encouraged and cared for in such a loving way!
For Polka Dot palm and all they do for so many
For running down military cutoff and all the people on the street
For the handoff of the medal when coming through the finish
For the last turn up military cutoff and knowing that the end was near and all was well
For the sports teams being out and celebrating
For the shoes from fleet feet that carried me through
For the gaither gospel I was listening to that carried me through
For the gels that kept me fueled
For the soak in the tub after the race was over
For the landfall Foundation
For the landfall foundation grants
For the landfall foundation art show and sale
For the landfall holiday market
For the landfall foundation Legends of Tennis
For Miracle League receiving a landfall grant this year
The art of Liz Hosier
The art of NicolleX NicolleX
The art of Andy Cobb
The art of David Norris
The art of Bates Toone
The art of Virginia Wright Fierson
The art of dumay Gorham and how much it has impacted so many special occasions for us this year
The art of andy cobb
The art of Harold Hodges and in particular the wonderful photography shared in healing and love
The art of Cunningham
The art of Kelly starbuck
The art of kirah van sickle
The art of Margie Worthington
The art of Michael Van Hout
The art of Todd Carnigan
The art of Karen Crouch
The art of Alan Cradick
The art of Fritzi Huber
The art of Elizabeth darrow
The art of fritz kapraun
The art of Jim Downey
The art of Nancy Faltanowski
The new business venture and Etsy of Nancy Faltanowksi
The art of Donnie Wrights
The pedestrian art downtown
The whirly gig on the Cameron art museum property
The Cameron Art Museum
The kids at cam with Georiga Mastrieoni!
Georgia being a director and being recognized for the gift she is
The permanent collection at the Cameron
The remains of Claude Howell being on site at the Cameron
The Life of Hilda Godwin and her legacy for so many
The amazing non profit sustenance and fundraising acumen of Heather Wilson
The Cameron Art Museum Museum Shop
The pancoe clay studio at the Cameron art museum
The art of Aaron Wilcox
The Wilma Daniels Art Gallery at CFCC
The legacy of Claude Howell in the community at large
The art of Bruce Bowman
The painting of the government center by Bruce Bowman I get to see everyday
The photography of Katherine McKenzie
Sharing pictures on Facebook with friends
Sharing pictures of the wonders of clouds on facebook and texts
Having others share pictures with me
The art of Juxson
Acme art all the students at DREAMS of Wilmington
The art of Catherine Lea
Dreams of Wilmington and the programs that are thriving
The Boy and Girls Club
The non profit leadership of Wayne Loftin
Med-North
Wilmington Health
Wilmington Health being our ACA for the area
Cape fear Soccer
Hammerheads
Hammerheads having a heart association night
Hammerheads group supporting the miracle league
Michael and I both having cars
Having a car that I can depend on
Having a dealershop like Parkway that takes such personal care of us
Knowing that no matter where I am I can get assistance
Not having to worry about where my next tank of gas is going to come from
To not have to rely on public transportation for food or neccesities
To not have to rely on public transportation for work
To not have to worry about getting to work because my car is not up to use or standard
To not have to worry about whether I can have a job or not because of my ability to have reliable transportation
To have a driver’s license
To have my taxes paid
To have my bills paid
To meet my commitments
To have enough to give
To have enough to be able to have things we and I want
To have a job that is not just about money
To have a job that is not just about securing insurance of benefits for a child or family
To truly have work that I love and that I find value in
To not have to worry about meeting my responsibilities because of violence or harm in my home
Not having to worry about not doing my work because I am not well due to lack of resources or care
Not having to worry about not being able to meet my responsibilities due to health care issues I cannot afford to have treated
Not having to worry about not meeting my responsibilities because of the stress of mine or someone in my families substance abuse
Not having to worry about not being able to meet my responsibilities or show up in life because of lack of resouces avaible due to me
Not being suspect when I walk in a store or a place of business
Being aware that there are those who are seen as suspect and being a part of the solution not only in raising that awareness but not being silent
For the privildges that I am afforded just because I am a white male and being cognicent of the need for challenging the equity and not letting that go
For the awareness of the disparity in pay for women and knowing we are all responsible
For not shutting down behind a falseness of “political correctness” because being open to thinking about others, about ways of seeing, hearing and feeling that are different than mine might take more effort and time
For not becoming more discerning in what is and is not openmindedness and what is taking advantage, but never shutting down without inquiry because “I don’t have time for that”.
For know what a martyr is and doing a check to make sure I ain’t it!J
For places that allow for more involvement with people of differences
For the amazing people at all the dog and cat rescues in the region
For the Animal Services Unit through the NHC Sheriff’s department
For the adopt and angel group and all they do to make sure that dogs and cats find the right homes
For the dog and cat shelters during emergency situations
Printworks Printing
For the Printworks Partnership in recycling end cuts to make note pads for public service
For the artistry of Amanda Leimbach
for the business and professional growth and leadership of Jenna Curry and Little Wing Marketing
for Port City Young Professionals and the amazing growth of this burgeoning group!
The summers rest trail
The view from summers rest over the intracoastal
The launch over to masonboro from Trails end
Trails end park
Masonboro island
The peace and tranquility of masoboro island
The amazing sea turtle outreaches all up and down the coast
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital in Surf City
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hosptial being made the number one tourist attraction in the region
The turtle releases and rehabilitation of these amazing animals
The continued leadership and messaging of Jean Beasley
For the amazing 80th birthday of Jean Beasley and the spiritual mother she is to all
For the animal warriors being a sponsor for the miracle league teams
For the awareness of the sea turtles being endangered by overfishing
The care and concern of the real fishermen and women in the region who have such a deep and abiding respect for the natural resources
For the riverboat tours
For the hawk nests on the black river tours
For the osprey sightings during the year
For the encounter with the various birds and different times
For the Wild Bird Store in Hanover Center
For Perry’s Emporium
For Sonya Perry’s spiritual postings all the time.
For Perry’s turning some old stuff into cash for non profits
For Pawn USA
For the business leadership, ethics and values of Janet Monterose
For the business leadership, ethics, and values of Pete Jones
For the advocacy for our community as a WWII city of Wilbur Jones
For the moving of the WWI memorial to the riverfront
Brooklyn arts center
The amazing concerts and activities at the Brooklyn arts center
The FLEA at Brooklyn arts center
The Encore awards at Brooklyn
The revitilization and renewal of north fourth street
The new apartments breaking ground on the northern river front
The amazing Spanish galleon coming and getting to see it on the northern river marina
Walking the Riverwalk with Michael
The Riverwalk
The Riverwalk extension
The views of the battleship from the Riverwalk
The river itself
The flow of the river and the beauty of it on any given day
The fireworks downtown and view from the river
The concerts on the river
The Wilmington downtown farmers market
The plan to move forward with tearing down the parking deck and building!
For Union Station
For Daniels Hall in Union Station downtown
For all the good that goes on for the students at Union Station and CFCC Campus
For the culinary school at CFCC
The MDA Gala
The volunteer leadership in chairing the MDA gala of Alycia and Jeff James
For the brick streets downtown
The trees along market
The sanitary fountain at the foot of market
The 1898 memorial on the entrance to the city on the northside
The Kenan house
The wise house
The kayak access under the memorial bridge
The kayak launch onto smith creek
The riverboat
The horse and carriage downtown
For the Kenan fountain
For the stained glass windows in First pres
For the city club at de rossett
For climbing up in the widows keep of the city club and looking out over the city
For the Kentucky derby party for paws4people
For the non profit leadership of Kyria Henry
For the non profit leadership of Jock Brandis
For the Full Belly Project
For the full belly project always looking to find ways to help industry in sustainable ways for those who need it
For the Freaker enterprise
For Chops Deli’s
For the Basics
For the view over snows cut bridge
For coming back from a trip and the feeling of walking into the house
The feeling of loving being at home
The feeling of safety and security at home
The joy of loving Wilmington
For being at home here in this region
For living in one place longer than any place in my life
For building a life together here
For being able to see the hindsight and how perfectly everything has worked out
For seeing us move forward in many ways a community regardless of some of the political and self interested interests
For the businesses that have lasted and grown
For Mayfaire’s continued expansion
For Carolina Bay being built
For Carolina Bay housing folks we care about a great deal
For Carolina Bay being so close by
For Autumn Hall flourishing and continuing to grow as a whole
To be able to run in the neighborhood
For our new HOA board and good people coming on board
For the good people at our local planned parenthood
for all the resources given to so many in our region for maternal and child health care
for the leadership of those in the health community who are assisting with the best for our children
for the pediatric practice and example of Dr. David Hill
for the practice of Dr. Christie Hill
for the practice and my life long thanks to Dr. Ellis Tinsley
for the practice and my life long to thanks to Dr. Sandra Milesa
for the Practice of Dr. Coleman Burgess
for the practice and work of Dr. Tad Dunn
for the practice and work of Dr. Bart Wilson
for the practice and work and watching her grow into such an amazing professional of Allison Cavenaugh Eggleston
for the Dr. Egg Practice for youngin’s!
for being able to stay connected to so many of the “youth” throughout the years and see them grow and flourish
for still being needed by these “youngin’s” ever once in a while
for watching Pete become an amazing teacher
for watching Nate become an amazing administrator
for watching Kimberly happily married and a practicing PA
for watching Russell be a successful denist and amazing father
for watching Bart be a successful dentist and sure to be the next senator! J
for watching Caitlin blossom and thrive as a teacher and running races! J
for all of the lawyers, scientist, teachers, and all that so many have become…so awesome!
For the amazing service dogs that are helping to make such a significant difference in the lives of veterans and those with special needs
For the writing of Clyde Edgerton
For the art of Clyde Edgerton
For the books of Books on Old Front street
For watching Michael enjoy himself in the bookstore
The writing and humor and love of Celia Rivenbark
For the amazing performance of “rude bitches” based on Celia Rivenbarks writing
For theatre now
For the most amazing show with Orlando Jones at theatre Now
For Orlando Jones being in Wilmington
For the most amazing show for the Carousel center
For the wonderful group from St. Jude’s MCC being a part of our number of the carousel center
For the entire production for the Carousel Center
For the leadership and volunteer chairing of the event of Kandra Romeo and Justin Sorrells for Carousel Center Show and Gala
For the amazing artistry of Ash Crist and saving my tail for makeup
For the fun and joy of being on stage
For the freedom to bring joy to others and do something good in the process
For the non profit leadership of Amy Feath
For the advocacy for abused and neglected infants and children and families of the carousel center
For Thalian hall
For the thalian association
For the building of the new performing arts center
For the concert hall at UNCW
For the remolding of the black box theater at Thalian Hall
For the beauty of third street
For the non profit leadership of Hollis Briggs and the amazing efforts through the MLK Parade everyyear
For the holiday parade
For the ability to be a judge for life for the holiday parade
For the greyhound rescue in the holiday parade
For the amazing drum cores in the holiday parade
For the cub scout troups that do so much for the holiday parade (and I remembering doing that in chapel hill when I was a kid!)
For all the entries in the holiday parade each year and the great holiday spirit that abounds!
For the Christmas tree the city purchased on the river
For the giant menorah on the river that is lit through the festival of lights
For the street decorations
For the Rotary Clubs in Wilmington
For the Gravy Gallop on Thanksgiving day done by West Rotary
For the Rotary Cottage that is maintained at the boys and girls home of Lake Waccamaw
For the Rotaract club that is so vibrant at UNCW now
For the rotary international project through Wilmington Rotary to provide clean drinking water in areas that do not have water that is drinkable
For the 100th anniversary celebration the year for Wilmington Rotary
For the re-enactment of one of the first recorded meetings of Wilmington Rotary and having members present whose ancestors where in the club at the time.
For have Dr. Jonas Salks son come and be our keynote for the anniversary of Rotary’s 100th year.
For the amazing message of the bigger picture and our responsibility in it from Dr. Salk
For the privilege to taking Dr. Salk to the Marbionic Center and having lunch with he and professors and graduates students there at UNCW.
For the amazing honor of sharing a room everyweek with a World War II fighter pilot and the enormous history that he carries with him, Jake
For the amazing celebration for the 100th anniversary at the convention center this year and those who put it together to bring so many together
To Randall Library for putting together a retrospective of the Blizzard artifacts of the 100 years of rotary in special collections
For the money raised through the 100th anniversary and the multitude of grants that come from these resources
For the Rotary international Foundation
For the Wilmington Rotary Foundation
For the grants for books for school children locally
For the ability to take our boys from the boys cottage to UNCW baseball and basketball games
for Christmas cake sale and celebration with the Williston students and the ugly sweater contest
for the buckets on the table for Alzheimer research, always thinking of Bobby
for the amazing leadership of our Rotary and guidance for such a large group
for the coastline convention center
for being able to serve on the Boys and Girls home of Lake Waccamaw Committee
For being able to serve on the invocation committee and lead this amazing group in prayer on occasion
For the privilege of being involved in the school adoption program
For the privilege of going to Williston Middle School and awarding amazing young people recognition for good work and behavior for the “rotary student of the month” ceremony.
For the fellowhip of the table I sit at every week and the “company I keep” at rotary
For the challenge and belief of living the four way test
For the speakers that come every week to rotary
For the diversity of thought, backgrounds, opinions, and ideas from the membership of rotary
For the passion for service above self
For Service about self
For the health and happiness and the way it can “land” sometimes
For the feeling of being a part of history by being a part of Wilmington Rotary
For feeling like you are a part of a group that makes a difference by being in Wilmington Rotary
For the willingness on the part of the membership to do for the community and each other
For the pledge of service one takes in membership
For just being a member and being a part of something
For the pledge of allegiance we make every week
For the amazing food we eat each week J
For Sawmill Catering
For Pearls Catering
For MOI Catering
For that Squash Casserole…
For that spinach and feta salad…..
For that fried shrimp!
For the Greenfield lake “World’s Largest Rotary Wheel”
For the Christmas tree lighting at the World’s Largest rotary wheel
For playing Santa at the world’s largest rotary wheel
For the over 300 kids who sit in my lap and tell “santa” what they want for Christmas
For the parents who get their pictures with this kids with Santa
For the Wilmington Fire Department for taking me in on a ladder truck in a blaze of sound and lights!
For the leadership, dedication and love of Lori Harris for making the park possible and the tree lighting happen each year
For the marine who comes each year in dress blues to hand out a gift to each youngin’ so he or she has something to take with them as they leave
For each child who says “thank you for your service” or salutes the marine..(it is so awesome to see)
For every whisper in my ear of what is wanted
for the beauty of each set of eyes looking into mine with such wonder
for the privilege of standing in for the big guy and passing on the magic
for the amazing work of Wilmington Parks and Recreation
for the movie night with the tree lighting at the amphitheater
for the greenfield amphitheater
for the amazing concerts in the amphitheater
for seeing shemika coleman in the amphitheater this summer with Sheri
for the views of the cypress knees in greenfield lake from the amphitheater
for the cool breezes coming off the lake at the amphitheater
for the concert promotion and running of Beau Gunn
for the penguin radio
for Greenfield Lake Collaborative becoming its own entity to maintain this very special park
for elderhaus of Wilmington
for the programs for the elders at elderhaus of Wilmington and the resources that underpin such an amazing resource for the community
running on the beach
encountering the fishermen this summer who caught the shark
seeing the release and dignity of the release of the shark
the amazing beauty of the shark
the feel of the sand under my bare feet on the runs on the beach
the feeling of the wind on my back on the return from the beach
the extension of shell island
the waves merging together at the end of shell island
watching the pelicans diver for their dinner
watching the schools of fish as they move over the waves in the water
watching net casting being done and catching literally dozens of fish at at time
for the turtle nest this year on the island
for the turtle watch volunteers being out at the next everyday
for being on the beach at the full moon
for being on the beach of the blood moon
for the extraordinary changes in the sky and watching the clouds on the runs each time
for Wrightsville beach as a whole
for the running across the bridges on the loop
for the feeling of the air and the breeze on the bridges when moving across the loop
for the run in the neighborhood on the isleand
for the harbor island garden club
for the park at the top of the loop with the water fountain
for the open fields at Wrightsville beach park for events and gathering
for the exercise bars and equipment for everyone to use
for the softball fields at Wrightsville beach park
for the sounds of summer concerts at Wrigthsville beach
for hooks alarm company
for being able to start over in my day
for each new day that I am granted
for being able to start new in the new day
for the ability to breathe
for the ability to breathe when I run
for my heart rate to decrease and increase as I exercise
for my body to be able to allow me to exercise
for me to be able to digest food
for me to be able to see color
for me to be able to hear the sounds around me
for me to be able to differentiate noises and enjoy sounds
for me to be able to smell pleasant smells
for me to be able to sense pleasant sensations
for me to be able to converse with other
for me to be able to understand
for me to be able to be understood
for all the compassion that is extended to me
for all the good thoughts that are extended to me
for all the love that is extended to me
for all the desire to be with me
for being able to get through depression
for me to be able to ask for help when I need it
for me to be able to receive help when I need it
for me to be able to drive myself to get care if I am injured
for me to not live alone so in an emergency someone is here with me
for all the care I receive when I am sick
for the care I am allowed to give when others are sick
for learning that sometimes just being there is enough
for just being there sometimes
for being able to go back into NHRMC without dealing with past issues of loss
for feeling some forgiveness for somethings
for the gentle act of a smile
for laughter
for smarminess in love
for jinx, one two three four five (speaking the same word at the same time)
thumping the ceiling when an oncoming car has a headlight out
for scratching the ceiling when I go under a yellow light
for holding up the ceiling when going under a railroad bridge
for finishing each other sentences
for know what he is saying off one word
for knowing what he wants just with a look
for him knowing what I want with one look
for chilly weather in the fall
for the winter around here never getting that cold, but nice and cold
for snuggling under the blankets with the heat off
for the sound of the fan always running with the white noise
for the dog stretched between us and making sure to touch us both for security
me being “treat daddy” to jax
jax running and hugging me as I enter the house like fred and dino in the flinstones! J
me being “play daddy” with Jax
jax and I playing tug of war with the ropes
jax loving his bones and always retrieving one when we come home!
for the feeling of being told “good job”
for seeing something I have worked on come to life
for seeing something I have worked on or been a part of be received well
for seeing something someone else has worked hard on be received well
for seeing someone else be recognized for good work or doing something well
to be a part of what gives us a chance to be good and do good
to be a part of creating help and making avenues of better means to be of help
being able to officiate at weddings and seeing the love of the couple
officiating for heather hearn’s wedding on the beach this year and how very special that was
for being asked to officiate for Kyle and Sarah
for having an excuse to go to mexico
for watching Andrew be off in mexico making a difference in the world
for the amazing gift of seeing another culture through the travels of those who are out there doing this things.
For the gift of following Erin McNeil as she traverses the earth and learns and shares her journey along the way
For being the man God intended for me to b
For being moderate, a liberal, a conservative…all depending on what we are talking about and understanding that labels make no sense to a man who thinks and examines the world around him
For being guided by thinkers and persons who have heart and soul and live in the grey
For being a southerner and loving it
For being an American first and foremost, but a citizen of the world and someone who sees our connectivity
For seeing our shared responsibility for and with one another
For being a North Carolinian and the state I truly love with all my heart
For being Gay and knowing that it is about being a three fold person: Mind, Body, and Spirit and I am never defined by someone else’s views
For knowing I am loved, accepted and created as I was intended.
Grateful for my gut and instinct
For listening to that instinct and gut
For the ability to truly feel pain through love and care
For the ability to feel concern and fear when it is appropriate
For the ability to feel disgust and disapproval as there are things that are not acceptable
For the moral compass that is within me
For being able to better define what is and is not acceptable for me personally
For not feeling the need or desire to judge others who may or may not agree with me on certain issues.
For the ability to hold information and not share it and marinating integrity around being trustworthy
For knowing the past is not the present and it informs but does not predict the now.
For being a Dean, a Phelps, an Austin, a King, a Holt, and all that these forebearers gave to me and to us to be where we are at this place and time
For being
for living one day at the time
for the revelation of the miracles that come each and every day in the world
for living a life now where I am more likely to expect good and believe that things will be as they should be
for living a life where there is absolutely no doubt that I am NEVER alone
for living each and everyday in the certainty that there is grace when we accept and receive it in abundance
for having opportunities
for being present
for showing up
for knowing I have clay feet and working each day to become
for self awareness
for love
for acceptance

for having the ability to write this list and share with others.

Mary Martin

Marketing Specialist at Wilmington Health Access for Teens

8 年

Bo, your words are always so heartfelt, inspirational and positive! Thought I would share...Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. Many blessings xoxo

1 次回应

Jon Markle

Retired Therapist, Dual Diagnosis

8 年

Wow! Bo! I always knew you were a list maker! LOL. It's been a great blessing to have known you back "then/when" and to know you in the "now of today". Your life shines with such joy. Watching you give back so much as you continue to grow. Flowering in beauty, strong as a tall sturdy tree, casting shade and giving hope to so many others. I am grateful and happy that my HIgher Power placed you in my life. Thank you for being here and sharing your life's journey. Hugs and Love -- Jon M 9.9.82

2 次回应

Windy Ezzell, MA, LCMHC

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor/PhD Candidate/Creator of Fertile Affirmations?/ Writer/Speaker

9 年

Beautiful!

1 次回应

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Gratitude

L.S. "Bo" Dean Jr.

Senior Human Resource Analyst at New Hanover County Serving and serving with our approximately 2400 public servants.

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