Hello, wonderful humans!

Welcome to the very first edition of #BeTheShine—your new favorite newsletter (yes, I’m calling it now). In this space, we’re dedicated to celebrating the stories, lessons, and legacies that inspire us to live with purpose, passion, and of course a healthy dose of unexpected entertainment. In each edition, we'll explore themes of resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of greatness in everyday life. Because let’s be real—sometimes greatness is just making it through Monday with your sanity intact.

To kick things off, let me tell you a little story—one that’s as rich in history as it is in laughs, and one that connects me to my roots, adventure, and the values that have shaped who I am today.

A Magical Gift with a Rich History

So picture this: Yesterday, I received a gift that can only be described as magical. No, it wasn’t a winning lottery ticket (a girl can dream), but it was something just as special—a jacket. But not just any jacket. This bad boy has seen more action than most of us see in a lifetime. It’s been through the rugged terrains of an African safari, stared down a Cape buffalo (and won, mind you), and emerged with tales that could fill an encyclopedia. This jacket doesn’t just hang in my closet; it holds the legacy of a truly extraordinary man—my grandfather.

A Life of Many Talents

Now, my grandfather wasn’t your run-of-the-mill grandpa who spoils you with candy and calls it a day. Oh no, he was an inventor, a star soccer player, and a cheerleader for everyone lucky enough to cross his path. His life was a masterclass in hard work, fulfilling one's purpose, and never letting any balls—literally or metaphorically —get by. Seriously, this guy had the work ethic of a caffeine-fueled hummingbird with a heart the size of a blue whale.

But beyond his résumé of accomplishments, my grandfather was also a mentor and role model. Imagine a parent who shows up not only for his family but for everyone in the neighborhood and maybe even a few random strangers just because. He was a man of integrity, the kind who would drive miles just to return a lost wallet, all while giving you a life lesson along the way. And did I mention he drove a 2002 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition? Yeah, we’re talking major swagger for miles. If you ever had the pleasure of riding in that Lincoln, you’d remember it. We once squeezed nine colleagues into that thing just to go from W. Third Street ?to The Eagle for lunch. How’s that for carpool goals?

The Role of a Goalkeeper: Lessons in Leadership and Support

But let’s take it back to his soccer days, where my grandfather was a goalkeeper extraordinaire. Goalkeepers aren’t just the ones who prevent goals; they’re the ones who keep the team from spiraling into chaos when the ball comes flying at them like a heat-seeking missile. Here’s what he taught me:

• Preventing Goals: Goalkeepers are like the bouncers of the soccer world—nothing gets past them. They move into the ball's trajectory to catch or deflect it, using their hands (a goalie perk) to make sure nothing sneaks by.
• Starting Attacks: A good goalkeeper doesn’t just stop the ball; they send it flying in the opposite direction. With a quick pass or a well-aimed kick, they can turn defense into offense faster than you can say, “Where’s my Gatorade?”
• Communicating: Goalkeepers see it all—from the sneaky opponent trying to score to the teammate who’s daydreaming about post-game pizza. They direct traffic, guiding their team into defensive positions and helping to neutralize threats like a boss in charge.
• Supporting the Team: Beyond the flashy saves, goalkeepers are the team’s hype crew. They organize, encourage, and make sure everyone knows they’ve got this—even if “this” is the most stressful game of their lives.

These skills? My grandfather applied them both on and off the field, and it’s why his legacy isn’t just about what he did, but how he made everyone around him feel capable and supported.

A Connection to Alsace: Heritage and Identity:

But wait, there’s more! My grandfather was deeply connected to his roots. He hailed from Alsace, France—a region that’s like the love child of Germany and France, with a dash of fairy-tale charm thrown in for good measure. Alsace is the kind of place where medieval castles, vineyards, and quaint villages meet at the foot of the Vosges mountains. It’s also where the wine flows like water and the food is worth every calorie (trust me).

Alsace, with its rich history and cultural diversity, influenced my grandfather's worldview and shaped his belief in the equality of all people. His dialect, his traditions, and his values were the foundation upon which he built a life full of purpose, passion, humor, and let’s be honest, a lot of good wine.

The Lincoln Town Car: A Symbol of His Swagger

And then there was the car—the 2002 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to ride in style, this was it. That car wasn’t just transportation; it was a statement. It had more swagger than a cat in sunglasses. You’d step inside and instantly feel like royalty, even if you were just headed to the grocery store.

One of the most unique features of this beauty was the elegant gold clock smack dab in the center of the dashboard. Unfortunately, Ford decided that having two clocks was just too fancy for the likes of us mere mortals, so they disabled the digital display on the radio. And because life can’t be too easy, that gold clock wasn’t exactly designed for quick glances—it was more of a "take a moment, reflect on the time, and then possibly be late for your meeting" kind of clock. But never fear, there’s hope for those of us who simply don’t have the time (pun intended) to read conventional clocks—like, maybe don’t disable the digital one next time, Ford?

Still, that car had enough character to make up for any time-telling challenges. We once fit nine people into that thing just to go from W. Third Street to the Eagle for lunch, and it didn’t even break a sweat. If cars could talk, this one would have said, “Buckle up, folks. We’re going on an adventure with a clock that knows no measure.”

Passing the Torch #RookieoftheYear

This jacket, passed down from such an extraordinary man, is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a symbol of courage, innovation, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of someone who lived life to the fullest. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of his shine, his adventures, his passions, and his unwavering belief in the potential of every human being because let’s face it folks, we are all equal and there is #unityindiversity.

As we embark on this journey together with #BeTheShine, I invite you to reflect on the legacies that have shaped your life and the ways in which you can #betheshine in the world around you. Let’s celebrate the stories that inspire us to be more, do more, and uplift others along the way. And maybe throw in a little swagger while we’re at it.

Stay tuned for more stories, insights, and inspiration in future editions of #BeTheShine. We’re just getting started, folks!