Life is Short so Lay a Foundation of Love

I was in New York City this week attending the Business Travel News Beat Live and meeting with members of the HRS Group and HRS Stay, Work & Pay team at our office in mid-town.? My intention this week was to focus this edition on the insight and notes I captured from listening to some of the smartest people in corporate travel procurement.?

Instead, I can’t shake the impact I’m feeling from the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare. He was shot on the sidewalk on Wednesday morning in front of the Hilton Midtown hotel, just a few blocks from Rockefeller Plaza where the Beat Live took place. It’s shocking to me on multiple levels.

So rather than corporate insights this week, I’d like to share my personal insights...

I’ve visited the Hilton Hotels & Resorts Midtown New York countless times for meetings and events. The location of the hotel, combined with the proximity and my familiarly with it, makes this tragedy even more personal.? I didn’t know Brian, but I have worked with and served UnitedHealthcare for several years. I’ve been to their office in Minneapolis and met executives and members of the travel and expense teams.? My heart goes out to them and the company for the shock they must also be experiencing.

While I didn’t know Brian, I find myself mentally retracing his steps.? How many times have I kissed my wife goodbye and waved to my kids as I’ve left for a business trip?? How many times have I gotten up before sunrise to prepare for a meeting and arrived early to a hotel meeting location?? How many times have I been unaware of my surroundings and na?ve to the dangers that might be just around the corner?

Mr. Thompson was just a couple years older than I am and like me, has two sons (though one is in college and another in high school).? My heart is breaking for their family.? The holidays are a tough time to lose the people you love.? I too lost my father at an early age in December, just a week before Christmas.? I imagine his family may have already taken pictures for holiday cards and like me, had he purchased gifts that were stashed away, but hadn’t yet been wrapped?? My dearest condolences go out to their family and friends.

Shortly after the news of the shooting broke, I received a text from my son checking in with me.? As soon as I saw it, I nearly lost my composure on the spot.? For a 15-year-old guy to send a check-in message to his father telling me to stay safe because they haven’t found the shooter, might seem small, but is a large token of his love.? When I replied back that I was safe in my office, he replied, “Love you too, glad you’re safe and can’t wait to see you tomorrow.” Those are powerful words.?

And aren’t those the words we live to hear?

My wife Erin and I met in college where she graduated with a degree in early childhood development.? The picture above was taken fifteen years ago in Central Park shortly after we had our first son. Since then she's taught for nearly two decades.

She taught and was the director of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History as well as being a second-grade public school teacher for many years.? Over the last few years since moving from Texas, she has taken care of our family and has recently decided to write a children’s book with an accompanying devotional for moms.? When I texted her on Wednesday morning to let her know I was safe, she replied back that she was writing a portion of her book that aligned exactly with what I was thinking.?

I asked her permission to share an excerpt from her book, as her writing has yet to be shared with anyone publicly...

"What gifts have you given that were gifts of yourself that will be there long after you're gone? Each and every day you care for your kids, your family, friends even with love and attention. You pack the lunches with a little note, you fold the laundry neatly, you drive the carpool with praise music playing, you make quesadillas or dinner for the hundredth time.

What difference are you making, really? The most important difference.

There are so many things that make up who you are that are building a legacy in your wake. It may not seem profound to read storybooks and snuggle and tuck little ones in at night, but you’re filling their hearts with your love and building your relationship with one picture book at a time. It might not seem like asking who they played with on the playground really matters at all, but as you drive home from school, you’re showing your child that what they think about is worthwhile, that they’re important, and that you want to hear what they have to say. Laundry is thankless and never ending, but it’s also a picture of servant love. Cheese quesadillas or grilled cheese or PB&J will never rival a full-blown feast, but you’re feeding your family, feeding them literally but feeding their soul far beyond the crumbs and dirty dishes each night.

All these little things compiled together…are in reality quite a big thing. Caring for someone is a big thing. All these little things together lay a foundation of love and builds a legacy that will outlive you while impacting generations to come.

You may not win the Nobel Prize or cure cancer but you might raise someone who does. You might not be the President or a CEO, but you’re most certainly leading your family. Have you ever thought about that? Your days might seem small in the grand scheme of things, but you never know what will come after your faithfulness, your steadfast love. You might lose track of how many shoes you’ve tied, but those steady, sure feet will take your kids far in this life. You may think being a mama isn’t a calling, but it’s the most important calling there is."

- Shared from an upcoming devotional book for moms by Erin Pinnell

Wow.? Her words are powerful, and I hope resonate with those of you that have made it this far down into this week’s edition.?Life is short.? Our life and the people we have in it are really the greatest gifts we have outside of our faith.?

My edition last week was called Gratitude & Growth: A Year in Corporate Travel Insights, but I shared on LinkedIn earlier this year, the importance of A legacy.? Of all my writings this year, this was the one that had the most engagement.

For those of you reading and following me on LinkedIn, thank you.? There is an increasing amount of noise on social networks and it’s hard to find people willing to take the time to reader longer pieces.? I appreciate the support and look forward to continuing to share my thoughts and insight with you.?

If you missed my edition on Safe and Sound a few weeks back, it’s worth reading and a refresher on what you and your travelers can do to stay safe when traveling.? Be alert.? Be vigilant.? Be deliberate.