Thank You!

Thank you! Thank you, for all the profound birthday wishes. As I look back, I am fortunate to have another year to celebrate. I am humbled by all the well wishes, and I am incredibly grateful to all of you. As American’s, we have lost over 200,000 people to COVID, here in the United States, since my last birthday. I have lost mentors, colleagues, friends, and acquaintances to this horrible disease. 

I am thankful for my family, (both two and four-legged), friends, and colleagues. Every year, I receive thousands of good wishes through LinkedIn on this special day. I always think back to past birthdays, and how I celebrated those special moments. Reflection costs nothing but can always add a little perspective to our lives. 

I would like to thank everyone that has been there for me and hope they feel the love and gratitude this message sends your way. It does not matter if you are in the south, up north, or somewhere in between, please be kind to your neighbor, stand up for what you believe, but above all else, be respectful. Every new day is a gift, do not waste it as so many others are not here to enjoy a new day. 

We are at a crossroads as a nation, I prefer we celebrate our differences and embrace the chance to honor our uniqueness. 

Most of us over the past six months have felt isolated, sometimes helpless, and many times overwhelmed. So please continue to show acts of kindness, you never know how one simple act of compassion may impact someone’s life. Check on your neighbor, take a few minutes to talk to someone who needs an ear, bake someone their favorite cake, go for a walk with a loved one, or just be present at the moment.