Everyone always advises me to employ a list my blog. It’s not something I’ve really done. Today, I was tempted to do so- but my first idea would be a bit overboard.
You see- today I start my seventh decade on Earth. And, I was going to share with you the fairly lengthy roster of products and processes that came about as a result of my efforts during this 60 year trip. Most of you would not care and some would not know what they were. So, I decided not to bother you with such tripe.
I will mention a few items worth reviewing. We’ll start with my oldest. My first pride and joy- who probably got miffed when she had to share that pedestal with others, as they came along. She’s made her own way. Dual major in college, who knew she wanted to provide development services. Help non-profits get the funds they need to achieve their goals. Columbia, Duke, the American Heart Association, University of Alabama, and Wharton. Not a bad list.
My middle child. Hear that drum? It’s thumping her beat. She’s bound and determined to do things her way. And, if you need a makeup artist for a rock concert, a wedding, a TV gig- you’d be hard pressed to find someone more talented, devoted, or effective. (A nod to her partner, who’s the camera bug portion of this team.)
My youngest. Who like all my children had a path. His. Chose to attend the University of Michigan. Chose to become a basketball manager- before he started day one of school. Fraternity Officer. With the grades to make the rest of his life’s path clear sailing.
My son-in-law. Providing children suffering from cancer with the psychological assistance and tools they need to make it through to the other side. Researching the techniques, so others will make the path clearer and cleaner, as well.
My grandson. True to his roots, he speaks his mind. Non-stop. With a vocabulary that astounds. And, a sense of humor, to boot. Wait till he turns three!
My step-son. (Do you call it ex?) One I don’t see as much anymore. Who made some choices (baseball over academics). Who needed some time to recoup, regroup, and reorient. And, has become what he really loves- a chef, a nutritionist, who serves and advises the best nutrition a budget can buy.
My staff- both current and former. You’ve made my path a breeze. You’ve made it easier for folks to undergo dialysis, neurosurgery, intestinal surgery, colonoscopy- and to have clean water to drink, to use for industry, and to preserve our waterways. To help entrepreneurs improve their bottom line.
May we all make this world better- one step, one client, one child, one friend- at a time.
Happy Birthday, Roy! May your next 60 years be as much fun as your first 60 were.
Great family pictures ~ I understand why you are so proud of them.
Thanks for your sentiments, Janette!
Roy
Hey Roy,
Happy Birthday! 🙂
This post had me hanging to every single word and I read it three times because it is so, so beautiful! 🙂
I loved this birthday dedication and featuring and talking about people closest to your heart is ever so wonderful. Your grandson is just like you then… humor and great vocab, how did you miss it 😉
My mom’s dad went to University of Michigan too!
Happy Birthday once again, hope you have a great blessed year with much more joy to look forward to! 🙂
Thanks, Hajra:
These are my proud achievements. Perhaps in spite of me.
Roy
Happy Birthday!
Sounds like your guidance through the years worked! What a great group you have to be so proud of!
~Allie
Thanks so much, Allie.
Actually- it could just as easily be in spite of me!
Roy
Happy Happy Birthday Roy! What a wonderful post. So much to be proud of and thankful for all rolled into one. Wishing you many more joys ahead! ~Suerae
Thanks for your comments, Suerae!.
Have a great weekend.
Roy
Happy Birthday Roy!
It’s clear to see that you’re very proud of your children and care for them very much!
Thanks, Evie:
I am most impressed at how these kids ahve managed to turn themselves out!
Roy
Happy birthday, Roy!
Have a great decade and many more decades ahead. Keep up with your very valuable ruminations and refined humor. Congratulations for your beautiful family.
Thanks, Gustavo:
I am very lucky, indeed.
Roy
Happy Birthday to you. The gift of a wonderful family seems to be yours .
Thanks, Jan.
I do, indeed, feel blessed.
Roy
Lisa…
i am absolutely amazed at how well adjusted and talented my children have proven themselves to be.
Roy
Amazed – you look younger. Not surprised that you are a Virgo – some of the nicest people I know are. Have a great day. Family is truly what it is all about and yours sound like people you would want to share with
Thanks, Roberta.
I think having a teenager (until July 4) kept me running!
Roy
Hi Roy,
Happy Birthday! It’s beautiful that you are sharing your family with us. You have done a great job with your children and from this post, it’s clear you are very proud of them 🙂 My twin nieces will turn 3 in six months and they provide us with a lot of laughters.
Enjoy them each moment you can, Diana.
You never know when things change. Today’s 9-11, I’ve been in wrecks that it’s hard to believe I walked away, I’ve been in positions where it was unclear if there would be a subsequent moment.
Cherish each moment- and each friend and loved one.
Roy
Hearty congratulations Roy – I am just a few years behind you and we share the best month:)
Families are so precious and it was wonderful to get a sneak peak into the private world of your lovelies.
Thanks, Maureen!
It’s pretty bizarre. When I first turned 30, I have been assumed to be there for about 5 years (having finished school when I did). Now, most folks don’t expect the age i present them.
It really is just a number to me… But, my children… they make it all worthwhile.
Hope your birthday will be grand, as well.
Roy
Wonderfully written, as usual, Roy! So much enjoyed reading about you and your family. It is amazing how each of us, even within our own families, march to a different drummer. How we all have our own personalities, insights and goals. But it is also so very interesting and really keeps life from being to boring!
You said a mouthful, there, Lynn!
It’s our job as parents to teach our children to question and develop their own visions. Help them fold that into a mission statement. Show them how to stay focused with their goals. And, stand back and watch them make their lives meaningful for themselves.
Thanks for the visit.
Roy
Glad you have made a legacy through your children. I guess I will have mine as time goes by. For know I enjoy the moment of seeing my children grow. 🙂
We grow our legacy each and every day. By the choices we help them make, by the advice we proffer, and by the way we step back and let them learn.
You are in an awesome place, Walter. Relish it- and help your children grow to be the wonders they shall be.
Roy