Birthday Reflection

Birthdays are a great excuse to reflect.  I think back to what I've accomplished in 48 years (wow!) and I am very content.  As a child, I didn't cause much grief for my parents (if you don't count a few failing grades when I started high school).  I think the most concern I created was when I fractured my leg during a second grade field trip to an ice skating rink.  Otherwise, my biased memory recalls that I was a pretty good son and brother.

I've succeeded in each of the jobs I've had even those that had me developing saliva-covered dental x-rays, pumping information from receptionists on the phone, vacuuming filthy rental cars, and driving to crime-ridden neighborhoods in a Pepsi van.  I had early success in my first full-time career as a retail manager but long hours made me realize the field was not a long term fit for me.  After attaining an MBA (the first post graduate degree in my family!). I enjoyed 19 wonderful years in various roles at one organization.  I grew in so many ways and retired with lifelong friends and lasting memories.

Perhaps the most gratifying accomplishment in my 48 years is the growth of my own children.  They are amazing in so many ways and I am so blessed to be able to nurture and enrich their lives with love, understanding and wisdom.

As much as I have accomplished, I pale in comparison to what my father did by the time he was 48.  He fought against a government which caused him to be separated from his family for eight years.  He left his homeland to courageously start a new life in a country that was completely foreign to him.  He worked almost every day in this land of opportunity for measly wages so his six children could dream of possibilities for their own lives. For his sacrifices, I will always be grateful and humbled and strive to make his efforts worthwhile.  Although he never physically met Allison and Matthew, I know if he did today, he would do what he always did when he was proud of me.  He would give them an acknowledging look of approval with a slight hint of a smile and say nothing.  It was his way of taking our achievements in stride towards even greater ones.

So, as I reflect upon my 48 years, I remember my father fondly and am so thankful to have learned so much in my far too-brief time with him.  For all that I have accomplished, I know there's way more ahead.  Onward and upward - but not too fast... I'm not that young anymore!