Role Model

I was recently in an interview and was asked the question who has been the biggest role model for me in my life. I am sure the person interviewing me was looking maybe for someone professionally that has led me down the path I am on or someone that was able to mentor me towards greatness. While I surely have those people in my life and I think the word of them...there is one person and one person only that has been my true role model in life. Its also fitting that I am writing this today as today is her birthday and I thought what better way to sprinkle her with blessings and gratitude then to elaborate on the impact she has had on my life. Plus at her YOUNG age she has just about everything she wants in a material sense so I will use the power of the written word.

If you haven't guessed it yet my role model happens to be the first love of my life (sorry Britt) and that would be my mom. In my 38 years of living life to the fullest my mom has been that one solid figure in my life along the journey. She has supported me in every decision I have made and has never questioned a decision I have made but showed support knowing that if I did fail it would be a life learned lesson.

My mom was the 1st person in life who taught me that anything is possible. That as long as your having fun and giving it your all your dreams can come true. If at any time its not fun anymore than always re-evaluate and then make the decision if its worth it to press on.

My mom also taught me the value of always working hard. When my parents got divorced in elementary school and money was tight my mom worked three jobs as a single mother trying to give three kids the best upbringing one could have. I never felt like money was tight but I also knew that material items where not the ticket to happiness but living life and enjoying its opportunities led to extreme wealth.

She has taught me also how important the role of giving back to your community is. That being unselfish is extremely rewarding but giving your time, creativity and heart to others helps them drive towards that same. She has served on countless boards (I honestly don't know the number its to large) without one once of pay only because she loves helping others. In a world where most think of them self first I honestly think my mom thinks about herself after she has taken care of everyone else.

All this is not to sugar coat that I was this perfect child though. As a stubborn teenager I got into my fair share of trouble and while my mom and I would verbally fight it out at times we also overcame our differences quickly which was probably due to a mutual respect for each other.

Even though miles are far apart now through retirement she still relentlessly aims to be a rock star grandma to my three beauties. I wish she was closer only to teach them the values she taught me growing up.

My mom is hands down the strongest, driven, entrepreneurial, savvy, smart and beautiful women I know which explains why I love my wife so much as the saying the man looks for qualities in a women similar to their mothers seems to ring true.

So on her....I think 29th (repeating)....birthday I want to wish my mom happiness, joy, health and the ability to smile while retired. I love you with all my heart and I hope you know that without you I would not be the man I am today.

Make It Count!!!