Thank you for sharing that, Tim -- my heart goes out to you and your family, I can only imagine what you all have been through. Means a lot to hear that.
Thank you T. Once again you have plumbed the depths of thinking and brought us some great things to ponder. Not just ponder for the sake of interest, but life-changing wisdom to consider. I never read that book but likely will now.
This past weekend my 2 sons and I enjoyed some time together. For Father’s Day this year they gave me the gift of time. We went to 3 bourbon distillery’s in Ky over 2 days. After the first 2 we had dinner and went back to my oldest son’s home. We sat in the backyard talking for about 4 hours. We opened the monogrammed bottle they gave me from one of the distilleries and 2 of us smoked cigars.
When they are young it feels like life will end when they turn 18. I remember when my oldest was 13 we were driving back a couple of hours from my hometown. My wife looked over and saw me crying. She said “what’s wrong?” I said, I just realized B will be leaving us in 5 years. We have 3 younger than him but that did not matter. I cherish each one for their own reasons.
So 4 marriages, 5 grands, and 22 years later, life has not stopped. The grands especially are a joy unimaginable. One of the things we talked about Fri night was my feelings about how engaged or not engaged, patient, etc... I was when they were kids. That was a great discussion.
Thank you for all you do to share your heart with us. Addressing the heart and things we may believe about the past is a hugely important aspect of growth and healing. And I appreciate you focusing us on that as much as running.
Thank you so much, Ben! I SO feel what you're saying about the realization about B leaving you, even if it's 5 years away. The Father's Day weekend you're describing with your sons, I hope I get to experience with my kids someday too -- how amazing that must have been! You must be an incredible father to have developed that kind of relationship with your kids -- I must know more!
Thanks T. I would not describe myself as incredible but incredibly blessed. We have been married 37-1/2 years. From the beginning we have sought to center our marriage and family on G-d and Yeshua. (Jesus)
I had 2 male role models growing up. My dad and a bro-in-law. Neither was a good role model. But you cannot live your life by saying “I am not going to be like them.” You have to decide who you want to be like.
So I have tried to live my life the way G-d wants me to. Loving those whom the world might not see as lovable. Embracing those who are seemingly unembraceable. Loving G-d more than my wife or my own life. And I love her a lot.
It isn’t easy. I have made plenty of mistakes. It is still an effort to love my wife & kids the way G-d does. But he rewards the efforts. And since I know I am not better than them it is easy to love them for who they are.
2 last things-From the beginning of my time with HM, I chose the pseudonym Ben. I did not know anyone, and I did not want to use my real name. Plus we had a similar platform at work at the time that used my real name -David (Weiss)- so I chose something different. Ben is the Hebrew word for son. I seek to live as a son of G-d. Also, I am a Messianic Jew. In the Jewish tradition we use a - in place of an O in G-d’s name. That is the reason for that spelling.
If you ever want to discuss things like this but not in this forum, feel free to email me. I think you know how to find it on the list. Have a wonderfully blessed day!
This is our first full summer with our boys gone—it’s been almost a year to the day we became empty nesters. I have struggled with it. I’m proud of them moving on and accomplishing their goals, but a piece of me wishes they were still here.
25+ years ago, working as a book editor in New York, I published the first biography of Tiger Woods. It sold more copies than any other work I bought in my short time in the industry. Since then, I've always followed him closely. What a remarkable athlete and iron will and also a Shakespearean-level of tragedy that surrounds him. Hamlet barely has anything on him. Hope Tiger one days pens an introspective memoir....
Neal, that's amazing! What was the title? It's not hard to see why it sold so well -- that really was the beginning for him. Wow! My dad and I used to watch every hour of coverage of the majors he'd play in, especially when he was in his prime. It was like watching Picasso paint a masterpiece -- his swing was a work of art. How cool!
Wonderful. Thank you and Morrie and Mitch. At an age now where reflection and trying to comprehend take up a fair amount of my time. I strive for clarity and forgiveness.
I loved that book! I have all of Mitch Alboms books! And they all teach me a lesson. A life lesson. Thank you for reminding me about forgiveness. We only have this moment in time. How will I show up? With forgiveness in my heart and the desire to be the best version of myself for that moment. Thank you Terrell!
I can imagine your son jumping on you. . . same as a 70 lb lab doing the same. My daughter has always been interested in flight. I remember splurging one time for her first flight lesson. We did go up. It was memorable. August , clear day, and such turbulence in a small plane! I imagine she will learn to fly eventually. It runs in the family way, back.
Golf has always been interesting to me from the aspect of accuracy. I've never played the game. Probably never will. Would we ever known much about Tiger Woods had it not been for his media publicity? Maybe. I don't know.
Have not read the book, Tuesdays with Morrie, but I have always meant to. A lot of wisdom there. As my guru has said many times, some men teach us what to do, some men teach us what not to do. I guess there are always mistakes we make, but we can't regret them. On a bright note, There's always next lifetime! :)
Oh, that's a saying to remember, Nilima: "some men teach us what to do, some men teach us what not to do." Lots of wisdom there.
Did your daughter keep up with the flight lessons? I've always wanted to try them, but the expense of it has always kind of thrown me off. Maybe I should reconsider...
And yes, definitely check out Tuesdays With Morrie -- it's a book I only recently came back to, but there's so much to chew on in it.
Definitely a saying to direct your life. My daughter quotes it to me frequently. . .
If we could have afforded it, she would have kept up. She will probably get to it now that she has money.
Years and years ago, when she was about 7 or 8, we started with Microsoft Flight Simulator V.2. She has kept up with it forever with each new version. (I even got her the controls for a B-737 on computer.) She was really, really into flight from about age 9 until she started working. I think the new version of Flight Sim is out. From what I have seen it is beautiful and SO realistic.
Flight Sim will teach you everything. Had she not practiced flying on it most of her life, her flight lesson would not been near as enjoyable. She knew Exactly what to do in front of the controls and on the radio. Flight Sim is definitely a way to learn to fly. She still wants her pilot's license and courses are taught here in Everett. But. . . we'll have to move closer to the University. Classroom teaching is pretty cheap. It's the Flight lessons that cost! Besides, Seatac and Boeing Field are hardly the place to learn. . .
My recommendation is get Flight Sim. It really bonded the two of us. I learned as much as she did! You can go from there to see if you like to fly.
On the side, two of my brothers have their pilot's license. My uncle was a bombardier in WWII. Another uncle was a test pilot for some of the earlier Navy jets. My nephew flies for the Marines, his wife is a United pilot. . .runs in the family!
When I met our instructor for my daughter, I realized that pilots are very special breed. They really have their heads on straight and know what to do. . . no dreamers there, intelligent beings!
Have to get Tuesdays with Morrie. I have a feeling it will sit on my desk as reference along with The Courage to Start!
Beautiful day, clear sunny, in the 70s. The eagles have eaglets ready to fledge.. Have to run down as see how they are doing! :)
I ha ven't touched a golf club since my early teens when I caddied at a local golf course to make money. All the caddies got to play for free on Friday's if they teed off before 8:00..
Tiger Woods was the reason I watched golf on television. Glue to the television I watched his every shot in awe.. My wife would ask me why I was watching ...you don't even play she would say... He's going for another win! Who? she'd ask... TIGER WOODS, I'd reply! She didn't know or care who he was until his accident and divorce... "He maybe a good golfer but not a good husband! was her only reply....all me a chauvinist, but I still root for him...
Same here on watching Tiger -- I remember seeing an interview with another pro golfer years ago (I forget who it was) who said that even they didn't watch golf on TV unless Tiger was playing. He was the absolute greatest player of this generation. On the husband part, your wife is absolutely correct, no question. I think he's tried to own up to his mistakes in the best way he can, and be as good a dad to his kids as he can, and that's really all a fan can ask.
Terrell, your post is so timely. “Tension of Opposites”, Earlier this week I started rereading one of my first books in my library, “Molder of Dreams”, by Guy Rice Doud. I’m a Lieutenant for one of our local fire departments. In 2018, we started our Junior Firefighter program. We have recently graduated our first class of interns. Being an officer,it is my opportunity to see these jr firefighters enter our program with zero experience to go on now to go out and serve our surrounding communities. I’m like a proud parent.
“Tuesdays with Morrie” and “Molder of Dreams” are reminders that we as humans touch other peoples life for the good or the bad. Let us not grow weary doing good. Make a positive influence to those whom you cross their path. Sometimes a smile or a kind word is all it takes. Ad Dare Servire
We just lost my father-in-law to ALS. Horrible disease. Your words resonated with me very much. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing that, Tim -- my heart goes out to you and your family, I can only imagine what you all have been through. Means a lot to hear that.
My heartfelt condolences.
Thank you T. Once again you have plumbed the depths of thinking and brought us some great things to ponder. Not just ponder for the sake of interest, but life-changing wisdom to consider. I never read that book but likely will now.
This past weekend my 2 sons and I enjoyed some time together. For Father’s Day this year they gave me the gift of time. We went to 3 bourbon distillery’s in Ky over 2 days. After the first 2 we had dinner and went back to my oldest son’s home. We sat in the backyard talking for about 4 hours. We opened the monogrammed bottle they gave me from one of the distilleries and 2 of us smoked cigars.
When they are young it feels like life will end when they turn 18. I remember when my oldest was 13 we were driving back a couple of hours from my hometown. My wife looked over and saw me crying. She said “what’s wrong?” I said, I just realized B will be leaving us in 5 years. We have 3 younger than him but that did not matter. I cherish each one for their own reasons.
So 4 marriages, 5 grands, and 22 years later, life has not stopped. The grands especially are a joy unimaginable. One of the things we talked about Fri night was my feelings about how engaged or not engaged, patient, etc... I was when they were kids. That was a great discussion.
Thank you for all you do to share your heart with us. Addressing the heart and things we may believe about the past is a hugely important aspect of growth and healing. And I appreciate you focusing us on that as much as running.
Thank you so much, Ben! I SO feel what you're saying about the realization about B leaving you, even if it's 5 years away. The Father's Day weekend you're describing with your sons, I hope I get to experience with my kids someday too -- how amazing that must have been! You must be an incredible father to have developed that kind of relationship with your kids -- I must know more!
Thanks T. I would not describe myself as incredible but incredibly blessed. We have been married 37-1/2 years. From the beginning we have sought to center our marriage and family on G-d and Yeshua. (Jesus)
I had 2 male role models growing up. My dad and a bro-in-law. Neither was a good role model. But you cannot live your life by saying “I am not going to be like them.” You have to decide who you want to be like.
So I have tried to live my life the way G-d wants me to. Loving those whom the world might not see as lovable. Embracing those who are seemingly unembraceable. Loving G-d more than my wife or my own life. And I love her a lot.
It isn’t easy. I have made plenty of mistakes. It is still an effort to love my wife & kids the way G-d does. But he rewards the efforts. And since I know I am not better than them it is easy to love them for who they are.
2 last things-From the beginning of my time with HM, I chose the pseudonym Ben. I did not know anyone, and I did not want to use my real name. Plus we had a similar platform at work at the time that used my real name -David (Weiss)- so I chose something different. Ben is the Hebrew word for son. I seek to live as a son of G-d. Also, I am a Messianic Jew. In the Jewish tradition we use a - in place of an O in G-d’s name. That is the reason for that spelling.
If you ever want to discuss things like this but not in this forum, feel free to email me. I think you know how to find it on the list. Have a wonderfully blessed day!
Love this!!! Thank you. It’s a great reminder for me about life & not taking it for granted.
Enjoy the time with your son. They grow up so fast! You’ll blink & he’ll be graduating from high school. It’s bittersweet.
Thank you, Corrina! I will!
This is our first full summer with our boys gone—it’s been almost a year to the day we became empty nesters. I have struggled with it. I’m proud of them moving on and accomplishing their goals, but a piece of me wishes they were still here.
Tiger Woods: The Makings of a Champion by Tim Rosaforte - he was something else in his 20s
25+ years ago, working as a book editor in New York, I published the first biography of Tiger Woods. It sold more copies than any other work I bought in my short time in the industry. Since then, I've always followed him closely. What a remarkable athlete and iron will and also a Shakespearean-level of tragedy that surrounds him. Hamlet barely has anything on him. Hope Tiger one days pens an introspective memoir....
Neal, that's amazing! What was the title? It's not hard to see why it sold so well -- that really was the beginning for him. Wow! My dad and I used to watch every hour of coverage of the majors he'd play in, especially when he was in his prime. It was like watching Picasso paint a masterpiece -- his swing was a work of art. How cool!
Wonderful. Thank you and Morrie and Mitch. At an age now where reflection and trying to comprehend take up a fair amount of my time. I strive for clarity and forgiveness.
Thank you so much, Jerry -- that means a lot! 🙏
I loved that book! I have all of Mitch Alboms books! And they all teach me a lesson. A life lesson. Thank you for reminding me about forgiveness. We only have this moment in time. How will I show up? With forgiveness in my heart and the desire to be the best version of myself for that moment. Thank you Terrell!
Thank you so much, Rae! So glad you liked it.
Life goes on--Interesting isn't it?!
I can imagine your son jumping on you. . . same as a 70 lb lab doing the same. My daughter has always been interested in flight. I remember splurging one time for her first flight lesson. We did go up. It was memorable. August , clear day, and such turbulence in a small plane! I imagine she will learn to fly eventually. It runs in the family way, back.
Golf has always been interesting to me from the aspect of accuracy. I've never played the game. Probably never will. Would we ever known much about Tiger Woods had it not been for his media publicity? Maybe. I don't know.
Have not read the book, Tuesdays with Morrie, but I have always meant to. A lot of wisdom there. As my guru has said many times, some men teach us what to do, some men teach us what not to do. I guess there are always mistakes we make, but we can't regret them. On a bright note, There's always next lifetime! :)
Off and running. . .
Oh, that's a saying to remember, Nilima: "some men teach us what to do, some men teach us what not to do." Lots of wisdom there.
Did your daughter keep up with the flight lessons? I've always wanted to try them, but the expense of it has always kind of thrown me off. Maybe I should reconsider...
And yes, definitely check out Tuesdays With Morrie -- it's a book I only recently came back to, but there's so much to chew on in it.
Definitely a saying to direct your life. My daughter quotes it to me frequently. . .
If we could have afforded it, she would have kept up. She will probably get to it now that she has money.
Years and years ago, when she was about 7 or 8, we started with Microsoft Flight Simulator V.2. She has kept up with it forever with each new version. (I even got her the controls for a B-737 on computer.) She was really, really into flight from about age 9 until she started working. I think the new version of Flight Sim is out. From what I have seen it is beautiful and SO realistic.
Flight Sim will teach you everything. Had she not practiced flying on it most of her life, her flight lesson would not been near as enjoyable. She knew Exactly what to do in front of the controls and on the radio. Flight Sim is definitely a way to learn to fly. She still wants her pilot's license and courses are taught here in Everett. But. . . we'll have to move closer to the University. Classroom teaching is pretty cheap. It's the Flight lessons that cost! Besides, Seatac and Boeing Field are hardly the place to learn. . .
My recommendation is get Flight Sim. It really bonded the two of us. I learned as much as she did! You can go from there to see if you like to fly.
On the side, two of my brothers have their pilot's license. My uncle was a bombardier in WWII. Another uncle was a test pilot for some of the earlier Navy jets. My nephew flies for the Marines, his wife is a United pilot. . .runs in the family!
When I met our instructor for my daughter, I realized that pilots are very special breed. They really have their heads on straight and know what to do. . . no dreamers there, intelligent beings!
Have to get Tuesdays with Morrie. I have a feeling it will sit on my desk as reference along with The Courage to Start!
Beautiful day, clear sunny, in the 70s. The eagles have eaglets ready to fledge.. Have to run down as see how they are doing! :)
I ha ven't touched a golf club since my early teens when I caddied at a local golf course to make money. All the caddies got to play for free on Friday's if they teed off before 8:00..
Tiger Woods was the reason I watched golf on television. Glue to the television I watched his every shot in awe.. My wife would ask me why I was watching ...you don't even play she would say... He's going for another win! Who? she'd ask... TIGER WOODS, I'd reply! She didn't know or care who he was until his accident and divorce... "He maybe a good golfer but not a good husband! was her only reply....all me a chauvinist, but I still root for him...
Same here on watching Tiger -- I remember seeing an interview with another pro golfer years ago (I forget who it was) who said that even they didn't watch golf on TV unless Tiger was playing. He was the absolute greatest player of this generation. On the husband part, your wife is absolutely correct, no question. I think he's tried to own up to his mistakes in the best way he can, and be as good a dad to his kids as he can, and that's really all a fan can ask.
You write very beautifully. This made me teary eyed, thinking of my little daughters growing up.
Terrell, your post is so timely. “Tension of Opposites”, Earlier this week I started rereading one of my first books in my library, “Molder of Dreams”, by Guy Rice Doud. I’m a Lieutenant for one of our local fire departments. In 2018, we started our Junior Firefighter program. We have recently graduated our first class of interns. Being an officer,it is my opportunity to see these jr firefighters enter our program with zero experience to go on now to go out and serve our surrounding communities. I’m like a proud parent.
“Tuesdays with Morrie” and “Molder of Dreams” are reminders that we as humans touch other peoples life for the good or the bad. Let us not grow weary doing good. Make a positive influence to those whom you cross their path. Sometimes a smile or a kind word is all it takes. Ad Dare Servire