Today is my day*

Here it is…
Today is my birthday.

I’m not saying why this date…July 17th… is significant to you.

To me.. it is.

My mom told me July 4th was her due date to have me. It turned out, I was late.
13 days late.
I told her she just wanted extra time with me.
Might explain my sometimes lack of promptness.

It’s always seemed to me that a birthday was special. Maybe to you alone, but special nonetheless.
It’s a shame to only have one day to celebrate the most important date in your life.

So I first thank my parents, because of them, I’m here. Even if I took an extra 2 weeks to arrive.
It got to be so special that when my birthday month arrived, I celebrated. Not just the day, or week. The entire month.

At my first full time job, I asked my boss for a day off. On my birthday.
He was not pleased with my request.
I did get the day off.

I even told the Teamsters, when I would hear their grievances, I would be unavailable the week of my birthday.
It’s true.

But forgive me for this self indulgence, it is my birthday month.
I understand if you celebrate your date too. Your day is significant,too

On my day, I usually try to measure my life progress on this date. I use different measures.
At 20 I decided I wanted to be a millionaire.
At 28 I had just met my beautiful bride to be.
At 40 I began running competitively.
At 50 I began my martial arts training.
At 55 I measured by bench pressing 250 pounds.
I used my day as a measuring stick so to speak.

Now I realize however, it just doesn’t matter.
I don’t have to compete.. against the world. Or even myself.
No, that’s not what’s important.

What is , I’ve discovered, is that I’m here. I have my beautiful wife. 4 beautiful children. 6 beautiful grandchildren. A wonderful family, great friends both in and out of my workplace.
Yes, I’m blessed and fortunate. Beauty surrounds me.

My boss, one of my principals, mentioned the key to life was to enjoy life,
And then he said have fun like JT.

I hope he’s right.
My goal this year was to be grateful.
The more you are grateful, the more you abundance you’ll have.
The more abundance, the more I discover how happy I am.
The more happiness I experience, the more fun I have.

Yes more fun.

To my family, my coworkers, to all my friends.
I’m grateful for all of you.
Thank you!

JT

Yes, she’s a bad, bad girl..

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