That Tall Maple Tree

At this very moment, as I write, I am sitting at my computer looking out the window at the tall maple tree that sits in our yard. I sat here looking out this same window at that same maple tree so many times during the writing of our book. I didn't truly appreciate it before, but this is a good place for me. It relaxes me and I feel at home.


Friends, family and others are beginning to read our book and listen to our CD. We are beginning to get feedback and it is good to hear the responses. Right now I am feeling a great appreciation for what we have accomplished so far in our work. But my feeling of appreciation doesn't stop there.


My brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, in-laws and cousins, neighbors and church family, friends and colleagues are so very important to me and I feel a special blessing to have them in my life.


Sharon is my wife. She is my confidant, counselor and closest friend. Ricky is my oldest child. He sounds a lot like me. Once he called me and when I answered the phone, I thought someone was teasing me by playing a recording of my own voice. My oldest daughter is Pam. She has the most gentle and kind disposition you could ever imagine. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband Casey. They have two daughters, Britney and Keysha. No, let me put that another way. I have two granddaughters, Britney and Keysha. Nicole is my youngest daughter whom you have already met. It is a privilege for me to share a vision with her and to work with her in an effort to make that vision a reality.


If it seems that I am filled with love for my family and friends, if it seems that I feel a great appreciation for all the blessings in my life, then that sounds about right. I am mindful that today is the 4th of July and we celebrate our independence as a nation. Looking at that maple tree out the window, I pause also to reflect on the many gifts and blessings in my life. I realize that this might sound a little corny to some, but it's what I feel, and I think that is what makes it all right.