Applaud LOYALTY and SERVICE

     Yesterday's cold and rainy start turned into a beautifully mild and pleasant day.  This got me thinking that practicing yoga in the morning not only makes you feel better physically and mentally, but it might also have the power to change the weather.  When I walked into class yesterday it was pretty nasty out.  75 minutes of sweat, shiva flow, and a few hare krishnas later, I walked out to a beautiful day.  Today, no yoga... still raining.   So, on this quiet and soggy Sunday, I wanted to share a few stories to simply applaud LOYALTY and SERVICE. Please excuse today's intentionally basic format and "short of smooth" segues as I highlight the fact that substance and content are more important than flash and style (or in other words, admit that I'm feeling less than witty and creative today for some reason).

      If you haven't already noticed I tend to enjoy words, understanding their literal meaning, thinking/sharing about what they mean to me, and encouraging you to ponder what they mean to you. So here is more of the same:

* LOYALTY: Defined as "A feeling or attitude of devoted attachment and affection" by thefreedictionary.com.

For me, loyalty is defined by a commitment to continually act in a selfless and supportive manner towards family, friends, and others.  For my parents, loyalty is celebrating 40 years of marriage today!  My parents have forever displayed this selfless and supportive attitude towards each other and our family.  Their vows of devoted attachment have endured 40 years of... her spending too much time at the pool, and him spending too much time on the soccer field (or on the couch watching soccer)... her ability to occasionally make mountains out of mole-hills, and his inability to listen/hear.  No matter the situation, decision, or disagreement my parents have displayed tremendous LOYALTY to each other, to their four kids, and to their six (soon to be eight) grandchildren.  I applaud them for setting such a good example.  Thank you sincerely and Happy Anniversary!

 

* SERVICE: Defined as "the work performed by one who serves" by merriam-webster.com.

Service is a vague word with many interpretations and widespread uses.  It can be good/bad, personal/professional, exceptional/terrible, self/community, etc.  For me, service is about a relationship one has with another/others, either temporarily or long term.  Recently I observed work being done on and around my parents' house and I wanted to applaud the exceptional SERVICE provided by long time family friend, Pat Mille.  Pat has been friends with my parents for as long as they've been married, and he's done a ton of work on our house since they moved in over thirty years ago.  I can clearly remember Pat around our house when I was a young kid.  He is what I would respectfully describe as an old-school bricklayer.  He is a no-nonsense kind of guy devoted to the quality of his work, and happiness of his customers.  Decades of pouring concrete, hauling stone, and meticulously aligning bricks has changed his posture and banged up his hands, BUT at age 75 he remains as strong as an ox, and as talented as ever.

On Friday, after I realized that Pat had been working for three days straight (two days completely alone), I felt bad that I was about to go off to the gym and I'd had never offered to help him.  Not surprisingly, Pat didn't want my help when I offered.  I'm sure he was thinking, "Listen kid, you're wearing asics and under armour, and you probably don't know the first thing about concrete.  I look at you and I see liability more than assistance" but he simply said, "thank you but no."  In this society we are often expected to tip even when service is bad, and that gives some people the impression that poor service is acceptable.  So, I am making a conscious effort to be especially thankful for great service.  I applaud Pat for his decades of hard work, loyalty, beautiful work, and exceptional service. If anyone needs paving or stone work done... there is no one better. Pat thought I was strange for asking to take his picture, but he humored me and even flashed his half friendly/half intimidating smirk for the sake of being a good sport.  Sincere thanks Pat.

Finally, I want to wish my cousin Phil well as he left yesterday for his second deployment overseas.  I'm extremely proud of Phil for the hard work he has done to get where he is.  I have a tremendous amount of respect and gratitude for the selfless SERVICE that he and the rest of our armed forces put forth every day to protect our Country.  Sincere thanks and prayers are with you!