MOM & DAD's Thanksgiving Thank you letter

MOM & DADs Thank you letter

It’s early on Thanksgiving morning. It is the official kick off of the holiday season and it is a day to give thanks. Giving thanks - - that is what this holiday is about. It is not “Turkey Day”, or “over stuff yourself day” it’s THANKS giving day.

As I sit here by the warmth of my fireplace, preparing this morning’s Podcast, I got to thinking of how much I love where my life has lead, how I got here and how each day of my better life leads to new and exciting opportunities for the future. Much of what I have accomplished can be traced back to the selfless gifts from 2 of my very first coaches. – my mom and dad.

In addition to the obvious “giving me life” thing, they did all the other things that great parents do. They made sure I was always well provided for and made significant sacrifices to ensure that I received the best possible education – And, goodness knows, they made sure I was always surrounded with plenty of “stuff”.

But, Over the years I have come to realize that their legacy of love and support has had far more impact than anything that they every bought. This unwavering support has been provided to me throughout my life, on going, from the day I was born and through today. They never hold back - - always giving. When I was growing up, they were always present and available for me. To this day, they never fail to show up and be there when I need them. Their unconditional love and support has provided me with riches beyond value and by this example, they make me a better . . . Betterness Coach.

Although the all “stuff” they have given me was nice, it pales in comparison to this continuous and bountiful giving of their self. That said, I do recall two Christmas gifts that continue hold special meaning for me.

Hanging from the mantle just above the warm glow of my early morning fire is the walking stick Dad crafted for me. It is ornately carved and hangs from some crude leather straps. The stick is topped with the head of an eagle, a symbol of freedom and strength – how appropriate – dad certainly was a master giver of these. Within the staff is a "wood spirit." As understand it, a "wood spirit" lives in the wood. When the artist recognizes it, he uses its substance to refine it and make it the best it can be. Like the wood spirit, my dad has always seen the best in me and has worked with my substance to make me better.

Many mornings, before starting my day, I take a few moments to contemplate this humble walking stick as truly remarkable symbol of my coach dad. Just like any good coach, a walking stick is never ever oppressive. It does not force itself upon you. It is ready when you need it and it is available to you should you choose to carry it. It can be used as a simple support you or to help you pull yourself through the most difficult terrains of life. When things are at their worst the walking stick will always stand firm, at the ready and without judgment. My walking stick, my dad coach, helps me to stand . . . and more importantly he helps me to propel myself forward. Like a sturdy walking stick, he has helped me to stand tall when I could easily slump. By his sturdy example he has taught me commitment, persistence, and the importance of remaining steady and available for the betterment of others. As my walking stick, he has helped me to continue to move forward even when I did not think my legs could not carry me any farther.

When he gave me the stick he said: "I am sorry, son, it is not perfect but my eyes are not what they used to be." It seems to me, that his choice to make me this walking stick shows that his sight remains crystal clear. Dad, I appreciate the fact that through all your gifts, you will be walking with me long after I can no longer walk with you. I want to thank you for being my dad, my coach and my walking stick.

In my office, in the most prominent place I could find; there hangs the most beautiful assembly of old Hawaiian shirts anyone has ever seen. It has become known simply as "the quilt." It stands as a symbol of my most significant life challenge conquered – the losing of over 200 pounds. It stands as a reminder of how far I have come and the limitless nature of my future.

When I first lost the weight, I had a bag of old Hawaiian shirts that were 5 times too big for me. As far as I was concerned, they were a bag of rags, useless vestiges of a former life.

But my Mom, did not see it that way. In the same way that she always saw potential in me, she saw a quilt in those rags. She fashioned those tattered scraps into a symbol of unconditional love. Mom, like a warm blanket, has always protected me from the cold and made me feel secure. But this was no ordinary blanket, this was a beautiful assemblage of what I thought were rags. By crafting this quilt Mom reminded me not to be too quick to discard the little things in my life. This quilt is an unbelievable symbol of what can happen when you recognize the value of the small things in life and then take the time to put them together. As my coach, Mom specialized in showing me what I can make of myself, even when I was convinced that all I had going for me was a bag of rags. In the same way she assembled that quilt, she have showed me how to assemble what I thought were the scraps of my life into something spectacular. She always saw value in me and helped me to see it too.

Mom, I thank you for my for your unwavering belief in my potential, your unconditional love and for making me feel safe as I embark on new, uncertain, journeys. The quilt is a representation of you to me. I am glad to have you as my coach. I am proud to have your quilt with me every day so that I can show you off to all who enter my life.