Mark McIntosh's Blog, page 9

Pep Talk: Character Counts

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a community event in Denver honoring many in the Mile High City who have dedicated their lives to community service. During the invocation, one of the two who shared duties in leading the huge crowd in prayer, invoked the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., and his infamous, "Let us not judge one another for the color of our skin but for the content of our character."
Those powerful words seem fitting on Memorial Day 2016. May we never forget the sacrifices of those who lost their lives for the American way. The words of poet Jim Pemberton sum it up well:
We salute every soldier who’s served this great nation.And offer a heart of thanks and appreciation!
We salute each member of our armed forces.And are thankful for their efforts and resources!
We salute the many who protect our borders too.We’d be in trouble…  If not for people like YOU!
We salute every son and daughter lost in a war.YOU are what serving this country is meant for!
We salute the officers who’ve guided our women and men.Our prayers are with you!  And our love from within!
We salute our veterans!  Wherever they may be!Those who served on land, air and sea!
Offering prayer to the Lord is our belief…That he will guide our Commander-in-Chief!
As we observe Memorial Day this year…Let’s offer our soldiers love, hope and cheer!
May God bless them in all they endeavorAnd his peace be with them today and forever!!
Let's not waste another life on the battlefield. In memory of those who die for our freedoms, let's always make character count!

Pep Talk: "Giddy Up!"

Do you believe in the power of prayer? Well, in googling, “How many Americans believe in the power of prayer?” your knucklehead scribe discovered most “surveys” suggest about 75% or more do. 
However, that question is not the focus of this Pep Talk. What is the focus is the impressive response to a good-natured barb sent toward Colorado’s governor John Hickenlooper. In introducing the Centennial State’s chief executive to a ballroom packed with almost 1,000 folks for the annual Colorado Prayer Luncheon, the event emcee jokingly asked questions about the governor’s recently released memoir, “The Opposite of Woe: My Life in Beer and Politics.”
The two-term Democrat’s response was witty and powerful. In explaining the title, the 64-year-old stated, “Growing up I was always taught, the opposite of woe, is giddy up.” Right on Hick.
The opposite of woe, is giddy up. Love it! From an early age the geologist, brew pub inventor, restaurant tycoon and popular politician was taught something invaluable: when life disappoints us, what to do? Apparently, if you ask the governor, we should saddle up the horses and ride.
That seems to be exactly the spirit Meredith brings to life despite her youth. Four years ago when “Merry” was five, she was diagnosed with cancer. Radiation treatments triggered vomiting, sores, fatigue and burns. But the most stressful thing for this amazing young girl was losing hair. A bald head was uncomfortable for many reasons, including teasing and adapting to cold and hot weather.
Wearing hoodies helped with everything! It also inspired Merry, now nine and in remission, and her parents to realize their woe was calling them to giddy up. Bravehoods was born. The organization provides hoodies for kids with cancer. For every hoodie purchased, the agency donates one to a kid with cancer. Bravo!
I was blessed to meet Meredith and her mother at the Ninth “Gift of Life & Breath” 5K run/walk. It’s the brainchild of a woman who transformed woe into giddy up. Thelissa Zollinger’s husband, Gary, died from lung cancer a while back. It was shocking to learn of the successful businessman’s stage four diagnosis considering he never smoked and was in good physical shape. Despite a double lung transplant and other aggressive treatment strategies, Gary didn’t make it.
It inspired an amazing soul to devote the rest of life to funding research in finding an early detection test for lung cancer. Most folks don’t know they have lung cancer until it’s too late. In nine years, Thelissa’s incredible spirit has inspired many to join the cause. More than $750,000 has been raised to fund finding a reliable early-detection test. 100% of the money raised goes to research, ZERO to administrative costs.
A governor, woman, and kid. In their worlds, when the going gets tough, the opposite of woe is giddy up. When life’s misfortunes wander our way, we’d be quite wise to emulate their powerful and productive spirit.
In fact, I pray we do.

Pep Talk: "Quickly Indignant At Injustice"

“The best nightclub in four years at Mizzou?” was the questioned pondered by the recipient. Finally, in a manner typical of an adventurous spirit, the 22-year-old responded: “My house when a film production company took it over and invited 500 people to party. What a night.”
What a weekend.
Your scribe was blessed, along with darling wife, to join the Lazo family in celebrating daughter, sister and granddaughter Hannah’s graduation from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. The inquisitive and bold Denver native knows this aging jock, also a Mizzou School of Journalism grad, as “Uncle Mac.” Why? Her dear parents have become cherished friends. I’ve known the beautiful brunette since she was knee high to a grasshopper.
Hannah Abigail Lazo, “Hannah Banana” for those scoring at home, is entering a profession, my opinion, desperately needed at this time in our nation’s history. Thanks to social media and other platforms, everybody’s a journalist these days. We need an army of folks trained to be objective with an ability to communicate to the masses in a clear, compelling and concise manner. To separate fact from fiction.In a weekend of celebrating Hannah and taking a big trip down memory lane from my own experiences in earning a master’s degree three decades ago, many thoughts resonate. None more than a random, late night, stroll in downtown Columbia, Missouri past a plaque dedicated to the first dean of the nation’s first school of journalism, Walt Williams. It’s known at the “Journalist’s Creed.”More than a century later, Williams’ declaration rings loudly, for journalism and life. Here it is, in the Missouri native’s words and edited a tad for length:The public journal is a public trust; all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.Clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.A journalist should write only what is held in heart to be true.Suppression of news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.No one should write as a journalist what they would not say as a respected individual.Journalism which succeeds best — and best deserves success — fears God and honors Man; is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid and is quickly indignant at injustice.Recently I was in attendance as a well-respected Denver sports and community leader railed on today’s youth and their apparent lack of caring. I disagree. Darling wife and I just spent a weekend around young folks like Hannah and fellow journalism graduates who give a great deal about the future of our country.
Good for her, good for them and good for us. I hope they, and we, can live the Williams’ journalist creed crafted long ago but so important today. Let’s start with the last decree and be quickly indignant at injustice. 
We all will be better for the effort!

Pep Talk: "Sudie Puff, Stay Feisty!"

Each week in deciding what to write, one question usually floats through the cranium: “What tickled the internal ivories?” Well, I’ve been called much through 58 years, albeit smart has rarely been one of them. But, considering it’s Mother’s Day, why not write about my mother? What to say about a woman who has requested many monikers in life? From mom, to Patsy Sue to these days, Sudie Puff?
You ask, “Sudie Puff?” Thanks for inquiring. It’s a joy of the relationship your knucklehead scribe has with an (almost) 81-year-old mother. Cognitively, she’s sharp as a tack. One day she just mentioned, “Call me Sudie.” Sure. We talk often on the phone. Especially cherished are moments when mother and son converse while other knuckleheads from Victory’s A Stronger Cord wellness outreach movement are present. The “speaker phone” app is handy in the car. Mom talks to Brian, Angelo, Salif and others. Sudie Puff is a pseudo mom to guys working hard on the comeback trail from affliction. She can relate to their journey and is a dynamo for the underdog. 
What’s the ol’ saying, “An acorn doesn’t fall too far from the tree?” Guilty as charged.
Political news? Nobody’s more attuned than the mother of four. She watches CNN and FOX incessantly. “Those women show too much leg and look like hookers!” snorts a smart soul who speaks her mind even when the best strategy might be silence. She passed that gene along. Also, from the guys in the car one day, after they listened to the Trump fan’s scorching campaign comments? The self-professed “Wyoming Cowgirl” resembled  a “fire-breathing” dragon and, unanimously from listeners including me, earned the “Puff” last name.
Many say the resemblance is striking between mother and son. That’s probably true. But the more this aging jock chronologically advances, the more it becomes apparent, the most shared DNA traits are being feisty and hardheaded. Good and bad. Calls usually produce verbal sparring and occasional agreement. We are okay with that. As a son to an aging parent, I feel blessed the woman born the same day (June 28) as John Elway, is a cognitive champion. Too many friends can only wish for such conversations with aging and memory-impaired parents.
She’s also an isolated senior. It’s an area where A Stronger Cord is focusing more efforts. Seniors. Let’s keep them engaged through wellness outreach promoting better fitness, relationships and communities. Many, like mom, have much to contribute if we make the effort to include them. The ASC knuckleheads are trying.
Mom has been a big cheerleader from day one. Good buddy and Hall of Fame football coach Bill McCartney loves to talk about the four most important words, when strung together, in the English language. He proclaims, “I believe in you!”
Mom has always believed in me. What a gift. This week, whether mom or not, don’t hesitate to tell someone how much you believe in them. It might be just what they need when hope seems fleeting.
Sudie Puff, I believe in you. Stay feisty and have a stellar day!

Pep Talk: "Lemons Into Margaritas"

While licking wounds of political defeat, your scribe was poolside in Mexico, licking salt from a margarita glass. Pondering. “What could the RISE UP with Mark campaign have done better to avoid missing the 1,000 necessary signatures by a mere 36? What’s that old saying, we learn more from defeat than victory? I believe that’s true. In this case, there were two valuable lessons learned. Shame on me if they’re forgotten.
First, there is no substitute for support. Boots on the ground. Campaign manager Pam Read and your novice politician were blessed to have many who helped along the way. THANKS! But we were a small mom-and-pop expansion political franchise. We were starting from scratch and it showed. Here’s an example.
The District 6 caucuses were heavily attended. An ideal time, with little effort, to gather petition signatures. Why? Everybody attending that crazy evening was a Democrat who lives in the district. It was like catching fish in a rain barrel. Easy pickings. We were understaffed. With more boots on the ground at more caucus locations - there were multiple sites -  we would have reaped a harvest of prized Hancocks. Early in the process, opportunity was wasted.
The second self-inflicted injury came at the very end. It was a misinterpretation of the rules. First, some background. It became apparent early in this campaign, it would be futile to utilize caucus to make the ballot. I was the fourth of four candidates. For the most part, party insiders had made choices among other D6 candidates. Also,  upon entering the race in October 2015, I had just joined the Democratic Party. Before, as a career journalist, I was a registered Independent. It was palpably apparent, the “TV guy” was an outsider.
The campaign quickly understood the best path to the ballot, and opportunity to encourage voters to rise up and change politics now, was through petition. The Secretary of State’s office allows this second option. For state legislature, the threshold was 1,000 registered Democrats from District 6. The SOS office recommended, “Get at least 1,200 because some will be invalidated.”
On thoroughly enjoyable walks and door knocking through district neighborhoods we found 1,168. We felt confident most would survive SOS scrutiny. Oops. I misunderstood something critically important. When it comes to duplicate signatures - a SOS no-no - I thought the date the signature was gathered trumped. Late in the two-month petition signing window, another candidate joined the canvassing crusade. It didn’t cause real concern because we had been out since opening day. I incorrectly thought when the SOS office tabulated results, whomever got the signature first, keeps it. Nope. It’s whoever turns in the ENTIRE PETITION COLLECTION first who keeps any duplicate signatures. A critical turnover.
“Mark, you lost signatures because your competition turned in theirs moments before you,” was the matter-of-fact truth from a SOS staffer. Ouch. Are you mired in the muck of disappointment after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory? Home? Work? Elsewhere?
Don’t stay there. Survey the damage, learn from it and keep marching. It might not be Cancun, but move on. Let’s turn life’s lemons, the heck with lemonade, into sweet and savory margaritas!

Pep Talk: "Thanks For Encouraging Many"

“We have to continue to raise awareness of talents overlooked, misunderstood and underestimated,” was the powerful statement that almost knocked me from my chair.
I was sitting in the audience preparing to hear a motivational speaker at the Rocky Mountain Autism Summit. The person introducing the speaker had summed up in a simple phrase - “overlooked, misunderstood and underestimated” - the challenges present in trying to improve the lives of those affected by autism.
The handsome speaker came to the stage and proceeded in the next hour to entertain with a funny and informative message about finding humor in the literal mind. While sitting in the front row and chuckling frequently, my heart burst with pride and admiration for a young adult who has been on quite a journey.  
The speaker, Brent Anderson, has Asperger’s syndrome. According to autismspeaks.com it’s an “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) considered to be on the “high functioning” end of the spectrum. Affected children and adults have difficulty with social interactions and exhibit a restricted range of interests and/or repetitive behaviors. Motor development may be delayed, leading to clumsiness or uncoordinated motor movements.”
I have been blessed to know the speaker most of his life. Nobody knows animals like the warm and friendly 30-year-old. I learn a lot in his presence. His mother is like a “sista from another mista” for your knucklehead scribe. Brent’s younger sister Jenny was my 26-year-old son Kyle’s first crush. “Dad,” said the two-year-old long ago from the child seat in the back of the car, “Jenny has stars in her hair!” It’s something we still laugh about almost a quarter of a century later.
The journey for the terrific trio has been anything but easy. Their story is another wonderful example that life is a roller coaster with unexpected twists and turns along the way. The big question always becomes, “How do we deal with them?” When the roller coaster we call life jerks you around, try the Anderson solution. It works.
The family story involves, about 20 years ago, the challenge of a proper diagnosis of Brent’s condition. Then the family had to deal with a father’s denial about the diagnosis. That friction contributed to divorce, but became additional kindling for an inferno growing within a determined mother grappling with her son’s communication challenges. The book series “Unintentional Humor” was born, and a mother, son and daughter boldly stepped forward to encourage others to effectively deal with the challenges of autism and society’s opinion of it.
Today, Brent and Linda travel the country sharing their positive message, teaching about humor, and making the world more accepting of those with disabilities. Jenny runs a non-profit that teaches entrepreneurial skills to those on the autism spectrum and their families.
It’s not a laughing matter to be “overlooked, misunderstood and underestimated.” A family is changing that by unleashing humor from the literal mind. The Anderson’s inspire many while delivering smiles to faces and hope to hearts. From “Uncle Mac” to all of you, thanks for encouraging many, from all walks of life, to turn turmoil into triumph.
Bravo!

Pep Talk: "Environmentally-Friendly Bug Spray"

“Have you ever tried to get rid of ants?” was the question posed to a group of knuckleheads, including your ol’ fart scribe. “You have no idea where they’re coming from and have to poison the source.”
The statement made me think of a lesson embedded deeply into my brain. It comes from knowledge learned long ago while earning a master’s degree from the University of Missouri’s famed School of Journalism, “Don’t state the obvious.”
You want to kill ants? It’s simple, find the source. Apparently, when dealing with the pesky insects, blasting away with a spray can of toxin isn’t real productive. “You have to find the queen and where she’s hanging out.” Well, it might take a simple dude from Missouri 58 years to figure some things out, but what the heck, better late than never, right?
Want to kill ants? Go to the source. How about this? What if we substituted “ants” with an acronym of the same? How do we kill ANTS? Otherwise known as, “Automatic Negative ThoughtS?”
Ever been there? Sure we have. We have moments where automatic negative thoughts threaten to hijack our well being. I am battling some now with a family situation leaving me fretting about whether relational bridges will be strengthened or damagedAs our leader suggested, “Our brains create our reality.” When talking about ANTS, the fitness fanatic offered, “It’s not what happens to our lives that determines our feelings. It’s how our brain perceives it.” I must admit, for LeRoy Matticks, an equally simple dude from Nebraska, that was profound. The spiritual warrior is smarter than he looks.
With nine guys gathered around a table, Matticks shared thoughts about killing ANTS, or automatic negative thoughts. Here’s a handful of takeaways.
Do not believe every first thought that appears in our craniumsThoughts are powerful. Feed thy brain positive foodRealize, and accept, thoughts can lie to usExpect success - faith is the vital ingredientTell our brains what we want and visualize it, often.
Too often in life it seems we try and kill ANTS in unhealthy fashion with an over indulgence in fear and self-doubt. Sadly, that disastrous duo usually leads to seeking solace in a bottle, pill, pipe, affair, career, Internet porn, poor eating habits, lack of exercise or whatever else seems plausible, or not. The bottom line is we’re wounded and vulnerable in an attempt to eradicate whatever at the time plagues our world. In short, life sucks.
The venues may change but the strategies should not. Want to get rid of ANTS? Find the source. It’s usually rooted in our “stinkin' thinkin'.” We all have ant issues. The million-dollar question will always be, “What are we going to do about them?”
How about poisoning their food supply with wholesome, always available and environmentally friendly bug spray? Let’s tell our brains what we want and then have our behavior match that desire.
We become what we think about!

Pep Talk: "An Absolutely Awesome Example"

It’s doubtful I’m alone in this feeling, but here goes. Ever had a puzzling predicament that leaves you wondering, “Really?” Those moments in life where, despite best intentions, things are out of whack? I’m in the throes of one of those and, frankly, it sucks.
That’s why it’s darn beneficial to spend time each week with other knuckleheads who challenge me to get over it. Ya know, that ol’ “Iron sharpens iron” kinda deal? Having another’s perspective often, if not always, helps.
As we got things rolling this particular time, I was lamenting about a self-inflicted wound concerning betraying a trust, harming a loved one’s feelings, asking for forgiveness and praying for it to happen. In the middle of the selfish rambling, reality slapped me in the face upon remembering the one with an attentive ear has a few things going on, too. Major. Life threatening. 
Right after offering me sage advice, this wise man shared with the entire group a story of one of his loved ones’ health scare. The relative’s prognosis is good long-term but requires short-term surgery, pain and recovery. I sit there knowing he’s fighting for life, enduring a barrage of neck radiation to preserve it and eradicate cancer. “My throat is killing me,” says the father of six. He’s a quarter of the way through this treatment ordeal and understands the road ahead is rough. Somehow, the man’s spirit remains unshakeable. 
I dunno, maybe it’s just me but that’s darn admirable.
Personally, it’s disheartening to know there’s a chasm between me and someone dearly loved. I would imagine others might have something going on right now physically, emotionally or spiritually that has you a bit bewildered. How do we maintain perspective and not fall into the self-pity pit of despair?
If in possession of such knowledge, I’d be playing more golf and giving younger brother a little more competition. This much I know. There are folks who have it figured out. Somehow, someway in the throes of this bumpy roller coaster we call life, amazing individuals like Doug Wittenberg show us the way. I know he would say it’s faith that powers such resolve. He exudes it. For others, maybe it’s something different. Who cares what you call it? It’s about possessing a certain spirit and sharing its infectious strain, right?
Please say yes.
When, or if, things go awry this week and the temptation to fret rears its ugly head, take a page from a gravely-voiced devoted husband I’m blessed to hang with every Friday. Dig deep and find the resolve to not allow circumstances to dampen our spirit. I know,  easier said than done.
It seems a faith-based marriage mentor has never been more alive despite the very real threat of death. “It’s hard to argue with a letter,” was his advice pertaining to my struggle. “Write one.”
A courageous counselor enthusiastically serving others while suffering greatly. An absolutely awesome example of how to live.

Pep Talk: "Do The Doug Thing"

The past few weeks, your knucklehead scribe has been focusing on the journey of a beloved buddy. His ongoing, and so far, productive battle against cancer. The father of six, powered by faith, his words, “Feeling like I’m riding a wave of prayer through this.”
First, thanks from Doug to everybody who liked the inspirational t-shirt idea and has donated either an XL shirt or money for purchase of one. You are lifting his spirits.
The point is a reminder of what you already know. Life throws curveballs, or challenges us to step from our comfort zone. It is that precise moment in time when we have a critical decision to make. It’s a choice entirely doable by each and everyone of us. Yep, regardless of the color of our skin, where we live or how much money we make, in the face of adversity, ultimately it comes down to our determination to learn from the experience or become a victim of its circumstance.
Whether the stellar family-life minister “wins” this bout with cancer is still in doubt. It’s game on. Whether any of us live to see tomorrow is also in doubt. What is obvious at this juncture, at least from seeing him weekly, is a man at peace and courageously fighting a relentless invader. It is inspiring to witness first-hand.
How to handle the relentless invader in our lives? In a two-month journey of walking neighborhoods and trying to get on the ballot for Colorado’s State House D6 race, I have met thousands of folks. I don’t know if it’s because of a God-given curious nature or what, but it’s been an absolute blast. To knock, or ring a bell, and be presented with a dose of humanity appearing? You just never know.
I learn of others battling illnesses, loneliness, relationship meltdowns, children in crisis and other “What the heck is going on around here?” situations. They are in the midst of their own “Courageously fighting a relentless invader.” Our spirit, our attitude, our abilities to somehow, some way, find positives in the cesspool of life’s transformative, painful, and uncertain moments is a character trait to emulate.
My mind wanders to a elderly woman who answered a RISE UP with Mark campaign canvassing knock sporting a fresh cast on her right hand. “Mark, I broke my wrist the other day,” stated the petit University of Colorado graduate. “It’s the hand I write with but, give me that pen, I’ll sign your petition left-handed.”
While not trying to compare recovery from a broken wrist to a cancer battle involving two months of daily radiation treatments, the common denominator is the attitude. Two people, different circumstances, but with a similar spirit that proclaims, “Nobody controls my attitude but me.”
Life messes with our physical, emotional, financial or spiritual well being. The story is our reaction to the relentless. This week, do the “Doug Thing.” We’ll be better for the effort and might inspire others to follow suit.

Pep Talk: "The Weathered Rag"

How many like to wear clothing that makes a statement? Ya know, sets the tone for what lies ahead? Work, sporting event or whatever? I’m big on that. For instance, in canvassing neighborhoods for the RISE UP campaign while looking for signatures to get on the ballot for Colorado’s House District 6, I frequently wear a Denver East High School pullover, or CU Buffs cold-weather jacket or something else personal and pertinent to the area of town your knucklehead scribe is wandering.
It’s a good conversation starter. Anyway, the point being most of us have moments where we put on the “uniform” to represent something bigger than ourselves. Like, all the darn Broncos’ gear you see?
Which sets the stage for an update on my Friday morning Platoon buddy battling cancer. “My wife started something on Caring Bridge,” the faithful warrior proclaimed while rising from his seat, pulling back an outer garment and revealing a t-shirt. “Every time I go in for radiation, I wear a different one. The statement on the t-shirt inspires me to persevere.”
Wow, what a great idea by his wife. Let’s have some fun. Do you have a favorite t-shirt? One that transforms your thinking from chump to champ? One that inspires you to stay courageous despite the roller coaster ride ahead? One you could offer to Doug – mail it to me and I’ll deliver - for one of his treatments? The father of six, every time - 33 total - he’s strapped in the cranium cage for a blast of potentially life-saving radiation, would know there’s plenty of folks out there rooting for a miracle.
If you’re interested, let me know. For instance, he and I have already chatted about him wearing an A Stronger Cord t-shirt for an upcoming treatment. All the knuckleheads out there want him to know thoughts and prayers are pouring his way. Also, thanks to many of you who are doing the same. “I’m still riding that wave” is what the great dude reported as we chatted.
Folks, it’s just the latest example of something we know as truth. The more we encourage one another the better off we’re gonna be, right? This is not rocket science. It’s really pretty simple, just not easy. We’ve become too isolated from one another these days. It’s challenging to encourage one another if we’re not connected.
As an incredibly precise laser attacks a cancer trying to snuff the light out of a guy who has an eternal beam of hope. He’s enthusiastically wearing different t-shirts into battle. They give him hope and confidence.
Always a good thing. The battle might be to whip addiction, cancer, bad relationships, poor attitude, incarceration, homelessness or something else. Our wellness is threatened: physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually. Maybe all four at once. Ouch. 
We need hope and confidence for such trials. This week, let’s live the motto on an ol’ t-shirt. Yep, find it and live it. The weathered rag is probably worth little, but sure means a lot for the courageous and triumphant spirit it represents.