What It’s All About
In case you didn’t read yesterday’s post, which I admit was ridiculously long, let me sum it up. For the past week, I’d been stressed out over a bunch of stuff, both work and family, and was in a pretty bad place. On Tuesday, although I felt it’d be smarter and way more convenient to do stay home and get some work done, I drove down to Temecula and trained at American Top Team, interviewed three of the fighters. That was awesome and made such a huge difference in my attitude, but there was another reason I figured an all-day excursion was in order. A great friend of mine lived ten minutes from the gym and it’d been way too long since I’d seen him.
I’ve known Rich since he was born, nothing but a broken down fence between our two houses, or at least until they put in a pool and started skinny-dipping. Even though there’s been a chunk of time where we didn’t see each other very often, I’d say I can testify to his character more than any other friend’s. He’s a good dude with a huge heart and right now he’s going through some trying times.
It was great catching up and spending time with his family. His fifteen-month old son was adorable although he cried at the sight of me. Can’t say I blame him. Strong survival instinct in that one. As soon as his older brother, Zach, let him know I was harmless, Brett and I hit it off and he kept bringing me a car so I could chase him. That giggle made my day just that much better and it’s always good to see Zach, one of the first Brightside fans (and hopefully youngest. His parents said he could read it so I blame it on them.) Zach also really liked this post, great to know I share the same sense of humor as a twelve-year-old.
While I was with Rich, dreading my upcoming workout because the monster burrito I had for lunch was threatening to come out one way or another, I got an idea. I thought my friend, Cheyann, might be able to help him. This woman is incredibly busy, her work schedule and family demands similar to mine. She’s directing, producing, and acting in a web series I mentioned in this post. I wrote that before I attended Off and Running’s premiere at Paramount. I was so impressed with the show and proud of what they accomplished. If you like free family-friendly comedy, you should definitely check it out.
Even though I rarely call her, all Cheyann asked was if Rich was a good friend. I said he couldn’t be a better one and she cleared time to meet the next day. Rich made the long drive, Cheyann and I took a break from creating our dreams and had a great meeting . It reminded me how important friendships are and just how cool it is that someone would give up that much of their day simply because I asked them too. That’s pretty awesome. Next time I’m asking for money.
I came home in a great mood around three o’clock and was excited to hear Grandma was going to take my daughter to gymnastics. That meant I could work for three hours, maybe even squeeze in a nap, so I took her up on the offer. I called her back a few minutes later though when I realized my chiropractor was open until six and I’d be able to go there after Livvie’s class. My body could always use an adjustment, especially after a double session of training, but that wasn’t why I wanted to go. There was another friend that I was thinking of. I’d planned on stopping by Friday, Betty’s last day of work, but I never know where I’ll be and if Livvie would be with me. Betty is Livvie’s friend too.
I’m not sure how long Betty’s been the receptionist at Dr. Holland’s but I’m guessing it’s been all of Livvie’s life. My daughter’s been adjusted since she was two weeks old and had no choice to tag along with me every visit. Not surprisingly, the frequency of these visits has increased quite a bit since I started Unlocking the Cage, one of the reasons this project still going.
Livvie’s not always excited to go to Dr. Holland’s because of the drive, but then I remind her of Betty and she gets a little grin and says okay. Every time we get there, Betty’s looking for Livvie, smiling, laughing, listening to Livvie shyly sing a new song or do a dance. She makes my daughter feel great about herself, a talent Betty uses on everyone that walks into that office. She’s such a positive and happy person, a big part of why I always leave with a smile.
Livvie was sad to hear Betty was retiring, but she got excited when I told her what I had planned. She picked out some pretty pink flowers and put her signature next to mine in the first printed copy of Repackaged Presents. Some people might think it’s a little strange to give horror stories to someone, but Betty’s a pretty cool woman that I think will enjoy them.
We all got a lot of hugs that day. Betty balled and I got all teary, and when I talked with Livvie about the happy tears, she said she almost cried too. It was such a great lesson that I hadn’t intended. Letting someone know they’re special and appreciated, thanking them for their kindness. Taking the time to be with family and friends, telling them what they mean to you, making sure know they’re loved instead of assuming they know. That’s what life’s about or at least how I plan on living mine.
