Monday – 8/26/2013

“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s success or put its failures behind and start over again. That’s the way life is, with a new game every day, and that’s the way baseball is.” – Bob Feller

Late August, dog days of summer. The weather has been beautiful, the Indians are still in the playoff hunt and the football season is a few days away. It’s a pretty fun time of the year. But it’s also been a great time because of the many opportunities I’ve been able to take advantage of. Sometimes I find myself so immersed in various activities I forget to remember I’m still paralyzed. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, as I am constantly reminded of my paralysis, however, rarely do I fret over my limitations.

We all have our own set of limitations, but usually, if we look, there also exists the opportunity to move through them. Unfortunately, I think the average person will encounter more obstacles than opportunities, at least at first glance. But I also think the average person will discover how much opportunity can arise from the challenges he or she faces. Most of us were probably raised with our parents telling us the same thing – you can do anything you set your mind to. It’s not rocket science. In most cases, the adage holds true, even if you’re paralyzed. It didn’t take my injury to realize that, but it did help remind me just how true that really is. Next time you encounter adversity, do a little gut check, and discover any potential opportunity that may exist to help you break through your difficulties. I’m still learning to do this. It’s hard. But I think it’s true, and I know it helps.

Fortunately, I’ve been able to spend more time outdoors than indoors these past few weeks. We’ve been blessed with some beautiful weather lately which has allowed me to take advantage of more outdoor activities. Last Saturday I spent the day in Tremont with friends celebrating the 10th anniversary of a restaurant/bar one of our friends owns and operates. A lot of time was spent basking in the sun, listening to live music and enjoying some great food and drink. In fact, I honestly think I ate more in a few hours than I had the entire summer! After spending most of the day there, we headed over to a new wine bar for more conversation and laughs. Mostly laughs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This past Wednesday evening I was at the Boys Hope Girls Hope campus to enjoy dinner with most of the scholars. There were about a dozen students I was able to spend the evening with, catching up on how they are doing. For most of them, high school had either just started back up or was getting ready to begin the next day. As I mentioned the last time I met with them, I am honestly blown away by the intelligence, maturity and attitudes they possess. Most of these kids came from very troubled homes and you would never guess it after interacting with them. I feel very privileged to have been nominated to receive the “Rising Pillar of Hope” award this upcoming October 10th. Speaking of which, you can read a bit more about the evening by clicking Evening of Hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This past weekend I was able to catch up with some former work colleagues. A great friend of mine from Calphalon, Brooke, and her husband, Greg, were in town from California. It was the first time I had seen her since I left the company in 2005. However, it felt like it hadn’t been more than a few weeks. While we were all visiting with Melanie, Brooke gave me a few gifts which had me smiling. The first was an oversized Cleveland Browns “beverage” cup, with the Browns logo on one side and the words “Sip Strong” on the other side. She then proceeded to pull from her purse a small mason jar full of sand from Laguna Beach. Attached to the jar is an inscription which reads, “One day, you will walk in the sand again, my friend.” In fact, I’m looking at the jar right now, still smiling. Thank you Brooke!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not too long after they left, my former boss from Delphi, Steve, and his daughter, Paige, also stopped by. Steve is actually the one who first turned me on to the idea of a helper monkey a few years ago, so it was the chance for him to see his suggestion come to fruition. Paige is a definitive animal lover who really enjoyed meeting all of my animals that run the place. Like I told her, I just live here.

I’d be remiss if I did not mention that not a day goes by without a visit from the WOMP gang, Marcus, Marcelo and Wissum. This past Thursday was filled with the boys putting on about six different one-act plays in my living room. They even had some pretty elaborate costumes. I was informed that every Thursday at 6 p.m. they will come over and perform a new play. I really wasn’t given the choice. However, they did give me a choice when they asked me if my apartment can serve as the WOMP clubhouse. I didn’t commit yet, but did inform them that I would take it under consideration.

Saturday night, their parents, Rob and Jen, stopped over for a little bit as well. After Jen and the boys left, Rob and I watched the Browns game together enjoying a few of his world-famous margaritas, which lived up to the hype. We also enjoyed some 15-year-old Glenlivet, which always lives up to the hype.

Finally, a few exciting things worth mentioning:

First, I continue to make great strides during my weekly therapy sessions with Mike. Recently, we’ve noticed more activation in my upper abdominal core muscles and slight firing in my triceps. I have actually been able to bend forward and straighten myself back up several times during the past several workouts! Very tiring, but very rewarding!

Second, this upcoming Labor Day weekend is the annual Cleveland Oktoberfest, which should be even a larger event this year since the Air Show has been canceled. I can’t reveal too many details, but will have quite a significant and active role in some of the festivities this Friday. So if you’re looking for something to do, come check it out at the Berea Fairgrounds.

Lastly, the 1st Annual Stand Strong Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, October 27th. More details will be posted in the upcoming days, however, we are currently looking for items that can be used in the auctions and/or Chinese raffle. If you/your company would like to donate anything, please contact me. A huge thanks to those who have already generously donated!

As always, I feel extremely blessed to have the prayers and support that I do. It is because of that, I have been able to enjoy the opportunities I do, and share them with the ones I love.

Stand Strong!

Scott