TSOS2ME: Finding Inspiration
I have a wonderful friend, Bob Thomas (BTT) who sends a happy Friday e-mail to all his friends/family every single week. It's a rare Friday that I don't get a message from him.
This week, he shared the message below. In the e-mail, he opened the world of Franti and Spearhead to his family and friends. I have to say that Bob's group is so incredibly eclectic - ranging in ages, attitudes, views, personalities - but if they are close to him, each and every one of them has at least one amazing quality (don't we all!?).
I am so happy that Bob is sharing the Sunshine with more people...as he is one of my rays of hope, he's reaching out across the globe to spread the sun to others.
His Happy Friday e-mail for 9/3 is below:
Good day.
Hope that all is well.
I have some amazing friends. Some that face the fiercest adversity yet you would never know it.
They battle each day what is laid before them with the heart of a lion.
They never ask for self pity instead they ask how things are going with you.
Life may be throwing them curve balls high and inside, but after each brush back pitch they just shake it off and step up to the plate again.
They face challenges that most of us can't even comprehend, but when you talk to them and maybe try to give them a little lift, it is they that are doing the lifting with their positive attitude and limitless good spirit.
You know people like this. How do they do it? Is it something that's just within? Or, are they being aided by a higher power? I'd like to know.
Maybe because I've been fairly lucky over the years to have had good health combined with no real tragedies in my life, I've finally hit a bump in the road and I'm ready to call it a day.
I want what these people have. I want their spirit. I want their zest for life despite facing all odds. I'm going to keep searching and praying until I find it. I know it's possible because I see it in these friends of mine.
Speaking of friends of mine, one thing I'm blessed with is having the most incredible people in my life. The people that I call "friends."
For instance, of late when I couldn't quite reach those boot straps, this one friend of mine reached down, put her fingers in the loops and gave them a little tug.
I'm luckier than I even know.
I'm often asked why I send out these stories each week. One reason is for me to stay connected. To stay connected to those I've known since kindergarten, to those I've never even met face to face, and all of those in between.
For those who have known me for over 45 years or those who only know me from these writings, I think they would say that my most valuable asset (For me) are my friends. I couldn't agree more. It's just the way I am.
Take a few weeks ago, when I took a Friday story off because I wasn't feeling too well, I was besieged with well wishes. That did more for my soul than UF winning a National Championship in football.
Now you get the picture??
I really don't mean to sound cliche here, but may God bless all of you. And thank you for being in my life.
I've got these wonderfully crazy friends in Tampa named Jen and Tim Wiley. I think they love UF more than I. So much so, they named their son Spurrier Urban Wiley. I kid you not. We call him Spur.
Anyway, I'm not sure anyone that I know is in tune with a more wide variety of music than Jen and Tim. We make concert calls to each other from time to time. Last week they attended a concert of one of their ol favorites.
Michael Franti and Spearhead were new to me, but through Jen's Facebook page, I've become a fan. Funny how things work. This song and just released video couldn't have come at a better time for me.
I think you'll like it, too. Crank it up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vovuxt7pUc
Have a good Labor Day weekend. Please, be safe.
Go! Scorps. Go! Gators.
bt-t (Written with Zane, Runt, and Wilber Marshall by my side)
PS
If you pray, maybe you could please remember the parents of two friends of mine in your thoughts as they try to get better, Mrs. Ruff and Mr. Blair.
