Thursday, November 23, 2023

Annual Thanksgiving Tradition 2023: 2400 WAYS I am Thankful/Grateful in our life In New Hanover County NC!

 

Annual Thanksgiving Tradition:

 24 Years ago I sent out a “gratitude” list of 100 things I was grateful in Wilmington that year. It was met with great success as it spurred others to think about the positive and create perspective that might not always be in focus.

Each year since I have made a new list times the number of years I have been doing it, and include groups, things, organizations, service, and places. (Names are only used in reference to gifts..don't go looking  your name! LOL! :)

I GENERATE A NEW LIST EACH YEAR.  This is stream of consciousness, and I try and write it as close together as I can. It is a wonderful and meaningful journey.

Regardless of what my circumstances might be, regardless of what events may occur in my life, it is a tradition I will continue, because, I/we am/are blessed and it is worth remembering, offering thanksgiving, and sharing with each other!

 I hope it will spark a list of your own and feel free to steal mine!

I am grateful (to/for ):

1.      My higher power whom I call God

2.      all the incredible love that is surrounding me every single day

3.       the forgiveness grace and sustaining power that I receive every single day

4.       the guidance from within that I hear very clearly

5.      my incredible partnership in marriage

6.       for the gifts that I do not take for granted

7.      the person that I walk in each day with for our 28 years one day at a time together

8.      a marriage I could never have dreamed of

9.      love

10.   trust

11.   care

12.   compassion

13.   jinx, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7…

14.   new adventures together

15.   having my step dad

16.   having my mother in law

17.   seeing family on line and staying connected

18.   having cousin time this year

19.   have a chosen family with love and grace

20.   from my 34 years one day at a time that I have been walking for all of those incredible days

21.   in that time that I have had my daily reprieve

22.   415 months and counting

23.   12,651 days and counting

24.   303,601 hours and counting

25.   each day a new day of incredible possibilities

26.   all those nights comforted with ideas of reflection

27.   all of those incredible opportunities to grow all of these last years

28.   amazing moments all of this year's ability to be present

29.   Our home

30.   being back on the HOA

31.    having a great group of people who care about the community

32.    our little garden

33.   seeing the process by which the flowers go through the seasons

34.    my favorite crape Myrtle

35.   the gifts of the podocarpus

36.    the birds in the backyards

37.   the fighting with the squirrels

38.   the swing from Harold

39.   the sitting and listening to the sounds of the birds

40.    the squirrels jumping from tree to tree

41.   Our precious jax

42.   The best day ever boutique

43.   Jax’s squirrell

44.   The remnants of the original squirrel

45.   Opening doors

46.   Breathing through the cracks to see if we are there

47.   Letting us know he is ready by hitting mother’s bells

48.   Mother’s bells on the door handles

49.   Leaving mother’s bells on the doors year round

50.   Brushing under the grasses

51.   His pads letting him know where he is

52.   Mrs. Katie spoiling jax when we go shop

53.   Jax bringing us so much love

54.   That FACE!

55.   The face on my knee when I eat

56.   The counter surfing that is MY fault 😊

57.   That bow when we go to walk

58.   That bark for a treat

59.   The toy brought every single time

60.   The pull toy!

61.   A blind dog with better sight than I have

62.   Turning 11 this year

63.   watching jax enjoy his little backyard

64.   seeing jax’s coat in the sunshine

65.   our little planter box

66.    the new flowers

67.   the volunteers

68.    the annuals

69.   my favorite Hummingbird vine

70.    the thriving gardenia from Sherry

71.   the growth of everything back there

72.    the new holder for the kayaks

73.    having the kayaks

74.   the new planters

75.   all of the rocks from all the places we visited

76.   the sounds of the gong of the chime

77.   the shells

78.   being in our place of peace

79.   having phenomenal neighbors

80.   being connected to our neighbors

81.    having our little chain on text

82.   having the cameras to check in on our home

83.   having the cameras to check in on the dog

84.   having the cameras to check in on each other

85.   working through a difficult situation with a family who passed

86.    having had good neighbors who have moved on

87.    having the best manager in the world of our HOA for community solutions southeast

88.   for the privacy of our roads

89.    for the ability to walk in our neighborhood without much fear

90.    not taking it for granted the lack of violence in our neighborhood

91.   not taking it for granted the lack of too much crime

92.   the feeling of some security

93.   the connectedness we have with others on our streets

94.   our little library share

95.   people enjoying the library

96.   people putting new books in the library

97.    people taking books from the library

98.   our flag out front

99.   our Christmas lights during the holidays

100.                    and the tree

101.                   having a few wreaths from mother to put on the door as a remembrance of her

102.                   having the fan on when I'm sitting in my chair

103.                   having my chair

104.                   having our chairs next to each other

105.                   having the most amazing little library in the house

106.                   the carpentry of theiss

107.                   letting go of things more an more

108.                   the light through the transom

109.                   the rainbows through the crystals

110.                   the little hummingbird sculpture

111.                   the owls that help us remember

112.                   no space filled with “things”

113.                   little pictures of people

114.                   Ct. Pics from Harold that help me remember

115.                   The glow of the candles through the blue

116.                   The smell of the candles

117.                   The little oven

118.                   Soaking

119.                   Bubbles

120.                   Falling asleep on Sunday in my chair

121.                   Mid day naps on the weekends

122.                   Kafko

123.                   Mrs. freeze’s throws

124.                   The Christmas warm socks

125.                   The Ref

126.                   All the Christmas movies in order

127.                   Michael wanting to play Christmas music in July

128.                   Little spaces

129.                   Place to work at home

130.                   Being able to work at home from time to time

131.                   Claude’s view

132.                   The tobacco painting

133.                   Daddy’s Kentucky Colonel

134.                   Granddaddy’s one shot

135.                   The meditation area

136.                   The sound bowls

137.                   The breakthrough piece

138.                   the arts stuff

139.                   little projects here and there

140.                   conversations with Harold

141.                   time with folks

142.                   daddy’s shave cup

143.                   the skylight

144.                   all the light in the house

145.                   all the open space

146.                   all of our books special books that bring back incredible memories

147.                    everything around us that bring back memories

148.                   the sound of the dog chewing on his bone

149.                   his little breaths when he's exasperated

150.                    the dreams he has and his legs kicking

151.                   his wagy tail when he's excited

152.                   the clicking of his nails on the wood floors

153.                   the little parade we have when we go to get a treat

154.                   watching he and Michael when they go out for a walk

155.                   how excited he is when he's ready for dinner

156.                   reaching over and holding hands while we're watching TV

157.                   just being still and quiet with one another

158.                   reading while he's on his video games

159.                    just being content to be at home just being quiet together

160.                    the stillness of the house

161.                   the complete fullness of the house just by being together

162.                    Alexa being able to tell her what to do

163.                    being able to operate so many things with her

164.                   having a clean house

165.                   the gifts of Tiffany

166.                   having a washer and dryer at home

167.                    having a stove to cook on

168.                   an oven to bake in

169.                    having a kitchen

170.                    having bathrooms that work

171.                   having bathtubs

172.                   having showers

173.                    having hot and cold running water

174.                   having water that is reasonably clean

175.                    having air conditioned when it's so hot

176.                   having heat when it's so cold

177.                   having the ability to get things worked on regularly so that they are maintained

178.                    having equipment in our home that works on a reliable basis

179.                   having an HOA that takes care of things on the outside

180.                   having the ability to take care of things on the inside

181.                    still having insurance still being able to afford our insurance

182.                   still being able to afford our mortgage

183.                   having our mortgage not be the majority of our monthly income

184.                    having reasonable electric costs

185.                   being able to have Wi-Fi in the house

186.                    not having to worry about the electricity working

187.                    having regular phone service

188.                   having mobile phone service

189.                   not having to worry about bills being paid

190.                    having some savings

191.                   having the ability to eat out

192.                   having the ability to have food delivered

193.                   being in an area where food can be delivered

194.                    being in an area where groceries can be delivered

195.                   being in an area where grocery stores are abundant

196.                    being in an area where fresh produce is abundant

197.                   being in an area where multiple selections of fresh restaurant foods are available

198.                   being in an area where there are quick responses from emergency services

199.                   having incredibly reliable emergency services

200.                   having a neighborhood that has some private security

201.                   having private security that's responsive and professional

202.                    having security in our home

203.                   having regular exterminators

204.                   having roofs that don't leak

205.                   having buildings that are substantial in the face of storms

206.                   feeling safe and secure inside when there are storms

207.                   have a sense of safety when going to bed

208.                   having clothes to wear

209.                   having multiple clothes to choose from

210.                   having different clothes for different seasons

211.                    having coats to wear

212.                   umbrellas to use

213.                   shoes for the right occasions

214.                   having an area nearby to run

215.                   having an area nearby to bicycle

216.                   having trails nearby to get into the woods and get away

217.                   being next to the university and

218.                   being able to walk and run through the campus

219.                    being close enough to work to not have to compute

220.                   so close to the beach that we could bicycle

221.                   being far enough away from the beach that we don't have to worry about storms

222.                    having arts in our home

223.                    the art of Virginia Wright frierson

224.                   the art of Dumay Gorham

225.                   the art David Norris

226.                   the art of Harold Hodges

227.                   the art of Donnie Wrights

228.                   the art of elin O’hara slavic

229.                   the art of karl Sailiter

230.                   the art of Bradley Carter

231.                   the art of Elizabeth Hosier

232.                   the art of sully Anlyan

233.                   the art of Elizabeth Singletary

234.                   the art of Allie B

235.                   the art of Jud Crowe

236.                   The art of Elizabeth Darrow

237.                   Our little gallery of famous pieces

238.                   Knick knacks of joy

239.                   Prints from mother

240.                   Child hood delights

241.                   My child hood friend Joel Berquist

242.                    a bed to sleep in

243.                   Sheets for the bed

244.                   Quilts

245.                   Comforters

246.                   The best pillows ever

247.                   Having pillows

248.                   Windows that open

249.                   Windows that are secure

250.                   Covers on the windows

251.                   Windows that don’t let air in

252.                   Windows that are secure

253.                   Having a humidifier

254.                   Having an ac system that keeps our air purified

255.                    having utensils

256.                   and plates

257.                   having basic necessities

258.                   having a place to work out in at home

259.                   driving up and having the door open for me

260.                   the joy of being attacked by the dog when I walk in the door

261.                   the running fan at night while I sleep

262.                   having programs on TV that bring me solace

263.                   having movies that we both enjoy watching together

264.                   having movies that we watch repeatedly over and over that still brings joy

265.                   having music in the house

266.                   the calm app

267.                   the resilience app

268.                   having skills on alexa for different needs

269.                   have our games

270.                   playing scrabble

271.                   playing uno

272.                   our harry potter uno

273.                   our backgammon set

274.                   great lighting for reading

275.                   being able to have thanksgiving here in the house

276.                   being comfortable for thanksgiving

277.                   taking time to just relax together

278.                   being able to order in for the food for thanksgiving

279.                   finding a stuffing that comes near mother’s

280.                   our nespresso

281.                   paris nespresso

282.                   the sound of the nespresso in the early morning

283.                   the smell of that first coffee in the air in the am

284.                   the waking to the alex in the morning

285.                   having 10 alarms on my phone

286.                   after years of not being able to get up, being a morning person

287.                   being able to get to sleep

288.                   being able to sleep through the night

289.                   being comfortable in our bed

290.                   not having issues with my back

291.                   Michael doing well with his back

292.                   The bed being able to go up and down

293.                   Being able to work and read in bed

294.                   Being able to have access to work at home with rsa

295.                   Becca’s bounty

296.                   Shopping for becca’s bounty

297.                   The amazing programs through the agency for gifts and other supports at the holidays

298.                   The foster program at HHS

299.                   The LIEAP program

300.                   Medicaid expansion

301.                   All the workers who will respond to the needs of Medicaid expansion

302.                   For all who work with families in crisis

303.                   Social workers in child protection

304.                   Social workers in adult protection

305.                   All the therapists in our schools

306.                   The therapists in our justice system

307.                   The therapists embedded in the senior resources

308.                   The 1000s of meals delivered to the homebound everyday

309.                   The army of volunteers making those meals happen every single day

310.                   The tax folks helping to make it fair and equitable for all

311.                   The assessors

312.                   The mappers

313.                   IT experts

314.                   Folks who communicate the what and why

315.                   The memes of Wally Simpson

316.                   The teams in the creeks making water flow with engineering

317.                   those who keep offices running

318.                   being an adopted child of strategy

319.                   being allow to work with strategy teams

320.                   watching a colleage and friend become a department head

321.                   watching a whole department breath and thrive forward

322.                   having a hub on each floor

323.                   going to the hub

324.                   getting cold water and ice to keep going

325.                   having water fountains that fit water bottles

326.                   my bosses day plant thriving in my office

327.                   having my little k cup coffee under my desk

328.                   having a small holiday tree in my office

329.                   being able to walk down the hall and connect with others I work with

330.                   the language line at the county

331.                   having more language accessibility

332.                   the bilingual customer service at CFPUA

333.                   doing special training for our translators

334.                   the wildflowers planted along the creek redo

335.                   the ground cover to the creek

336.                   the water running off of college acres now that drainage has been redone

337.                   the incredible improvements in the neighborhood with the drainage project

338.                   the old frat house turned into an air b and b

339.                   color in the trees this time of year

340.                   the new landscapers, sweetwater

341.                   the dog poop picker upppers, sir scoop a lot

342.                   the folks who use the dog stations

343.                   all the dogs in the neighborhood

344.                   so many houses in the neighborhood being redone

345.                   autumn hall adding so many amenities we can walk to

346.                   having a starbucks right next door

347.                   the gary shell cross city trail

348.                   the legacy of gary shell

349.                   the trail having new additions

350.                   the trail going from rose over to eastwood

351.                   the maturing of the plant life along the trail

352.                   being able to bike with Michael

353.                   getting Michael’s non electric bike repaired

354.                   Bike cycles being awesome as always

355.                   Having a bike

356.                   My bike

357.                   Having a bike that is so comfortable to ride

358.                   Being able to bike all over the island

359.                   The view on my bike from the drawbridge

360.                   The little downhill from the drawbridge

361.                   The under the bridge to get onto the beach

362.                   People who use the right direction when going over the drawbridge on their bikes

363.                   Those who stay off the loop sidewalk with their bikes

364.                   Bikers who obey traffic laws

365.                   Drivers who care about bikers

366.                   Drivers who share the road

367.                   The pathway from the house to the beach

368.                   The place to lock up at shell island

369.                   The walk out towards figure eight

370.                   The off season when the beaches are empty

371.                   Cold days on the beach

372.                   Overcast days on the beach

373.                   Days after a storm when lots of shells wash up

374.                   Being there when low tide starts to reveal the treasures

375.                   Dogs being on the beach

376.                   being able to go and walk on the beach

377.                    feel the sand under my toes

378.                   the sound of the waves

379.                   looking up and seeing the clouds

380.                   the sun breaking through the clouds

381.                    being able to collect shells

382.                    finding my perfect shells

383.                   finding just the ones that I love the joy

384.                   and the excitement when I come across the sand dollar

385.                   the joy and excitement when I come across the very special ones that I love the most

386.                   just getting that breath when I'm able to walk onto the beach

387.                    the joy of finding that right parking space in that right parking lot that

388.                   I love being able to launch my kayak on the North End

389.                   crossing over and getting to masonboro

390.                   the feel of the waves underneath the boat

391.                   letting go when the waves get too choppy

392.                    finding a new place to paddle

393.                    to really experiencing allowing to surf to carry me

394.                    going this year for the first time passed the basin down at Fort Fisher

395.                   going farther in my kayaks than I've ever gone at Fort Fisher

396.                    experiencing going over to the ocean by going past the basin

397.                   my new racks for my birthday for my kayak

398.                   my beautiful new truck

399.                    being able to have a truck

400.                   being able to get through a really serious car accident

401.                   the great result from an insurance company from the car accident

402.                   the great results from going over to Audi and how they got me into this truck

403.                   AUDI service

404.                   The best service department ever at AUDI

405.                   Guierrmo!

406.                   it's a great service from all of those folks

407.                   to put me in the right place

408.                   the feeling of the wind by putting all the windows and the back window down and driving

409.                   finding out that I had a back window to put down in the truck

410.                   getting Michael and jax in the truck and just going and driving in the country

411.                    the feel of being able to use the truck to help others

412.                    being able to go places in the truck to be able to haul the kayak anywhere I want it to go

413.                    the incredible people at hook line and paddle for the installation of my racks

414.                   having dependable tires

415.                   having a dependable vehicle

416.                   the ability to have insurance

417.                   having a vehicle that passes inspection

418.                   have a new vehicle that I don't worry about failing when I'm driving

419.                   knowing that I can get roadside service if I need it

420.                   not worrying about having to pay for gas

421.                    having gas to drive with

422.                   having a vehicle finally that's really me

423.                    and something that I really wanted taking a road trip in it

424.                    and feeling completely free

425.                    motor boats that pass buy that slow down and reduce wake

426.                    the encounters with the birds

427.                   getting up close with the herons

428.                   getting out on sharks tooth island

429.                   being able to get out on the open river

430.                   not having the fear and anxiety on the water

431.                    feel free and open seeing the wildlife in the water

432.                   the amazing blue crabs

433.                   seeing the dolphins

434.                    have the pelicans dive all around me

435.                   the fish jumping right in front of me

436.                   getting far away from everything

437.                    no noise the peace and quiet getting

438.                    out of boat lanes and

439.                    being away from all motor traffic

440.                   being drifting with the pull of the tide

441.                   seeing others enjoying themselves

442.                   seeing the draw bridge from the water

443.                   everyone waving at one another

444.                   the diminishing republic

445.                   the other kayakers

446.                   having wheels to carry my boat

447.                   being able to launch at parks in the county

448.                    smith’s creek.

449.                    Finding the wildlife area by river on a drive

450.                   walking the sunflower maze at trask farms

451.                   the sunflower maze itself

452.                   the amber dale pumkin patch

453.                   the family that runs the amber dale pumpkin patch

454.                    the squirrels carving our pumpkins this year

455.                    the mums that were so beautiful

456.                   being able to get Mrs. Freeze a mum each year from amber dale

457.                   the preview night at the night of thousand candles brookgreen gardens

458.                   our walk through the gardens at night in the light

459.                   the return of the cranberries in the fountain

460.                   the sculptures lit in the candle light

461.                   the reflection of the candles in the pools

462.                    the brass band on the entrance to the gardens

463.                    the harpist in the grove

464.                   playing Christmas music

465.                    the colorful children’s garden

466.                   the lights leading in with the beauty of the oaks

467.                    the giant trees with changing colors

468.                   the magic of walking together in all that enchantment

469.                    having time to be with one another in all that beauty

470.                    the small crowd of the preview night

471.                    having a fully decorated house for the first time since covid

472.                   finding new nativities to enjoy

473.                   putting all the nativities out

474.                   the art of Justine Ferrerri

475.                   the traditions in our own house

476.                   the 27 crystal angel for our tree

477.                   mom’s Madonna

478.                   the little kneeling elf

479.                    the ornaments from our first tree

480.                   making ornaments from our rose bushes

481.                   sending cards

482.                   receiving cards

483.                   receiving gifts

484.                    giving gifts

485.                   having friends over for the first time in so long

486.                   watching amazing youngin’s grow and be so amazing.

487.                   Time with family time with friends

488.                   the last training classes in the old building

489.                   all the time in the old building

490.                   being santa again for the city

491.                   coming on a decade of being santa for the city

492.                   riding on the fire truck as santa for the city

493.                   all the children that trust in santa

494.                    all the joy with being santa

495.                   raising a little money for miracle league with santa

496.                    the Wilmington parks staff who make santa happen

497.                    the Wilmington fire service who lead in santa each year

498.                   and give a safe ride being on a ladder truck

499.                   riding in a ladder truck

500.                   the 1000’s of people giving cheer to them as santa

501.                    sharing the swearing in of the sheriff  

502.                   being the chair of the united way campaign at work

503.                   bringing back the united way to work for the first time.

504.                    Being appointed to the united way board for directors

505.                   creating some re-connection with the cape fear united way

506.                   the beauty of the Kenan house at Christmas

507.                    the glow of the Kenan house at night

508.                   our hr holiday gathering

509.                    making a special time for giving and being together

510.                    laughter around that table

511.                   the gifts and thoughtfulness

512.                    the gardens at the blockade runner

513.                   having lunch on a chilly day at the blockade

514.                    the layman group

515.                   having a boss that lets me grow and learn

516.                    having opportunities to grow and learn

517.                    never wanting to stop growing and learning

518.                    being certified by shrm for mental health

519.                    be more prepared for suicide prevention

520.                    all of the challenge coins that give me awareness about the good work that's done by so many incredible first responders

521.                   my little corner of resources in my office

522.                   the mental health committee for the district at Rotary

523.                   the smell of the oils burning that bring peace in my work life

524.                    my little flying pig lamp from Barb

525.                    the story of the fish the painting by sully that's in my office

526.                   and ability to share the legend

527.                   association of talent development

528.                    my daily uplift from the Harvard Business

529.                    being able to post on teams

530.                    and share with other members of the enterprise

531.                    being able to give opportunity for other people to think about things that helped them get through

532.                    your brain on art

533.                   strength finders

534.                   Forte having its book finally out

535.                   the mentorship of everyone from forte

536.                    the mentorship and friendship from Katherine

537.                   my journey this year of scanning pictures

538.                   my reconnection with my dear friend from childhood

539.                   her incredible work and literature career

540.                   the journey that I took in her novel KIDZU QUEEN

541.                    the remembering of kudzu

542.                   the beauty of her mother and my mother's friendship

543.                   being able to share the pictures that I scanned with others

544.                    finding writings from my mother and little sketches that she drew

545.                    finding the picture of my mother from her graduation from Carolina

546.                   the life of my uncle Jere

547.                   the life of Tom Cunningham

548.                   the life of Mary Bartow t

549.                   he incredible service of the captain of our EMT 's locally

550.                   the new uplift for the ambulances that we were able to fund the new Hanover Regional Medical Center foundation Novant

551.                   serving on the foundation

552.                   chairing governance for the foundation

553.                   seeing all the changes in the funding from the foundation

554.                    seeing all the grants that we're now being able to give from the foundation

555.                   connecting those grants to good works

556.                   groundbreaking for Scotts hill

557.                   the groundbreaking for the MJ clinics

558.                   the incredible development officers at the foundation

559.                   really seeing connection between the money that was invested and what's going into the communities

560.                   hearing the message about infant mortality and black paternal and child health care

561.                   being able to uplift mother's message and continuing her good work through the foundation

562.                   being able to see the transformation in terms of leadership from the hospital

563.                   incredible leadership of Shelburne

564.                    incredible leadership of Laurie

565.                    the incredible leadership of Ruth

566.                   seeing evidence based practice is coming to play for our region

567.                    the hope that is happening for all of us moving through

568.                    the incredible leadership in our register of deeds office

569.                    being able to finally get my passport

570.                    for being the first person to get a passport through the register of deeds office

571.                   the register of deeds office doing so many good works for veterans

572.                   coming across so many good things that the Sheriff's Office is doing

573.                   the Cape Fear museum the efficacy of the research around trauma informed issues in the region

574.                   and its history extraordinary historian at the Cape Fear museum

575.                    new leadership at the Cape Fear museum

576.                   incredible installation around fire at the Cape Fear museum

577.                   presentations that really truly permeate the community and help to inform and heal from the Cape Fear museum

578.                   project grace being approved

579.                   New Hanover County library

580.                   the New Hanover County librarians

581.                   the incredible resources beyond just books at the library that are offered

582.                   the years of service that are offered by the librarians

583.                    the subject matter expertise from the librarians

584.                   the honor of offering training to the librarians

585.                   the leadership at the library the opportunity to uplift a new opportunity to serve downtown in our library

586.                   the new N chase library that's coming

587.                    the new shelter between the military cut off library and the Firehouse

588.                    the children's programs at the library

589.                   the digital resources at the library

590.                    the social worker at the library

591.                   the interventions that have gone on to help those in need through the library

592.                   the incredible health and Wellness opportunities

593.                   through our own work the workout areas that we have the workout areas in our firehouses

594.                   rooftop at 3:20

595.                   the respite places that we have to regather

596.                    the nursing opportunities for women in our facilities

597.                   being able to do resilience training for groups in Carteret county

598.                   doing resources for resilience Ann Carteret county

599.                   learning more about how good we're doing here and what the needs are around us

600.                   being in the carousel center talent show again this year

601.                    playing my icon favorite Elton John

602.                    enjoying the stage with dear friends

603.                   watching one dear friend overcome her anxiety and enjoy performing

604.                   having a blast on stage and not worrying about things

605.                    meeting people from Stonewall sports

606.                   having a great time supporting a great cause

607.                   the incredible carousel center

608.                   the incredible leadership of the executive director

609.                   being a witness internally to the carousel centers work

610.                   extraordinary changes in the community because of the carousel center

611.                   seeing the convictions that are happening because of the work of the carousel center

612.                   seeing the connection between the carousel centers work and better lives for our children

613.                   seeing the connection between the carousel center and better for kids who are not cisgender or heteronormative

614.                   saying the fierce advocate of those involved in protecting our children

615.                   seeing the fierce advocacy of non offending parents

616.                   seeing incredible opportunity to uplift trauma informed information for the entire community

617.                   seeing the intersectionality being uplifted because of better training

618.                   seeing out of darkness be extended to more and more

619.                   seeing out of darkness be made mandatory for groups

620.                   seeing out of darkness and other training be made mandatory when it's opposed by others

621.                   seeing voices stand up when ignorance is in place and

622.                   policymakers see social emotional learning continue even when it is misused or politicized

623.                   seeing opportunities to continue to help navigate opportunities to grow and connect

624.                   seeing the incredible leadership at DC Virgo

625.                   the most incredible principle at DC Virgo

626.                    the welcoming of the students almost on a daily basis to school DC Virgo

627.                   the lab school continue to thrive at DC Virgo

628.                   trauma informed practices being done at DC Virgo

629.                   the in classroom resilience corners being done at DC Virgo

630.                   not letting any child not know their valued at DC Virgo

631.                   seeing dreams operate so beautifully under great leadership on the north side

632.                   having dreams become a central place for all sorts of generative good in the arts and beyond

633.                   seeing the boys and girls clubs becoming unified

634.                   seeing the boys and Girls Club become unified but still have their purpose and understanding of history

635.                   seeing voices against gentrification being heard

636.                   seeing a leader in Wilmington Housing Authority getting bonds approved

637.                   seeing leaders in the Wilmington Housing Authority making a difference

638.                   continuing to see the great work in Creekwood

639.                   seeing the uplift that's going on and making a difference for those through the Wilmington Housing Authority

640.                   continuing to see Taylor Homes move forward and do well

641.                   Sokoto house

642.                   Sokoto house three days of giving a lot of the trainings

643.                   thrilled for the new leadership at the Cameron Art Museum

644.                   the incredible incredible installations at the Cameron Art Museum

645.                    the emotional journey of the love installation have

646.                   the Cameron Art Museum having Felix Gonzalez Torres and

647.                   the Cam the incredible Latin installation at the cam

648.                    the great news of the new chief operating officer

649.                   the joy of watching someone grow and thrive and become a leader at the cam

650.                   the heartfelt connection with the leader of the Cam

651.                    the beauty and intentionality of the arts and installations at the museum

652.                   Boundless and other ways of integrating community at the Cam

653.                   having lunch with my sponsor at the Cam

654.                   my beautiful friend and sponsor

655.                   incredible friendships and connections that still remain at the museum

656.                    the gorgeous grounds being filled with art

657.                   incredible programs at the museum

658.                    the new seating and park installation around the battle of forks Rd.

659.                    The history of the United states colored troops being told and created

660.                    the gorgeousness of the museum shop and

661.                   continue work all of the school opportunities

662.                    all the way loving being a patron

663.                   loving the opportunities to make membership available to everyone

664.                   liking the Arts Council thriving going to see

665.                   art in bloom's thriving

666.                   loving to see that gallery making itself thrive more centrally in the town

667.                   loving to see art and booms commitments to artists

668.                   cousin david’s show at Art in Bloom

669.                   cousin David’s wonderful pictures in the resilience working group

670.                   the fantastic water drop pictures

671.                   another piece of his work in our home

672.                   supporting artists through great galleries like art in bloom

673.                   Acme Acme studios for artists active studios providing space that's affordable

674.                   To have spaces that can create artists opportunities to grow and have a business

675.                   having pedestrian arts

676.                   seeing art created in spaces that bring contemplation

677.                   taking a risk as a couple for a vacation

678.                    going to the wild goose festival

679.                   getting there early

680.                   glamping

681.                    sharing a tent together for the first time in our 28 years

682.                   enjoying being in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of very spiritual people

683.                    taking things as they came

684.                    encountering new ideas

685.                   opening up to new spiritual principles

686.                   spending an entire day learning about gospels I never knew about

687.                    hearing the voice of a professor who taught me through a book years ago

688.                    listening to the gospel of Mary in song

689.                   connecting with other like minded people from around the country

690.                    just enjoying being out in nature

691.                    not worrying about the next thing

692.                   feeling free to absorb

693.                   and to hear

694.                    and understand

695.                    learning new ideas

696.                   and listening to music

697.                    feeling free

698.                   and away from everything

699.                   chasing a storm on the way back

700.                   stopping and taking pictures of flowers I had never seen before

701.                    just sharing time together

702.                   and being at ease

703.                   not taking every idea as facts but as information

704.                    leaning in on ideas that grow hope and togetherness and connectedness

705.                    adding to compassion and empathy

706.                   incorporating new hopefully good things into our lives

707.                   using our time together to do something different

708.                   leaving when we felt it was right to leave

709.                   having someone that we love to stay in our home while we were away

710.                   knowing jax was taking care of while we were gone doing things the way we wanted to

711.                   hearing Michael say he was connected to something that gave him joy

712.                   hearing Michael laugh

713.                   just being together and near each other

714.                   seeing roads we hadn't been on before

715.                   passing by places that he grew up in

716.                   and experiencing them together

717.                   sand in my shoes

718.                   shells everywhere

719.                   watching murder by death for this thousands time

720.                    college acres Dr. finally having sidewalks

721.                    the Creek by the house

722.                   have a good new pathway

723.                    the miracle league

724.                    access of Wilmington

725.                   being honored to continue to be the voice of the miracle league

726.                   the 10th year that we've opened

727.                    board of access of Wilmington

728.                   project solar

729.                    being honored to lead the memorial for one of our project soar members

730.                   incredible connectedness of the project soar members

731.                   the marine league

732.                   having Phillips companion dog sit at my feet when I announce

733.                   when get this song right and the players give some love

734.                   when I get the song wrong and they give me some grief with forgiveness 😊

735.                   when they react to their song

736.                   when I annonce them and they show out

737.                   when the fans cheer these players!

738.                   The joy in the stands

739.                   The joy on the field

740.                    having a parent come over and thank us and me for the joy

741.                   seeing all the support for the program

742.                   having the granddaddy of the field come over and hit me on the back

743.                   seeing his smile

744.                   seeing his pride

745.                   knowing we're doing something that brings better into the world

746.                    having support from officials

747.                   and seeing the difference they make

748.                   having traveling baseball and softball players come over and see players of all abilities playing

749.                    all of the incredible volunteers that come out week after week

750.                   all of this sponsors of the jerseys

751.                   all of the sponsors of the teams

752.                   all of the sponsors of the league

753.                   all of the sponsors of the activities

754.                   all of the sponsors of the games

755.                   the miracles in motion race

756.                   our big sponsors of the race the layman group

757.                   coastal carriers

758.                    the hospital

759.                   all of the people that make it possible for us to provide for these incredible athletes

760.                    the text messages and the Facebook messages from the players

761.                   one player in particular who just makes my day with constant messages

762.                   seeing those players have such pride around their performance

763.                    the leadership of our current president and chair

764.                   being able to rename the field after megacorp

765.                   watching a player go from position to walking or moving on their own

766.                    to being able to uplift changes in the way they want to play

767.                   and shout out and support that to see every ability live at its highest and best

768.                   be able to amplify that good

769.                   the littlest players having their first moments of joy

770.                   the shy player who's not sure who becomes adapt

771.                   the grace that circles the field

772.                   we're having that pledge and honor before every game

773.                   for the Gregory memorial flag

774.                   for the support and unity that comes at the end with the anthem of we our family

775.                   The healing place of New Hanover County

776.                   the opening of the healing place

777.                    the incredible staff that does recreation therapy

778.                   six ways to get into the game

779.                    access fit all of

780.                   the group homes

781.                   all of the coaches

782.                   UNCW recreational therapy

783.                   Special Olympics

784.                   support that comes from the city of Wilmington

785.                   the support from New Hanover County

786.                    the regular visits from commissioner Zapple

787.                   the always incredible leadership from the New Hanover County commissioners

788.                   the sign sponsors

789.                   the mckenzie picnic shelter

790.                    the Campana dugouts

791.                    the warehouser dugout

792.                    the Anderson field house

793.                    the Nixon outfield

794.                   the seacoast Realty Caldwell banker alpha mortgage announcer booths

795.                   the pathway was all of the bricks

796.                   station 17 coming out and supporting during the games

797.                   station 17 in murrayville always showing up and volunteering

798.                    the gift of a crocheted Angel when I most needed it

799.                   the gifts of being in front of supervisors during their mandatory supervisor impact training

800.                    regular feedback from those that are learning and growing at work

801.                    finding my first live clam and watching it duck in and out of the shell in low tide and s

802.                   seeing the beauty of the live animal

803.                    being able to coordinate service awards with the commissioners every month

804.                   seeing incredible employees recognized every month for service

805.                   watching the head of environmental management be recognized for extraordinary work

806.                    our environmental management recycling and waste

807.                   the incredible work that everyone does out at the landfill

808.                   the landfills work with the huckleberry

809.                   the landfills work with keeping things out of a very delicate ecosystem

810.                   the landfills work with keeping things recycled

811.                    the landfills work with keeping things manageable over longer periods of time

812.                   having a service dog program at Wilmington fire department

813.                   having that service dog program be an example for others

814.                    having conversations around having a service dog program for new Hanover fire

815.                   having leaders in new Hanover fire open to having those service dogs

816.                   having paws for people train those dogs having a great firefighter lead that project for a service dog having partners who will create those service dogs

817.                   and make those happen

818.                   the efficacy around having those service dogs and what a difference they make

819.                   the empowerment that service dogs bring to environments

820.                    the mental health efforts that are going on that are being led by people like chief Mason

821.                   the third annual access of Wilmington All Star golf tournament

822.                    landfall for hosting that golf tournament

823.                   for all the sponsors of the golf tournament

824.                   for the Cape Fear museum historian bringing history for the hospital to the New Hanover County Regional Medical Center foundation board

825.                   for incredible feedback from corporate as well as local boards about that history

826.                   for being able to tour the Wilmington Police Department

827.                    for the chief to walk us personally through the new museum at the Wilmington Police Department

828.                   for seeing the perspective of all of the changes that have gone on with policing at the Wilmington

829.                   Police Department for having the chief himself give us a view of how the Police Department is working

830.                   for being able to go through the building and understand more about the service delivery of the Police Department

831.                    for understanding the core values of the Wilmington Police Department at a deeper level

832.                    for being able to see the extraordinary changes in technology and other means to serve and protect

833.                   for being able to learn more about the horse program at the Wilmington Police Department

834.                    for our Rotary to be able to buy a horse trailer for the Wilmington Police Department

835.                   to see how well used that is becoming and how much need there is

836.                   for the briefness of hurricane Idalia

837.                    for getting through without any major issues

838.                    for the hurricane to be limited and not a huge uplift for us

839.                   to go through another season this year without too big of an impact

840.                    for all of the emergency preparations that go into each year

841.                    for all of the training that is going into every different type of emergency

842.                    for all the response that happens that people may not even know about

843.                    for all the preparation that keeps us safe every day

844.                   for all of the ways in which we are more secure and better because of our Emergency Management

845.                   because of the way we are responding we are a better community as a result of it for the Emergency Management team

846.                    for the equity that is built into the Emergency Management team in New Hanover County

847.                    the planning team in the Emergency Management operation

848.                   the special needs team that spilled into the Emergency Management operation

849.                   all the luncheon learns for specific months subjects that go into emergency preparation

850.                   all of the ways that resilience has been built in to both physical and biological response to impacts

851.                   port city united connect

852.                   PCU reporting to the leadership

853.                   PCU driving opportunity to unite the community around violence

854.                   making a difference in violent interactions through mediation

855.                   the life of Deb Hayes

856.                    never missing an anniversary or birthday

857.                   those texts

858.                   the very powerful memorial service

859.                    the tree planting growing

860.                   to understand

861.                   learning

862.                   to see the bigger picture

863.                   forgiveness

864.                   the life of Tim Burgess

865.                   customer service on steroids

866.                   showing up through it all

867.                   that attitude of gratitude

868.                   every e-mail with the thank you

869.                   every e-mail within you're welcome

870.                   every event with support and encouragement

871.                   everything done acknowledged

872.                   the library book sale

873.                    being able to go into the library book sale for books for work

874.                   the library book sale bringing joy Michael

875.                   the bookshelf

876.                    bringing new information with new books

877.                    the new leather bound editions for our home

878.                    the little box of spiritual joy we give each month

879.                    the little bit of happy we get from packages arriving from Amazon

880.                    lying on the floor with jax

881.                   being a kid again and watching movies while lying on the floor with pillows stacked up around me

882.                   being in our little library just enjoying being on the floor and reading

883.                   or doing something fun

884.                    best lawyers in Wilmington at Collins and Collins

885.                   being able to refer

886.                   referrals being answered even when it does not make money

887.                   good practice

888.                    best HOA lawyers ever with Murchison and Taylor

889.                   best legacy of learning from a lawyer ever with Shipman and associates

890.                    best investments for nonprofits with Danny Dahl

891.                   great friends for mulch and other services from American property experts

892.                   just beautiful people who give to nourish North Carolin.a

893.                   the resources for shopping at nourish

894.                   the back back program that feeds our kids

895.                   the school supplies that help our kids

896.                   those who see PUBLIC schools as an investment

897.                   our amazing public schools

898.                   the great education for all our students

899.                   teachers in nhc public schools

900.                   the amazing staff in our public schools

901.                   the bus drivers who transport our kids everyday

902.                   the downtown rotary student of the month at Williston

903.                   the recognition of our teachers in the area by wway

904.                   those who support our teachers and their profession

905.                   the PDA program

906.                   our teacher education program

907.                   student teachers

908.                   teacher aids

909.                   those who support social emotional learning

910.                   those whose who care for ALL Our kids

911.                   the advocacy for our children with special needs

912.                    beautiful people who build with Habitat for Humanity

913.                   beautiful people who make a better world for those in extraordinary needs with cape side

914.                   those who shelter those in harm's way with the domestic violence shelter

915.                    those who need to gain access for success to cape fear literacy

916.                    those who are helping trafficked women

917.                    those who are helping trafficked children

918.                    those who are helping trafficked  men

919.                    those are who are sheltering our youth who have run away or who have been harmed

920.                    those are who are helping those that have been abused by religion

921.                    the new leadership at the LGBTQIA center

922.                    new leadership 4 advocacy with mosaic

923.                    the continuing leadership at Saint Jude's

924.                   always the advocacy at P flag

925.                   extraordinary houses of worship with

926.                    first Christian B’nai Israel

927.                   St. Paul's

928.                   Church of the servant

929.                   Unitarian Universalits

930.                   Unity

931.                   Saint James

932.                   having the founder of the healing place come for the opening.

933.                   Rip the runway

934.                   the leadership big B

935.                    the power of Sandra midday McClammy

936.                   the life and legacy of Tony Rivenbark

937.                   the beauty of thalian hall,  

938.                   the extraordinary venue of the Wilson center

939.                    Cape Fear Community College foundation

940.                   Phi Theta Kappa at Cape Fear Community College

941.                   the extraordinary basic law enforcement training at CFCC

942.                   the sheriff's deep commitment to having his folks go through that training

943.                   the fire training facility

944.                   and all of our fire folks being involved in Cape Fear Community College as instructors

945.                   and their specialties

946.                   having our brick streets uncovered

947.                   the amazing life and legacy of Linda Pearce

948.                   the legacy of the porch interviews

949.                   the specialness of my interview on that porch

950.                   the mentorship of Linda in my life

951.                   the power of her experience over this community

952.                   Pearce house

953.                   the remarkable life of Tom Cunningham

954.                   having the first woman to represent the N double ACP as the states president be from Wilmington and be elected twice to that role

955.                   candy corn (you heard me)

956.                   panacea

957.                   sea level

958.                   tidal Creek

959.                   Fresh Market

960.                   islands

961.                   zeke's bowls

962.                   origins

963.                   having origins right next door

964.                   going to origins for lunch with friends at least weekly

965.                   having the doctors tell me I had to eat fish

966.                   drift coffee

967.                   crispy potatoes at drift coffee

968.                   my morning port city Java

969.                   the two young Ins at Racine who make my day

970.                   being called Mr. bo when I go over the loudspeaker

971.                   the gentlemen's corner best service in Wilmington at the gentleman's corner

972.                   all of the peer support specialists that came from other places

973.                   the first clients to enter into the building.

974.                   having detox open having the facility at capacity almost immediately

975.                   the amazing employees that run the healing place

976.                   the incredible leadership staff at the healing place

977.                   all of the people willing to donate to the healing place

978.                   the healing place Advisory Board

979.                   the activities for Wellness at the healing place

980.                   the first graduation dinner for those that are becoming peer support specialists

981.                   the food prepared by those at the healing place

982.                   the concert on the healing place grounds

983.                   The United way partnering with the healing place for the concert

984.                   all of the community partners coming out for the healing place concerts

985.                   all of the donors that helped to support the first healing place concert

986.                   the BBQ by swag to make the healing place concert a really special occasion.

987.                   the General Assembly for playing the music for the healing place concert

988.                   all of the meetings that happen for AA and NA at the healing place

989.                   the working through the misunderstandings about the healing place

990.                   the incredible outreach with food and other deliverables for the unhoused at the healing place

991.                   all of those who are making sure that those in need are being taken care of through the healing place

992.                   the incredible dedication and work that's being done for all in need at the healing place

993.                   the New Hanover County recognition committee

994.                   the New Hanover County recognition committee's clothing drive

995.                   delivering the closing to the healing place

996.                   seeing the pride in wearing the clothing that was donated by the participants at the healing place

997.                   incredible donation of water bottles from the American Heart Association

998.                   seeing people do the trudge.

999.                   seeing the difference, the trudge is making in the lives of those going through the program

1000.                having recovery be something that has taken away some bias

1001.                having a recovery center that abstinence based

1002.                having a recovery center that is open to every need

1003.                having a recovery center in addition to other services and means to get sober in the region

1004.                seeing success for those that are needing to find that recovery,

1005.                Wilmington area intergroup

1006.                all the meetings that happen every day across the area for people for recovery

1007.                launchpad

1008.                fronting life

1009.                suicide awareness groups

1010.                suicide prevention efforts

1011.                overdose awareness

1012.                the overdose awareness events

1013.                all of the community partners coming together to prevent overdose in the community

1014.                coastal horizons leadership

1015.                cape side psychiatry

1016.                seeds of healing

1017.                distribution of NarCan,

1018.                the Suicide Prevention walk,

1019.                being allowed to be the MC for the Overdose Prevention event,

1020.                the Queen’s Giant Music!,

1021.                the sober folks having sober fun,

1022.                remembering those who have passed

1023.                being grateful for survivors

1024.                for the first responders who have been there to save lives for the EMTs,

1025.                for the 911 operators who took the calls for the families and friends who responded and intervened,

1026.                those who comfort those left after the end

1027.                for the actors who led us through the pain for the stories that helped us understand

1028.                the witness to help prevent further the gathering to increase awareness

1029.                the hugs and being present with one another

1030.                sharing that being present is prevention

1031.                overdose is preventable

1032.                hope recovery center

1033.                the street outreach team

1034.                the street outreach workers

1035.                WDI street outreach
coastal horizons quick response team

1036.                extension on the grant for the QRT

1037.                the work to connect the unsheltered to resources

1038.                the NHC street outreach team’s understanding of resources

1039.                the street outreach team being out there 10 hours a day every day

1040.                being able to ride along with the outreach team and see their work live and in person

1041.                seeing the extraordinary connections the outreach team makes with people who are unsheltered meeting Mrs. W. and seeing her get housing

1042.                meeting Mrs. W. and learning about veterans and the services that they are provided

1043.                meeting Mrs. W. and learning more about what veterans actually need and don't get provided

1044.                how much we can make a difference

1045.                meeting the gentleman from castle Hayne and getting him to the shelter before the doors closed seeing

1046.                the bins that personal items are kept to create that humanitarian touch

1047.                seeing first fruit ministries and the food that is provided every day

1048.                seeing the transportation that is given to folks that are unsheltered to be able to get basic necessities

1049.                seeing the different operations throughout the city where people are given food and clothing

1050.                seeing how the Harrelson center does the work that it

1051.                seeing the different churches downtown that do different operations with food

1052.                being able to see the dental program from Saint Mary's

1053.                being able to see the senior center dental program with the senior Resource Center

1054.                being able to see some basic health with community health workers

1055.                seeing the grant extended from the Community Foundation for health workers

1056.                seeing community health workers get to people in need before the need becomes too great

1057.                 seeing community health workers get to people who are traditionally not able to get health

1058.                 seeing community health workers be able to provide basic access to care

1059.                seeing the clinic at NHC be able to provide services for children of greatest needs

1060.                seeing the clinic at New Hanover County get out there with tuberculosis prevention

1061.                NHC provide inoculations

1062.                being able to see the clinic at New Hanover County work with high risk populations for COVID

1063.                 NHC provide respources for other highly transmissible diseases

1064.                the NHC health risk teamdo promotions around other items that create a healthier community

1065.                seeing the health education team work around HIV and other preventable diseases

1066.                seeing seeds of healing work with prep and other means to actually stop the transmission of HIV

1067.                 seeing the aids quilt back in the community

1068.                 the sponsors that are out there to create better understanding around HIV and AIDS

1069.                 less stigma around HIV and AIDS

1070.                continuing to work and better directions

1071.                watching the integration of needles and other issues being done by providers when it comes to high risk populations

1072.                being able to get a flu shot at the health department

1073.                being able to get a flu shot.

1074.                Being able to get a COVID booster

1075.                less stigma around COVID boosters less stigma around flu shots finding

1076.                connection with those that are still weary about those things

1077.                having good information in the community about preventable diseases

1078.                having advocacy at the legislative and local bodies around pfas

1079.                seeing the advocacy of fire services and the union on P fas and other contaminants

1080.                legislation and action on turnout gear and the cancer issue

1081.                seeing legislators come up with ways to reduce cancer risks

1082.                seeing the advocacy of those that are most affected by these issues

1083.                being able to make headway seeing advocacy groups working on the water issue

1084.                Cape Fear river watch

1085.                Cooperative Extension

1086.                the incredible work of art in the Arboretum

1087.                being able to go to art and Arboretum this year

1088.                seeing all the incredible artisans that are in the area at art and Arboretum

1089.                being able to enjoy just walking through all that art this year

1090.                seeing the recycling fashion show at the Arboretum

1091.                all of the incredible advocacy work of the Cooperative Extension

1092.                the ability garden at the Cooperative Extension

1093.                 the awards that have been given for inclusion for the work at the Cooperative Extension

1094.                the master gardener program at the Cooperative Extension

1095.                the education that has come out about native plants

1096.                the other ways to better preserve our ecosystem

1097.                the beauty of the Arboretum and all of the programs that help really enjoy our region

1098.                the little tea house the little Japanese garden

1099.                the new installations of native plants

1100.                the National Association of county award for the Cooperative Extension

1101.                watching the extraordinary process of art government center being built

1102.                being able to actually move into our government center

1103.                 being able to have windows for the first time in 10 years

1104.                having all this light in an office having an office

1105.                having a place to continue the work

1106.                having work to be able to do in service

1107.                having service as the focal point of everything in employment

1108.                being involved in an organization that is forward facing on service as its aim

1109.                having a building that has a place to gather and welcome people

1110.                having welcome signs in the lobby

1111.                having bilingual signs in the lobby

1112.                having the most extraordinary team on the front desk who are welcoming people

1113.                connecting people to services

1114.                having two rooms in which to lift training and development and learning

1115.                having new state-of-the-art opportunities to showcase learning and development

1116.                having new places to be able to uplift and connect teams

1117.                having spaces to create and to make sure of things that we can provide to others

1118.                having a space to collect works so that we can share resources

1119.                having a central location for people to be able to gather and get what they need from us

1120.                 having the ability for some to not be at the office to locate here when they need to be

1121.                be able to create learning and development so that they can see their value that have

1122.                 leaders that are forward thinking and seeing this to have the privilege of serving others

1123.                 having the privilege of being involved in seeing and creating change around us

1124.                working with some of the most dedicated people I've ever known in my career

1125.                the ability to look up and see the clouds

1126.                walks around the building

1127.                walks and talks around the building

1128.                the native plants

1129.                the ditch flowers

1130.                the  resets with coffee

1131.                passing on a fidget toys

1132.                learning how to fidget and do the things to reset our nervous systems

1133.                the joy of having new colleagues

1134.                with the joy of seeing colleagues find their happiness

1135.                joy for watching people develop and grow

1136.                being a part of people's development and growth

1137.                for being able to facilitate and be quiet

1138.                having hard conversations that yield good results

1139.                teaching history

1140.                sharing a sense of place

1141.                my direct resporst

1142.                a feeling of team

1143.                trust

1144.                true care for those I work the closest with

1145.                compassion when not sure of decisions

1146.                awareness of what influences change

1147.                helping others with that awareness

1148.                being able to be someone others can trust

1149.                being the vault for some

1150.                being an ear for others

1151.                up managing

1152.                speaking

1153.                being silent

1154.                discernment

1155.                caring

1156.                so many resources

1157.                people who are really and truly honest with me

1158.                people who are care enough to care

1159.                for being able to come up with ideas that light other direction

1160.                 being able to see people find work outside of the organization that gives them joy

1161.                Designs by Marie

1162.                The vintage market place

1163.                The creations by a loving soul

1164.                Crafting a new learning and development training

1165.                Having the trust to build something for everyone

1166.                Having access to subject matter expertise

1167.                Being able to assemble ideas and objectives

1168.                To be able to narrow focus for the best outcomes

1169.                A strategic plan that frames the way forward

1170.                the reach to assemble persons from all over to test effectiveness

1171.                to project manage the production

1172.                to create the visuals

1173.                to go live with a working opportunity

1174.                have the feedback to reinforce

1175.                have the feedback to improve

1176.                have the feedback to have conversations

1177.                to be able to supply information to the departments to continue the conversations

1178.                to be in a place where change can be made

1179.                influence in a positive way

1180.                the unified therapists meeting

1181.                the panda outfit

1182.                free hugs

1183.                mindfulness cards

1184.                finding ways to connect

1185.                self care for therapists

1186.                taking care of each other so they can optizmize care for those they care for

1187.                using the hub for special engagements

1188.                finding common ground

1189.                finding ways to one another

1190.                meeting

1191.                connecting

1192.                creating good with one another

1193.                binding over the good

1194.                being able to see above the work

1195.                being able to see through the work

1196.                the turkeys from plantation village

1197.                the hams from plantation village

1198.                acknowledgement that folks care

1199.                acknowledge that folks see what you do

1200.                fill the boot

1201.                fill the heart

1202.                see that what is being done matters

1203.                that the persons doing the work matter

1204.                connecting what is on the paper with the persons in person

1205.                for those that go and see

1206.                that seek and and find

1207.                that spend time to see for themselves

1208.                that stop to send a note to say hello

1209.                that get out of their bubble and visit

1210.                people that have eaten at a table somewhere that is not in their circle

1211.                people that has worshipped somewhere they don’t know the order

1212.                leaders who lean in on what they hear

1213.                ride along

1214.                spend that time

1215.                rolling up the sleeves

1216.                not having to have a crisis to remember

1217.                grace

1218.                the spirit

1219.                the voice

1220.                the path

1221.                a new day

1222.                chances to do better

1223.                continuous improvement

1224.                ways to order what needs to be done

1225.                ways to share apology

1226.                those that accept an apology

1227.                being able to say I cannot do something and not have to explain

1228.                not feeling compelled to explain

1229.                not saying yes as quickly

1230.                knowing I am not that important

1231.                knowing I am important, so I need to take care

1232.                knowing I have to take time

1233.                taking time

1234.                for time to clean out

1235.                time to let go of physical things that cause clutter

1236.                time to let go of emotional things that cause clutter

1237.                memories

1238.                dreams

1239.                visits with those who have passed in my dreams

1240.                hearing their voices so clearly

1241.                the dish from my sister of my grandmother’s

1242.                always having midget pickles out

1243.                having a bowl of walnuts at Christmas

1244.                having fresh flowers on the table like mother

1245.                little bowls of things to nibble

1246.                little touches to make it all special

1247.                new memories of special

1248.                jax snoring

1249.                the sound of the video game

1250.                the battle is over in the electronic world.

1251.                The clicking of the key board

1252.                The glow of the laptop

1253.                The comfort of the leather under me, smooth, cradling me

1254.                the electronic light bulbs set to a glow

1255.                all the lights controlable by voice or app

1256.                the settings to be created by mood and need

1257.                the smell of the oil infuser with rosemary

1258.                the reflections off the wood, polished with pledge

1259.                the occasional notice from the front door camera because the flag is waving in the wind

1260.                peace we're finding

1261.                some wisdom about empathy and compassion in the face of difficulty

1262.                being able to see the mission when stress is harsh

1263.                being able to stay focused on what can be done rather than what's left to be done

1264.                helping to work with others on what can be done or feeling like there is trust

1265.                knowing that I only have from the back of my head to the end of my nose

1266.                knowing I don’t live the experience of others

1267.                knowing I 100 percent need others

1268.                knowing I must BELIEVE the experience of others

1269.                knowing I must APPLY the experience of others

1270.                knowing I can be used

1271.                knowing that being played is not my fault

1272.                knowing caring is not opening myself up for harm

1273.                knowing belief is not a danger

1274.                knowing love ALWAYS comes first

1275.                knowing the few are the harmful

1276.                knowing the risk is greater than the control or lack of action

1277.                knowing that it is advocacy of caution

1278.                 what I can and cannot control

1279.                for the resilience working group for having leadership in the RWG

1280.                the regular meetings of the RWG for continuing to permeate resilience

1281.                the amazing ability to continue to teach resilience

1282.                see resilience biological resilience actually help change

1283.                being able to hear stories of biological resilience creating opportunity

1284.                people to see different modalities of biological resilience show up in other places

1285.                seeing the extraordinary changes the 911 center with resilience

1286.                see the work of a telecommunicator through NENA

1287.                 see the publication of a book on resilience through NENA

1288.                see our own local telecommunicator make that happen

1289.                see the leadership using gaming as a way to reset nervous systems

1290.                having mental health professionals in our 911 center

1291.                the leadership of the mental health professionals in our 911 center

1292.                sugar balls

1293.                using the opportunity to better engage with one another

1294.                having resources for grounding strips

1295.                having leadership see the value in those grounding strips

1296.                being able to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others

1297.                hearing stories of engagement across the enterprise

1298.                the extraordinary honor of teaching at the school of government

1299.                being able to share the message of burnout with the amazing clerks across the state

1300.                getting to meet the clerks from county commissions across the state

1301.                being able to engage the message of resilience and burnout

1302.                for making a difference to seeing the uplift of burnout and resilience

1303.                through the firefighters union seeing the message of getting fully prepared

1304.                taking care of for the extraordinary life of Chris

1305.                for coming together as a family and as a group after such an incredible loss

1306.                the love that connects us all for a life so well lived

1307.                remembering how special it is to be called handsome

1308.                remembering the love will never die

1309.                knowing that the love will always exist between us

1310.                knowing that we will always remember to check in on one another

1311.                the extraordinary efforts for the new Chris Johnson mental health fund

1312.                the new ways that the response for the wrap around services have come about

1313.                new ways of looking at ways that we can create better for everyone

1314.                the possible that is created and looking at how the work is done

1315.                leaning in on each other and knowing that we can make progress

1316.                the last text of love

1317.                the heart for the picture

1318.                the cherished smile

1319.                the connection for the work that will continue to do to uplift

1320.                the group of people that have shown me more about care than I'll ever be able to repay

1321.                for being able to speak at suicide walk

1322.                for the incredible work done

1323.                that walk at new Hanover high school

1324.                the principal at new Hanover high school making sure it was help on that campus

1325.                all the young ins that were in the audience at that suicide walk

1326.                hearing those messages

1327.                all the families that came out who had had members complete suicide

1328.                all who are continuing on for all those in my own life who completed suicide

1329.                their memories and their lives of the messages of care and the resources

1330.                988

1331.                the community agencies that are there to take care

1332.                work with people for all the people that see mental health as a real health issue

1333.                understanding that it's biology and not mental weakness

1334.                the use of the skills and the tools to help us be well and manage our day-to-day

1335.                understanding that it's resolving what lives in our bodies

1336.                to be able to manage the day-to-day for understanding

1337.                chasing resilience

1338.                identifying sensations that are positive or neutral

1339.                tracking

1340.                grounding

1341.                resourcing

1342.                gesturing

1343.                shift and stay

1344.                help now

1345.                take a sip

1346.                counting colors

1347.                take a walk

1348.                count backwards from 10

1349.                use a grouding strip

1350.                notice the temperature of the room

1351.                notice colors in the room

1352.                move your neck all the way around

1353.                use that vagal nerve

1354.                those who make sense to me

1355.                those for whom I make sense to

1356.                those who listen with an empathetic ear

1357.                those who teach the skills and tools

1358.                seeing those who teach grow and learn

1359.                learning from other teachers

1360.                understanding that if you're not tracking you're not crmming

1361.                the community of community resilience model educators

1362.                that creators of a better world for the community of resources for resilience educator

1363.                the leadership of the community resilience model for doing online education with those in Ukraine

1364.                those that continue to do resilience education online in war-torn countries

1365.                those that continue to do online education throughout North Carolina

1366.                to create opportunity to create compassion and empathy

1367.                those that see compassion and empathy as a better way to connect

1368.                those that see trauma and what happened to you rather than what's wrong with you

1369.                with the paces community

1370.                the paces leadership for the work of paces right in here in southeastern North Carolina

1371.                for the work of paces all across the country

1372.                making sure that positive as well as adverse child experiences are uplifted

1373.                being able to navigate the circumstances of adversity

1374.                being able to work through and highlight opportunity

1375.                seeing what else is true

1376.                Parallax press

1377.                the Emory Center for compassion

1378.                smart start of New Hanover County

1379.                communities and schools of New Hanover County

1380.                the pass program

1381.                the work with the students at college acres

1382.                the incredible work of the professional development Academy with college acres

1383.                the new leadership at college acres

1384.                the intentionality of working with the kids at college acres

1385.                seeing the celebration for the EoG's

1386.                the sound baths from Kelly

1387.                the Pender County conference with Amy

1388.                working with Trey and doing the three hour crm

1389.                working with the Pender County courts

1390.                seeing them go through the training

1391.                the incredible teachers in Pender County

1392.                doing crm with incredible community members

1393.                partners coming out for the conference

1394.                the incredible kit that Amy put together for the conference

1395.                the potential for doing the conference here in New Hanover County

1396.                the incredible trainers from coastal horizons on resilience

1397.                the partnership with coastal horizons and doing resilience training

1398.                the work with foster parents and children that coastal horizons doing with resilience

1399.                the leadership of the resilience task force

1400.                the fifty partners that are with the resilience task force

1401.                being Co chairs of the resilience task force with Cliff

1402.                the steering committee of the resilience task force

1403.                having new leadership for the resilience task force

1404.                seeing succession come for the resilience task force

1405.                seeing the former leader of the resilience task force gained a new position in the county

1406.                 having the resilience task force be able to train so many new partners

1407.                being able to uplift early childhood development with the resilience task force

1408.                being able to work and see the judicial system uplift trauma informed courts

1409.                seeing our own DA lift trauma inform courts having incredible leadership

1410.                our judge spread this throughout the state

1411.                having the head of our Supreme Court in North Carolina make this a priority for trauma

1412.                 seeing this become mandatory for Superior Court judges for trauma informed courts

1413.                 making this connection and being able to work still with trauma resource institute

1414.                being able to be on the podcast with Elaine again and talk about cancer

1415.                being able to share the impacts of the turnout gear and cancer with our firefighters

1416.                 being able to uplift conversations around what else is true with Elaine on her podcast

1417.                 being able to share throughout the nation the good work of New Hanover County

1418.                the extraordinary gifts of being in the second edition of the resilience of work

1419.                being a part of the book building resilience to trauma

1420.                continuing to build out the help now skills with others

1421.                sharing those throughout the organization

1422.                continuing to take walks around the building

1423.                continuing to use those small things that can help make a difference every day

1424.                 learning about how meetings are opening up across the enterprise with what else is true

1425.                having people stop me and ask me what my number is

1426.                being a part of Wilmington central Rotary

1427.                being elected as president this year

1428.                Wrightsville beach brewery

1429.                Having a space to gather

1430.                Being cared for in that space

1431.                Keeeping our dues affordable

1432.                Having younger people be a part of this service and club

1433.                Have an amazing executive team to lead and do the work

1434.                Having great former leaders support and care  

1435.                the former president of the club

1436.                the mentorship and guidance of the immediate past president

1437.                the love of one past president in particular

1438.                these people of service and care

1439.                the district governor’s leadership

1440.                singing while ringing the bell

1441.                singing and having so much fun collecting school supplies

1442.                crying over commitment because of joy

1443.                dispersing the good to those in need

1444.                miracles of rotary

1445.                causes that create impact

1446.                the assistant area governor and his support

1447.                attending the president-elect training

1448.                making connections with people in other rotaries

1449.                seeing the great work that people do in our own club

1450.                the extraordinary things that happened to connect in the community

1451.                watching one of our incredible members being nationally recognized for her great work

1452.                standing on the shoulders of so many great people

1453.                the incredible walk for polio

1454.                the purse events that raised over 300 purses for unsheltered women

1455.                the incredible opportunity to Stuff the Bus and get kids ready for school

1456.                having amazing people take on leadership roles for the uplift of members through different profiles

1457.                 having good conversations every Tuesday

1458.                really great speakers every Tuesday

1459.                people who care about the world around them and want to be active

1460.                being a part of something bigger than myself

1461.                the four way test

1462.                this year's Rotary theme of creating hope in the world

1463.                being able to meet the Rotary International president

1464.                being connected on Instagram

1465.                the potential of doing more and greater things moving forward

1466.                just seeing how this all fits in creating better

1467.                the little acknowledgements of each other and care

1468.                the extraordinary veterans event

1469.                the recognition of those whose service truly uplifted great things

1470.                the POW table

1471.                the chair of the veterans event

1472.                his great leadership

1473.                the solemnity of the event

1474.                the joy that came of it

1475.                the sponsor who showed up for the event

1476.                 the friendship that comes from that

1477.                people who care and give

1478.                those that use their abundance to make better in the world around them

1479.                all the things we can use what we have to make a difference around us

1480.                being able to be a part of committees at UNCW that support and lead for the new chancellor

1481.                some healing that has gone on from some difficulty

1482.                being invited to be a part of the board of visitors

1483.                seeing how that group can truly uplift and make a difference

1484.                seeing on the form for the board of visitors that undergraduate research is a priority

1485.                the legacy of Kate Bruce for undergraduate research

1486.                John Myers scholarship

1487.                for the life of doctor Myers

1488.                the levy Bruce scholarship

1489.                the Thad Dankel scholarship

1490.                the Windell Daniels Section 8 and public housing scholarship

1491.                for the ADA king Dean scholarship

1492.                the Nancy Phelps Hodges scholarship

1493.                the Katherine McKenzie glow scholarship

1494.                the Boseman-tenhuisen scholarship

1495.                The Nancy Hodges/Marth Stine Women’s Empowerment Scholarship

1496.                all those that see scholarships as a way to grow the next generation

1497.                the investment that continues to grow and make better for all

1498.                the support for the gender studies program

1499.                the leadership of the gender studies program

1500.                the “you belong here” campaign”

1501.                seeing that sign in a classroom.

1502.                Teaching a Uni 101.

1503.                Being honored to teach in that classs.

1504.                For the new Workforce Development Degree

1505.                Being allowed to be on a panel for that degree

1506.                for the leadership of the diversity equity and inclusion office at UNCW

1507.                the leadership of the SWAIN center

1508.                leadership of the Master of Public Administration program

1509.                the leadership of the Health and Human services college

1510.                the new Dean of the Health and Human services college

1511.                the incredible event to welcome the new Dean

1512.                the leadership of the Cameron School of Business for

1513.                the leadership and former Dean of the Watson College of education

1514.                the future of creating better for all students as they come forward

1515.                the New Hanover County scholarship

1516.                the advancement office at UNCW

1517.                the jersey day from the baseball team for the miracle league

1518.                the LGBTQIA center

1519.                the new Asian Cultural Center

1520.                the Upperman center

1521.                the life and legacy of doctor Leroy upperman

1522.                Centro Hispano

1523.                the Cameron School of Business network

1524.                teaching in the human resources classes

1525.                being on the Swain Advisory Board

1526.                serving on the MPA Advisory Board

1527.                W of the campus

1528.                the cross city trail going through the campus

1529.                the legacies our former chancellors

1530.                dePaolo Halo

1531.                Luetze hall

1532.                seeing the campus Commons become so beautiful

1533.                Shinn Plaza still so beautiful

1534.                the growth and excitement of new places to live

1535.                pat Leonard finally getting recognition with the athletic center name for her

1536.                all of the beautiful art on campus

1537.                the expansion of Randall library

1538.                the work of dumay Gorham on the front of campus

1539.                the seahawk and its nest at the back of campus

1540.                chancellors walk

1541.                Harold’s photography in the student center

1542.                mother's quilt and the community quilt in the student century

1543.                my hand cup from amy

1544.                my favorite county five year cup

1545.                coming up on 10 years with the county

1546.                having my hsa account for my upcoming surgery

1547.                Sandra miles dentistry

1548.                Dental assistant Joanie and her technique with those shots

1549.                The best dentist office I could ever hope for

1550.                Being ready to get this over and done with

1551.                Being able to get around places without main roads

1552.                The fix down on rose

1553.                The cross over at rose

1554.                Being aware on hooker road

1555.                Learning how to get over to oleander

1556.                The drive down old Wrightsville opening up to the intracoastal

1557.                Watching the boats on the intracoastal

1558.                Sitting on the dock at dockside

1559.                Our Friday night dinners at dockside

1560.                That salmon

1561.                Those potato cakes

1562.                The breezes

1563.                Being able to wind down the week on that dock together

1564.                The alarm before the draw bridge goes up

1565.                Being stopped by the bridge, a reminder to slow down

1566.                Folks who let folks into traffic after the draw bridge goes back up

1567.                People who drive slowly on the island

1568.                The old cottages on the island

1569.                The neighbors who Griswold their homes at holidays

1570.                The drive through neighborhoods with lights

1571.                Having my mother in law so close by

1572.                The inland greens par 3

1573.                Picking up golf balls in her yard

1574.                Have that par 3 so close by

1575.                The lake in autumn hall

1576.                Being able to get to mayfair without eastwood

1577.                Being able to get to starbucks through autumn hall

1578.                Our networks of non main road connections

1579.                Being in a neighborhood that does not connect and dead ends

1580.                Being next to uncw

1581.                All the coverage with foliage all around us

1582.                The winning for the trees in so many ways

1583.                The new bypasses to cross over town

1584.                Being in the central part of town

1585.                Not being too far from anything we needing

1586.                Indocine express

1587.                Junction 421

1588.                My flounder at boathouse

1589.                Costco gas

1590.                The best customer service at Costco

1591.                Our local grocery at lowes in university commons

1592.                The landscapers leaving our tree off the pruning list

1593.                Our family Christmas tree fully decorated with all the ornaments

1594.                Michaels blue tree with ornaments from mother’s gifts

1595.                The special birthday cake for Michael each year since he is the 25th

1596.                The joy of getting gifts for him

1597.                The Christmas clock he loves so

1598.                The mantel clock that chimes the hour

1599.                The wall clock that can be heard all over the house

1600.                The family portraits on the landing

1601.                Saying good moring to all the family when I go upstairs

1602.                Having space for guests when they come

1603.                the piano upstairs

1604.                hearing Michael play the piano

1605.                having my cello

1606.                lamp light

1607.                times when everything electronic is off and is just quiet

1608.                when all is off and completely dark

1609.                being able to have that complete quiet and dark

1610.                the art wall

1611.                michael’s squirrell away shelves

1612.                the new new testament

1613.                the life of Rosalynn Carter

1614.                the memories of my childhood when President and Mrs. Carter were elected

1615.                my tax jacket that everyone loves so much

1616.                my cup from the local

1617.                the bowls from when we first got married

1618.                simple dinners at home

1619.                mrs. hubbards treats for jax

1620.                waters for me

1621.                giving up all soda and staying with that into my fourth year

1622.                the sound of the rain on the skylight

1623.                wrapping up in my old terrycloth robe

1624.                having the throw on my feet

1625.                the fan running and it cold as the devil

1626.                finding an old friend on facebook and connecting for a minute

1627.                keeping up with people from my past

1628.                not regretting the past nor wishing to shut the door on it

1629.                having so many of the promises in my life come true

1630.                the 12 steps

1631.                progress over perfection

1632.                not being saints

1633.                seeing one another as human beings having spiritual experiences

1634.                being the hand

1635.                having the hand

1636.                knowing some are sicker than others

1637.                one day at time

1638.                one minute at a time

1639.                but for the grace of God

1640.                first things first

1641.                easy does it (but do it)

1642.                I might be the only person

1643.                Lord’s prayer

1644.                The serenity prayer

1645.                Accepting what I can change

1646.                Accepting what I cannot not change

1647.                The wisdom

1648.                The circle

1649.                The hugs

1650.                the meetings

1651.                the community of Recovery

1652.                the community of AA

1653.                the founding of AA

1654.                the complete journey

1655.                the hope that is in front of so many

1656.                the way that there is hope in front of me on things still

1657.                always giving when I see those signs

1658.                keeping things in the car to give to those in need

1659.                being aware of the needs

1660.                being given awareness about how to be aware

1661.                those that help to create that awareness

1662.                having a voice in making sure those that are in need are not further marginalized by the helpers

1663.                not staying silent

1664.                those who are not silent for those who have little voice

1665.                those who are in the trenches of advocacy

1666.                those who see those in need and speak up and out

1667.                those who have abundance and share

1668.                those who make the table bigger

1669.                those who share

1670.                those who create for all

1671.                those who can be uncomfortable

1672.                those who can be challenged

1673.                those who can see differently

1674.                those who can value opinions and hold their values

1675.                those who can include

1676.                those who value

1677.                the cape fear heart walk

1678.                all the teams that came out for the heart walk

1679.                my 16th year on the heart walk

1680.                RCW sponsoring the heart walk

1681.                Having the heart walk on UNCW’s campus

1682.                The ELT on the heart walk

1683.                Continuing to honor the legacy of Windell at the heart walk

1684.                Sharing and connecting with the heart walk

1685.                the red hat survivors

1686.                all who walk the journey with heart disease

1687.                cape fear heart associates

1688.                the ornish program

1689.                the continued work with heart and stroke

1690.                the high response rate at NHRMC heart and stroke

1691.                the new and improved resources for stints and other treatments at the hospital

1692.                the cardiac team

1693.                the connection to other hosptials

1694.                the first responders equipped ready

1695.                the AHA education on heart and stroke

1696.                the health and wellness for our own family with heart and stroke

1697.                the response to our own needs for stroke

1698.                the recovery for our own for stroke

1699.                the great care for our own

1700.                more work to uplift and care for heart and stroke in our region

1701.                building a better world all together for heart and stroke

1702.                continuing to have conversations around heart and stroke over all

1703.                watching the journey of cancer survivors near and afar

1704.                being a cancer survivor

1705.                the zimmer cancer center

1706.                the oncologists in the region

1707.                those who make blankets for those going through treatment

1708.                those who make meals for those going through treatments

1709.                those who donate to go fund me for those in cancer treatments

1710.                those employers who support their employees going through treatments

1711.                those employers who make sure their employees have insurance

1712.                fmla act

1713.                fmla education

1714.                fmla compliance

1715.                disability insurance

1716.                disability attorneys and advocates

1717.                the affordable care act

1718.                cancer insurance policies

1719.                charitable care for those in need

1720.                novant charitable care

1721.                social workers in the hospitals

1722.                Delaney radiology

1723.                Cape fear clinic

1724.                Free health care for those in need

1725.                The leadership of the cape fear clinic

1726.                Medicaid expansion opening up more care for persons with needs

1727.                The trainers at trillium health are

1728.                Cit training for first responders

1729.                Mental health first aid training

1730.                Youth mental health first aid training

1731.                Adult mental health first aid training

1732.                Cci training for the community

1733.                QPR training to prevent suicide

1734.                QPR training more broadly

1735.                Cci taining for all social workers

1736.                CCI training for the mental health teams

1737.                CCI training, qpr training and Crm in conference

1738.                Equipping our teachers and other with these trainings

1739.                Coastal horizons being able to do these trainings

1740.                Coastal horizons being a partner in these training

1741.                Trillium health equity board

1742.                Being named to the trillium health equity board

1743.                Having the leadership fo the health equity board be one of my favorte souls

1744.                The board of trillium health directors

1745.                The leadership of the trillium health board

1746.                The reach of the trillium lme

1747.                The fierce desire to serve from trillium in the recent challenges

1748.                The advocates that show up regardless of the challenges

1749.                Those who see the possible in face of the obstacles

1750.                Those who are able to find a way to serve while taking care of themselves

1751.                The mitigation of burn out while progress is slow

1752.                Leaning in on the present and what is

1753.                turning down the volume on the news

1754.                turning up the volume on things that feed us/me

1755.                fasting from 8p to 8a

1756.                getting rid of 24 hours news channels

1757.                putting limits on how much social media and when

1758.                reading much more this year

1759.                connecting that reading to what I do

1760.                reading more fiction

1761.                reading more for pleasure

1762.                reading more books in hand and less on line

1763.                having access to books to share

1764.                having access to means to share with others

1765.                finding ways to find meaningful expressions

1766.                the therapy practice of Seth Boynton

1767.                Being consistent with my therapy

1768.                Being intentional with things that we come up with to do

1769.                Getting more honest about me

1770.                Getting more honest about me with others

1771.                Standing up for me and holding boundaries

1772.                Listening when I might be going overboard

1773.                not accepting undue critism

1774.                not taking on the toxicity of others (as much)

1775.                playing santa in a neighborhood of amazing families

1776.                being at the good friends luncheon as a santa

1777.                being witness to 800 women make a difference

1778.                the little brown bag lunch that creates so much good

1779.                the witness stories at each luncheon

1780.                singing the women into the luncheon

1781.                being the santa that started that tradition

1782.                leading singing with the best leaders

1783.                being EXPECTED to sing now

1784.                going around with buckets to get that money

1785.                having that money to supplement what the government does

1786.                having that money to be able to create good for those in need

1787.                the vision of those first few

1788.                the good that has expanded exponentially

1789.                the way that luncheon exemplifies what true good charity should be in every way

1790.                the joy of that event

1791.                good friends of Wilmington

1792.                all the red aprons

1793.                all the ways that group makes a difference

1794.                the honor flight of Wilmington

1795.                our Rotarians being on the board of honor flight

1796.                being allowed to serve as a guardian again this spring

1797.                giving our veterans of foreign wars the trip of a lifetime

1798.                honoring those who served so dutifully

1799.                the BBQ fundraiser the Kelly led for Honor Flight

1800.                the whole group did such a great job

1801.                being able to go and see it and get BBQ

1802.                people who teach

1803.                people who care

1804.                people who connect

1805.                people who listen

1806.                people who use turn signals

1807.                people Who return their grocery carts

1808.                people who seek to understand rather than to be understood

1809.                people who use the right hand lane so that the left hand lane can continue moving faster

1810.                people who stay off the phone when they're in the public

1811.                people stay off the phone if they don't have hands free options in the car

1812.                people who don't use earbuds when they're driving

1813.                people who pull over for emergency vehicles

1814.                people who still pull over for funerals

1815.                people who stand up when someone comes to the table

1816.                people who sends a handwritten note after something beautiful was done

1817.                people who still sends Christmas cards

1818.                people who puts a dollar in a pot when there's a charity drive somewhere

1819.                who may not have a lot but she's giving as part of how we live

1820.                people who see value in people who are behind registers

1821.                people who acknowledges people who are behind registers

1822.                people who show grace and compassion to people who are behind registers

1823.                people who Think about people that are on duty when there's a holiday

1824.                people who might actually do something for people that are on duty during the holiday

1825.                people who don't compare and despair

1826.                people who walk through their own struggles with perspective

1827.                people have self-awareness about their own clay feet

1828.                people who strive for connection

1829.                people who strive for compassion

1830.                people who strive for empathy

1831.                people who live by love

1832.                people who acknowledge their fear

1833.                those that help me with all the above

1834.                all the ways that I keep learning about all the above

1835.                all the ways that I keep wanting to grow with all the above

1836.                all the people I have yet to meet who live out all the above

1837.                all the people I have yet to learn from who knows so much about all the above

1838.                all the ways in which all the above can happen and I know can be true

1839.                all the ways I've learned that we are perfectly and wonderfully made

1840.                people who see legacy as service and good not accumulation

1841.                The good algorithm in social media to the good in the world

1842.                the good ways that social media helps

1843.                the good that can be put into social media

1844.                the gratitude I have for resilience and Action Group on Facebook

1845.                continued use of the resilience in Action Group on Facebook

1846.                the control contributors to the resilience and Action Group on Facebook

1847.                the brilliant ways that the sharing of stories on Instagram can uplift and permeate difficult situations

1848.                the counterweights that the negative of social media can be used to do good

1849.                Not taking myself too seriously

1850.                sharing only my experience and not beyond that

1851.                knowing more about the back of my head to the end of my nose

1852.                being more comfortable sharing my lived experience in public

1853.                connecting more of my lived experience to the work that I do

1854.                letting go of fear of revealing myself

1855.                being vulnerable

1856.                being authentic

1857.                being with authentic people

1858.                being with people who strive to be authentic

1859.                losing concern about what's said outside of my control

1860.                being able to walk away

1861.                being quiet I have absolutely nothing to contribute

1862.                knowing that I can add value and when to add value

1863.                admitting when I'm wrong

1864.                owning  when I'm wrong

1865.                asking for help

1866.                asking for guidance

1867.                going to medical professionals

1868.                not waiting until situations get too serious

1869.                spending money on myself

1870.                taking time to just breathe

1871.                continuing to enjoy being in the heart of God

1872.                trying more and more to live out humble inquiry

1873.                strength finders

1874.                The diversity and equity conference at Cape Fear Community College

1875.                 the work of the New Hanover County diversity and equity office

1876.                 the coming together of like minds

1877.                 the privilege of being the opening facilitator for the diversity and equity conference

1878.                 the four questions exercise with the diversity and equity conference

1879.                 being able to frame a discussion around needs and connections for the diversity and equity conference

1880.                 extraordinary speakers in the diversity and equity conference

1881.                 the uplifting of conversations from leaders in the community

1882.                 the critical conversation around book banning in the community as well as nationwide

1883.                 the connections to the Waccamaw Siquion  

1884.                better understanding

1885.                the keynote speaker Ashley lomboy

1886.                the leadership from the diversity and equity office for this conference

1887.                being appointed to a leadership engagement in the community (LIC)

1888.                 having the YWCA and the community endowment sponsor the leadership engagements

1889.                being in an incredible small group that is reading stamped

1890.                reading stamped and finding incredible history

1891.                seeing actions that life some of the history and hold it to the light

1892.                looking for ways to permeate inclusion at a higher levels

1893.                learning about influencing styles

1894.                learning deeper about different pieces of our community and how they show up

1895.                engaging with other community leaders

1896.                 learning about the community leaders at such a high level and deep level

1897.                having the privilege to come together to talk about very tough situations

1898.                and develop as a group how to implement what we're learning

1899.                permeate in areas that we have influence

1900.                being able to use a matrix to see board representation at places that I'm involved in

1901.                having others buy into looking at representation as important

1902.                 being able to articulate conversations that are difficult around issues that are systemic in our communities

1903.                 be more aware of how those issues arise having voices even sometimes that are in the minority be amplified by these conversations

1904.                see people in different perspectives as a result of these conversations

1905.                 truly feel more connected in terms of how we're showing up

1906.                 being able to assess and create opportunity through this engagement

1907.                 having time to learn more about channel through Live Oak

1908.                see the extraordinary leadership of channel through Live Oak

1909.                 see the opportunity that's created through channel of Live Oak

1910.                be able to see some of the other ways in which leadership is being done in other agencies to make inclusion possible

1911.                 to learn about really great people doing good work in sometimes adversarial circumstances

1912.                having a new leader for the disaster coalition

1913.                witnessing the coming together of the disaster coalition

1914.                 hearing opportunity for the disaster coalition to do greater work

1915.                 getting great ideas around more inclusion for the disaster coalition

1916.                looking at better way for the disaster coalition to do things across languages

1917.                great things for the coalition to do work that is more inclusive

1918.                 all of the winners of the National Association of county awards this year

1919.                the celebration breakfast for the NACO awards

1920.                being a part of those NACO awards

1921.                being able to connect with the work that's done locally and amplify it nationally

1922.                 finally be able to go to the zoo in Asheboro

1923.                have an experience with the giraffe

1924.                bow at my giraffe

1925.                 have a spiritual moment with my giraffe

1926.                 actually get to see the elephants come out for feeding

1927.                watch a hippo run

1928.                see some really beautiful things in the natural environments at the zoo

1929.                enjoy a little chipmunk prancing around

1930.                have a very spiritual moment with an orangutan being loved and cherished

1931.                get to see his zebra up close and personal

1932.                finally get to see seagrove

1933.                the beautiful pottery sculpture in the park

1934.                actually gets to visit some of the pottery that my mother has loved over the years

1935.                enjoyed spending time inside of a place that represented over 60 Potters.

1936.                The yarn room in the back

1937.                Getting crochet materials

1938.                Having such a great visit with those folks

1939.                 bring back some pottery from Seagrove that we will cherish

1940.                Making decisions for myself during that trip

1941.                Speaking up and not just accepting something that was very uncomfortable

1942.                Having loving acceptance after I spoke up

1943.                Taking a risk and still being love

1944.                Taking care of me and being ok to do so

1945.                Continuing to learn I can do that and hold true to me

1946.                Continuing to learn I can believe and hold true to me and not loose others

1947.                Continuing to learn I don’t have to not be me to be loved

1948.                Continuing to learn I AM loved because I AM me

1949.                Those lunches

1950.                Time with those I care so deeply about

1951.                Just opening up

1952.                the gratitude patch at register of deeds

1953.                this year's economic outlook luncheon

1954.                 being a part of the Swain board sponsoring the economic outlook luncheon

1955.                 the new leader of Swain being able to welcome everybody to that luncheon

1956.                 the brilliant forecast being done by the professor from Swain

1957.                 the really incredible keynote speaker at the economic outlook luncheon that gave forecasting that was very optimistic

1958.                seeing people I haven't seen in so long at that luncheon

1959.                 our city’s beauty being able to see the spot that once stood with the statue now covered in flowers by Saint James

1960.                Seeing a dear friend who has moved through her cancer journey

1961.                That wonderfully curly hair

1962.                Being at home again

1963.                The Wilmington biz expo

1964.                The great folks who make the expo happen

1965.                The wonderful Wilmington convention center

1966.                The leadership of the convention center

1967.                The sun setting over the river by the convention center

1968.                The places to sit along the riverwalk

1969.                The dram tree sculpture

1970.                The historicaly photographs on the wall in the center

1971.                The main the ballroom

1972.                The accessibility to the hotel

1973.                the redo of the coastline

1974.                the Daniels hall in the union station

1975.                being able to use daniles hall in CFCC

1976.                having our celebrations in Daniels hall

1977.                the staff of CFCC union station

1978.                being able to park at 320

1979.                the library parking deck

1980.                 the new roof on top of the synagogue

1981.                being able to still see Friday night services on the Internet

1982.                the beauty of the windows in Church of the servant

1983.                the labyrinth

1984.                the labyrinth at the harbor Island Park

1985.                walk at the harbor Island Park throughout the roses

1986.                and the other plantings

1987.                bricks that we've purchased at the Harbor Island Park

1988.                the Nesbitt loop

1989.                the little park enclave off the loop

1990.                the public access areas on the island to launch from

1991.                learning to wait for parking

1992.                those that allow me to park in their homes when I need for beach access

1993.                learning best times to go find shells

1994.                the sundown paddles

1995.                indigenous peoples day

1996.                having an amazing handy person in our neighborhood

1997.                 having new lighting

1998.                biscuits from cracker barrel and the smell of buttermilk

1999.                Bing able to amplify a conversation about talking to children about war

2000.                having that conversation about a war become a series from trauma resource institute

2001.                having so many people making sure children are being taken care of about how the media is taking on the war and wars across the world

2002.                rainbows that just appear regularly throughout the year

2003.                all the Hawks that seemed to come at the right time when I need them

2004.                all the snuggles in the morning from sweet jacks

2005.                having insurance

2006.                having insurance that takes care of my needs

2007.                 having a primary care doctor

2008.                 For the work of Wrightsville family practice

2009.                a doctor I can call on when I need help

2010.                advanced urology

2011.                the continuing care for my cancer

2012.                 my cancers remission

2013.                 the appointments every six months

2014.                the six month appointment that found a spot and a biopsy was able to be done in the office

2015.                 the spot not to have been cancerous

2016.                the clinic in our work

2017.                the professionals in our clinic

2018.                 the nurse practitioner in our office

2019.                all nurse practitioners

2020.                all nurses in our hospital

2021.                the doctors ain  our emergency rooms

2022.                our cardiologists

2023.                our cancer doctors

2024.                Wilmington health

2025.                 Wilmington health being our primary doctor for workplace injuries

2026.                Wilmington health doing resilience training

2027.                Wilmington health leadership for their teams

2028.                Wilmington health provides our employees for the incredible

2029.                care that our nurse practitioner provides for us

2030.                being able to afford our medicines to our plan

2031.                the pharmacist who takes care of me

2032.                the pharmacist who keeps me in informed about the medicines that I take

2033.                all those in my office that work so hard to keep our insurance rates affordable

2034.                 all those in our enterprise who do the same

2035.                 our benefits analysts who meets with people sometimes at the most difficult times of their lives

2036.                to my colleagues who are on point with people in this enterprise with care and connection

2037.                for our elected who see value in us and continue to support us

2038.                and our leaders who always advocate for us

2039.                all those who see public service as worthy

2040.                public service

2041.                 all those who nominate others for awards

2042.                having vacation days

2043.                 having sick days

2044.                having time to do community service

2045.                the ability to take care of myself when things are difficult

2046.                being able to have time to take care of my family members if I need

2047.                recognition among us

2048.                 for us

2049.                and about us

2050.                the high five system

2051.                sending high fives

2052.                receiving them

2053.                the handwritten notes

2054.                the cards

2055.                acts of kindness

2056.                being seen

2057.                allowing others to be cared for

2058.                getting an email that says Hello or how are you

2059.                being valued

2060.                feeling valued

2061.                seeing so much success in others

2062.                seeing growth with others

2063.                being on a journey with others

2064.                collaborating with others

2065.                creating new ways forward with others

2066.                finding trust

2067.                developing trust

2068.                giving trust

2069.                moving away from toxicity

2070.                not fawning

2071.                moving on

2072.                the 1898 park

2073.                for all the 1898 memorial events

2074.                being in our 10th year of including historical events in our orientation

2075.                and sense of place

2076.                 we're always honoring the land on which we stand

2077.                the land acknowledgements

2078.                the acknowledgement of indigenous peoples

2079.                better understandings every day of what we have inherited

2080.                being from Fuqay and reared in chapel hill

2081.                having had time in mobile

2082.                to be shaped by adverse experiences

2083.                to have known positive and affirming experiences

2084.                to have had powerful and loving interventions along the way

2085.                to understand more now so much of what my parents and their parents experienced

2086.                to honor their lives and connect in ways I have never been able before

2087.                the history and legacy of all parts of those that make up my family history

2088.                the ways we forgive

2089.                the ways we hope we are forgiven

2090.                the sacrifices that were made that I know of that gave me as much as I was provided

2091.                all that I believe was done that I have no clue about

2092.                for brene brown teaching about making generous assumptions

2093.                the ability to have fulfilled so much of what my parents wanted for me

2094.                that I feel like they know, even though I cannot call and tell them

2095.                to constantly be in awe. I just am

2096.                tom and amanda getting married in the Spring

2097.                being able to officiate marriages and be a witness to love

2098.                shele and kathy’s amazing wedding

2099.                spending time with amazing people

2100.                the beauty of shele’s father and his love for his daughter

2101.                the privildege of seeing the couple as they are wed

2102.                the celebration in the midst of all the issues in the world

2103.                the privilege of officiating at their wedding

2104.                the OWLs group and its amazing work in the community for seniors

2105.                owls continuing as silver circle

2106.                the inclusion of the circle and their work in the SrC

2107.                the amazing work of the SRC on inclusion and care

2108.                watching the community building and care from the silver circle

2109.                seeing groups form and bond in the community and move forward

2110.                having  facebook to stay connected and witness good things with community

2111.                the leadership of the group

2112.                the legacy of so many continuing to move forward

2113.                annual reports from cfcc foundation

2114.                annual reports from the development office at UNCW

2115.                the special notes from students

2116.                knowing grandmother dean is forever connected to nurses

2117.                knowing mother is always a part of ongoing maternal and child health workers

2118.                mother’s swing at the boardwalk

2119.                mother’s swing always being full

2120.                the boardwalk at Carolina beach

2121.                our trips down to the Carolina beach market by the lake

2122.                donnie’s booth at the market

2123.                the markets in town for local crafters

2124.                the tidal creek market

2125.                the market at Wrightsville beach

2126.                the market that the rainbow house has come up with

2127.                the market that Cameron art museum has done for local artists

2128.                making art accessible to all

2129.                making artists’  and crafters businesses thrive and be viable

2130.                the cups made by uncw for our service awards

2131.                the cups and clocks made by kids making it

2132.                kids making it amazing programs

2133.                the entrepreneurial spirit of kids making it

2134.                the high level of craft and skill in the workshop at kids making it

2135.                seeing the succession of leadership at kids making it

2136.                the amazing facility on castle street with kids making it

2137.                the castle street district

2138.                the founding of the castle street district by the lgbtqia community

2139.                Thyme catering and restaurant blowing up and doing well

2140.                The most amazing food on castle street district

2141.                Bloke apparel

2142.                Great business owners like those at bloke

2143.                Michael’s joy in barnes and noble

2144.                The amazing folks at reeds

2145.                The legacy of Kingoffs

2146.                Copy cat print shop

2147.                The queen of promotional items

2148.                The best service from the team at her shop

2149.                Passing out those coins at the va with her

2150.                Making connections with the folks at va

2151.                The attention to detail unparralelled

2152.                The special stellar award pins she makes for us and for our folks

2153.                The Hall of Honor awards made by Dumay Gorham

2154.                The hall of honor banquet

2155.                Having local artists make our recognition items

2156.                Seeing others do the same as we using local folks

2157.                Using local businesses

2158.                Coffee

2159.                Great places to have it

2160.                Spilt

2161.                The age of the coffee bar

2162.                Having places with non alcoholic cocktails

2163.                Having amazing coffee and time to reset at bespoke

2164.                Best car wash at fins

2165.                Best hair cut anywhere with tame the mane

2166.                Tame the mane having two locations

2167.                Seeing my barber get married and be happy

2168.                Seeing tame the mane do hair cuts for the unsheltered

2169.                The best dog welcomes ever at the barber

2170.                The Christmas parade in Wilmington

2171.                The holiday flotilla in wrightsville beach

2172.                Being santa for the wrightsboro fire station

2173.                Fire stories with santa

2174.                The leadership of Malcolm Johnson at NHCS

2175.                Watching the macy’s parade from home on thanskgivng

2176.                Being able to breathe

2177.                Having the ability to have clear lungs

2178.                Not having covid again

2179.                Not having to much after effects after having covid three times

2180.                The covid vaccines

2181.                The pan ops teams

2182.                The public health officials

2183.                The legacy and efficacy of c. turner always

2184.                The advancement of the new assistant director of public health in nhc

2185.                Not taking for granted my ability to be mobile

2186.                Ability to remember all these things

2187.                Ability to write

2188.                Ability to speak

2189.                Ability to create

2190.                Ability to put things into phrases

2191.                Using the stairs at work

2192.                Having stairs to get some exercise

2193.                The work health challenges

2194.                The work health challenge that makes me think about taking care of me

2195.                Those who show up in their challenges

2196.                Showing up in my own challenges

2197.                The encouragement of the lunch group with my need to change some things

2198.                The check ins from folks

2199.                Remembering to check in on folks

2200.                Watching folks thrive through

2201.                Seeing so much good in others

2202.                Being inspired by the path of so many who do so much for others

2203.                All the music in Wilmington

2204.                Local musicians who have music to download

2205.                The music of susan savia

2206.                So many venues for music

2207.                Listening to live music and enjoying a meal

2208.                The local acting scene

2209.                Seeing man of la mancha

2210.                The extraordinary staging of man of la mancha

2211.                All the memories that flooded back from that production

2212.                Singing in the house

2213.                Singing in the car

2214.                Singing in the office

2215.                Music before the trainings

2216.                Seeing the music lift people as we entering the learning space

2217.                Seeing music lift the crowds at Miracle league

2218.                The use of music as a unifier

2219.                The joy of music as a means to transcend all circumstances

2220.                The reset that is music and song

2221.                The connection to music in all things

2222.                The videos on tik tok that feature artists and singers

2223.                Gospel artsists

2224.                Gospel musicians

2225.                Preachers, teachers and spiritual teachers who still use electronics to share their sermons

2226.                Folks locally who use the internet to share and care

2227.                Other people’s blogs

2228.                Linkenin learning

2229.                Micro learning

2230.                Micro learning apps

2231.                Dictation apps

2232.                Being able to create with dictation apps

2233.                Voice commands in the car

2234.                Being able to do things hands free

2235.                Having a vehicle that is smarter than I am

2236.                Living my jetsons full fantasy life

2237.                Still having hair

2238.                My years in the restaurant business

2239.                My experiences in retail

2240.                Having lived in different places

2241.                All the experiences that culminate into what I do now

2242.                Being connected with people who knew me when

2243.                Having photos of times gone by and rememebreing

2244.                Having my memories

2245.                Checking in with long time friends

2246.                Seeing youngin’s thrive and succeed

2247.                Seeing youngin’s get married

2248.                Seeing youngin’s have amazing children

2249.                Seeing nieces have the most amazing families

2250.                Seeing great nephews become great young men

2251.                Seeing great nephews become third generation fire fighters

2252.                Stay connected to cousins

2253.                Watching us be the promise of what our parents wanted

2254.                Watching us break some cycles

2255.                Watching us do things that help to heal

2256.                Watching us create some good in the world

2257.                Seeing the possible that moves forward in the kids in the family

2258.                Having hindsight

2259.                Having a sense of self based in what it and not what was

2260.                Having a sense of self with my own ideas

2261.                Getting more and more free in so many ways

2262.                Having enjoyment in so many days

2263.                Less anxiety

2264.                Greater connection to goo

2265.                Less noise in my own head

2266.                All my mystery escapist movies and shows

2267.                Murder on the orient express

2268.                Death on the nile

2269.                All the Poirot series

2270.                Murder she wrote

2271.                The new Kenneth branuagh versions

2272.                Having movies and shows that move me away from reality

2273.                Having books that help me escape and dream

2274.                All my Stephen saylor novels

2275.                All the rome series

2276.                Being able to go to rome and travel with those charcters

2277.                Works about spirtuality and religion

2278.                Works see the universality of it all

2279.                The practice of Buddhism

2280.                Nich Hanh

2281.                The works of peter gomes

2282.                The life and legacy of Carlton Pearson

2283.                The works and life of Jimmy Carter

2284.                The work of Michell Gold

2285.                The humor celia rivebark

2286.                The column of celia rivenbark

2287.                The daily dram of cousin david

2288.                The works of Tim Tyson

2289.                The writings of Tom Robinson

2290.                Chief robinson’s peer support training

2291.                Peer support

2292.                Knowing that the more that we do for one another the better we will be

2293.                Integrating helping each other into every level of the organization

2294.                Learning from the table talks to the office

2295.                Sharing the best of who we are with what we do

2296.                Not trying to fix but to hear

2297.                Reading radical hospitality

2298.                The need for radical hospitality

2299.                What radical hospitality can do to transform our world

2300.                Mindset understanding

2301.                Work on creating mindsets and how that works

2302.                Knowing that working on mindsets have to address trauma and conditions of harm

2303.                The work and research of dr. Don barnes

2304.                Integrating deeply the ideas and practice of customer delight

2305.                Customer delight

2306.                The efficacy of customer delight

2307.                The need for customer delight

2308.                The transformative power of customer delight

2309.                Using soar for conversations rather than swot

2310.                Working on appreciative inquiry

2311.                Those who understand it is not just words but intent and outcomes

2312.                Results driven agencies

2313.                Creating a results driven world for non profits and government

2314.                Making objectives match what is done

2315.                Giving assessments equity and fairness for all

2316.                Giving assessments a means for growth

2317.                Giving assessments a means for recognition

2318.                Connecting a means to give growth for those who achieve

2319.                Ensuring those who evaluate are fair and equitable

2320.                Implicit bias awareness

2321.                Implicit bias training

2322.                The efficacy of conversations around bias

2323.                The deep understanding of how not to blame and shame, but create awareness

2324.                The accountability for sexual harassment

2325.                The accountability for those who harm through discrimination of any kind

2326.                Workplace safety

2327.                psychological safety

2328.                line of sight over harm

2329.                line of sight to report up for those who might be victims of harm

2330.                line of sight to speak up for one another

2331.                see something, say something

2332.                not allowing retaliation for speaking up and out

2333.                talking openly about the most vulnerable in our communities: children, folks with disabilities, elders

2334.                using our public service to All be on board with serving those

2335.                protecting all from harm

2336.                the day in the parking lot

2337.                getting her to her car

2338.                everyone stopping and making sure she was safe

2339.                M. L. Taking her to her car

2340.                All the acts of kindness from all I work with

2341.                All the acts that happen even when

2342.                All the stellar awards I get to read

2343.                All the high fives I get to read

2344.                Over 60k of high fives

2345.                A culture of recognition

2346.                The ability to say thank you

2347.                The ability to give thanks

2348.                The connections from those thanks

2349.                The connection to supervisor from those thanks

2350.                The way folks look out for one another

2351.                the shared food

2352.                the retirement celebrations

2353.                being able to write and edit those retirement scripts

2354.                hearing those retirement scripts read at the commissioners

2355.                seeing family members come to the retirement recognition

2356.                the crews showing up for the pump wrangler

2357.                the standing ovation for 40 years of service

2358.                having folks who have serve 30 plus years and are still value adds and innovators

2359.                serving with folks who care so deeply and want to make change and do

2360.                what we care for

2361.                every hug

2362.                every handshake

2363.                every look of connection

2364.                every moment of silence where there's comfort

2365.                every place where we find agreement

2366.                every place where disagreement is met with understanding

2367.                 every place where anger is met with release and compassion

2368.                every place and every moment in this year where sadness has been felt and moved through without blockage

2369.                clean pain is the measure of the day

2370.                 avoidance of pain is lessened

2371.                 resolving what lives in my body is done with sustainable practices

2372.                These last Things Michael and  I shared sitting here together: we are grateful for like: jax

2373.                Mrs. freeze

2374.                Harold

2375.                Our beautiful home

2376.                Our life together

2377.                The left hand not knowing what the right is doing all the time to make good

2378.                Our little garden

2379.                Being able to use what we have to create more and better

2380.                The fortune of time

2381.                The fortune of being present

2382.                Holidays to reflect

2383.                Lights that change colors (he really likes those 😊)

2384.                Number theory (ok, so that’s his)

2385.                Gaming (ok, that’s his, but I am glad he likes these)

2386.                That we are not in a war torn country

2387.                That we can amplify our voices with votes and resources

2388.                That we can lend our empathy and care

2389.                That we connect and share

2390.                That we are unified in our faith

2391.                That we have our own ideas and find connections

2392.                That we have a home that hopefully serves others

2393.                That we have fun

2394.                That there is joy

2395.                That there is more to come

2396.                That we have faced our hardest days together

2397.                That we will face what will come

2398.                That this list is not a complete list and there is always more everyday that comes up and there is more that I can be grateful for.

2399.                That if things change, and things that are on this list are not present, there is still gratitude, thankfulness in the midst when I can see it.

2400.                That being able see the good does not eliminate struggle or difficulty, but helps to broaden the lens as I move through and I am able to see “what else is true”, connect to that good and find that resilience, wellness, and good.