Bo Dean's Blog In Wilmington North Carolina: 2018

Annual Thanksgiving Tradition:

Year 19 1900 things, events, feelings I am grateful this year....

19 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 for 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:

For my higher power, for whom I know and call God.
For 29 years and counting of one day at a time, happy, joyous and free
For knowing I am not God.
For hearing God through people, places, things and events
For a feeling of never being alone that came into my life so many years ago and has never left me and sustains me in some of the darkest and most difficult moments and times.
For the reflection of my higher power in the eyes and expressions, but most importantly the acts of so many around me.
For being able to see God in myself
For being able to see God in others
For being able to see something greater than us in times of great crisis and strife
For connecting to and feeling connected to that source, that strength
For the shells on the beach
For the breathing and seeing the shells
For the shells appearing to me in the stillness
For understanding the moment more
For having more moments
For being in more moments
For peace in more moments
For peace in more moments of strife
For peace in moments of joy
For peace in moments of calm.
For peace when in conflict with another
For a sense of self and self assuredness
For a feeling of self worth that my higher power showed me
For knowing I am loved
For knowing I am made just as I am supposed to be made
For feeling a deeper sense of connection to purpose
For Michael
For being witness to some of the greatest strength and integrity in another
For having a true example of good always to be next to me and in front of me in our home
For never having to be anything other than me and being accepted and loved regardless
For 22 years and counting of the most amazing marriage
For growing together and learning more and more about how we can manage some of the most stressful events together
For my beloved stepfather
For him having some joy in his life
For Harold’s 81^st birthday
For Harold’s amazing photography show
For art in bloom
For the site and vision of Harold’s photography
For all who supported and came to his show at art and bloom
For sharing that opening with my sister and brother in law
For watching Harold with all of those patrons, light surrounding him as he shared his passion
For Harold being included in the group photography show
For all the talks we still have and being able to learn and share
For the piece that Michael and I acquired
For the mentoring in seeing that Harold gave to me
For the insights in my own photography that Harold shared with me
For my family of blood
For being connected to my sister
For my amazing nieces
For my great nephews being on Instagram
For seeing my great nephews in baseball now
For watching the posts about them and seeing them grow
For the most beautiful, fire filled infant, Hadley
For watching both nieces be the most powerful mothers
For seeing my parents and some of my grandparents in all of them
For staying connected to my cousins
For the life of Judy Bloodworth.
For judy’s passing to be with my cousins all together
For the life of Joyce Pollard…
For my nephew in law to become a fire fighter
For staying connected to friends from decades and decades
For my family of choice
For the spirit of my mother ever present in my
For the face and voice of my dad coming through when I need him
For the orbs in my pictures on days when I need reminding of how I am so well cared for
For the life of Windell that is still with me
For the windell Daniels scholarship at UNCW
For the Windell Daniels Room at CFCC
For Taylor Homes that NEVER would have happened without him
For a legacy of good
For the life of Gary that still teaches me
For the Gary Shell Cross City Trail
To all the good that our parks have because of him
For the Life of Beth that still makes me smile
For the Beth Quinn Room at the Hospital
For She Rocks continuing to work on Ovarian Cancer
For the life of Mama Weller that gives me strength
For the life of Justin that taught me so much and Hotwheels will ride again!
For the life of Bob Jenkins who lived it WELL and with LIFE!
For the Life of Frank Harr who is always with me
For the Frank Harr Foundation
For every bit of Carolina Place being what it is today because of Frank
For the life of Bill McCarthy who I still Cherish
For the life Bernie Malman who taught and mentored me
For the life of Betty Ann Sanders who is still part of my Spirit
For the life of Karl Davis who we still honor
For the Karl Davis Award at the Chamber
For Leadership Wilmington
For my leadership Wilmington class
for the life of Ryan Burris
for the life of Wes Taylor
for the life of Donn Ansell
for Donn’s teachings about being an advocate in this community
for all Donn did to make this place better for all of us
for all Donn did to have a civil discourse in an uncivil environment
for the Life of Lethia Hankins
for the life of Macy MacRae
for all those who have passed who taught me and took time to call me out, lift me up, give me direction, and grace me with love of some kind who were not family by blood
for looking up and seeing daddy in the mirror some mornings
for hearing my voice and hearing his words, his sense of humor, his wisdom
for seeing mom’s eyes in mine
for remembering all of papa’s talks
for remembering time with mama austin
for remembering time with both grandmothers
for remembering time with both grandaddys.
For remembering granddaddy dean at the carousel at pullen park.
Remembering granddaddy wade with tiger and boots
For having had family reunions
For those reunions bringing such hugs
For those reunions bringing great singing with aunt annie, bobby,and marshel
For those reunions having the best food in the world
For the those reunions making daddy so happy
For those reunions being our time in the end
For reunions at pullen park when I was young
For having had Sunday dinners
For all the conversations the adults had back then
For the kids table
For the best uncle who sat with us at the kids table
For having stories about luden cough drops in the pew at church
For having stories about playing in fields
For knowing what a cub tractor is
For knowing what a looper is
For knowing what tobacco sticks are
For still loving a nab
For knowing what burlap sacks are for tobacco
For having had a fort made of those sticks and those sheets of burlap
For knowing what blackberries taste like in summer off the vine
For knowing what watermelon like off the back of a cart pulled by a tractor to the house right from the field
For knowing what little plums takes like off the bushes
For knowing how to pick fresh blueberries
For having learned to shoot a 12 gauge with daddy and uncle and cousin
For having fished with your dad in your uncle’s pond for bass with a cane pole
For knowing what fried cornbread is
For knowing the difference between turnip greens and collards
For literally salivating if someone can make chicken and pastry right
For thanking the Lord above for Casey’s buffet!
For knowing what a biscuit made with buttermilk and lard is like and loving it
For knowing also what its life to be at the eno river festival
For knowing what its like to listen to a group discuss Janis Ian over fondue and cold beer
For growing up going up and down the hills of chapel hill playing “man hunt”
For having the campus of UNC as my child hood playground
For spending my teen years holding mock plays in forest theater
For spending nights at the overlook at gimghoul castle with friends in high school
For being in experimental settings a kid in elementary school
For having different experiences as a child growing up
For having a mom who gave us exposure to different foods
For having a mom who gave us exposure to so many different people
To having a dad who loved and followed politics
For having a dad who took me on the market with him
For all the memories of being in warehouses with him in the summers
For understanding now how lucky I was to have all of that and how much in informs what I do and who I am
For my love of being outside
For the connection to that love going all the way back to my childhood
For remembering all that time outside a kid
For having been so sick as a kid
For all that time in the hospital as a child and really appreciating being well now
For every walk on the beach
For Wrightsville beach
For the wind
For the sand
For the water
For the surf
For understanding the tides
For having a real sense of how the tides effect the shore
For the clouds hanging over the horizon
For the north end
For shell island
For the bench by the access
For sitting on the bench and just watching the surf
For “seeing” the way the shells come in
For having fun making up names for shelling
For the “sea vomitorium” of shells that come up in places
For the “secrets” that reveal themselves
For following the flow of the tidal pools and what flows in them
For discovering new sea life
For finding my first whole fishes and their beauty in places
For the amazing variety of jellies that wash up
For the periwinkles that I really “saw” for the first time this year and catching them running under the sand
For all the shells that show up for me
For the tidal shelves that reveal so much
For the peace out on the farthest end
For watching the birds feast at low tide
For the birds who allow me just to hand with them
For seeing the crabs crawl away
For the beating sun cut by the driving wind
For the empty beach on the weekdays when tourists are away
For mornings when I can make the sunrise
For the sunrise after the hurricane
For the sounds of children playing
For seeing those who are fishing catch something and know that is feeding someone
For being able to bike to the beach
For being able to run on the beach
For being able to run to the beach
For feeling the sand under my feet
For being able to leave my shoes at the access and them still being there when I return
For not having to pay before 9 and during the winter
For not having to pay when I bike to the beach
For feeling so free when biking to the beach
For the turn about at shell island the view
For the clouds on the strand
For walks on stormy days when I beat the rain and enjoy the intensity of the clouds and winds
Watching the parachute wind surfers literally float through the air
For finding sand dollars every once in a while on this Atlantic beach with all the harshness and heavy surf..so powerful!
For every moment on the beach when I can hear my higher power rather than what is troubling me or what is happening in my life.
For every breath that comes with sea air and with being out in the open and just free from constraints
For the privilege of being on this beach at all
For the rangers who keep us safe on the beach
For the engineering department at NHC who manage the beaches
For understanding riptides and the perils
For not being afraid because of understanding
For the lifeguards and beach rescue
For all the rescues performed this year
For harbor island garden club
For the special time plating the tree this year in the park
For the brick walk way in the park on the island
For the Christmas celebration at the surf club
For playing Santa with clayton
For the gifts of clayton and cruisers
For the joy of the faces of the women in HIGC
For the generosity and care given to so many by Mary at Blockade
For sharing time on the grounds of the blockade
For the old cottages on the island
for welcome waves and hospitality of the cohens on the south end
for the times on the crystal pier
for tower 7
for WB park
for the out door work out gym
for the flotilla tradition on the island
for the island keeping the height restrictions
for my game getting people to say hello
for those who do without a pained look on their face
for the preservation of the crystal pier
for the launch under the bridge
for the diminishing republic
for the reeds and the quiet away from the boats
for the tide being with me when I am in my kayak
for low tide and watching the birds feed
for finding treasures in the muck
for seeing the seasons change through the reeds
for having a beach all to myself in the winter
for johnnie mercers
for the feeling of breath and sun coming up over the ICWW running across the bridges
for the runs across the drawbridge
for being caught by the draw bridge and being reminded to slow down
for the view from summer’s rest from my bike as I peddle through
for the time out on the ICWW in my kayak
for the paddle out with project SOAR this summer
for Hook Line and Paddle and all they do
for the generosity and care of Chris Tryon with kayaks and help for all
for Project Soar
for Access of Wilmington
for the Miracle League of Wilmington
for the non profit acumen of Haley Sink
for the efficacy and strength of programs for our veterans with disbailities through Kayla Jacubsak
for the efficacy and strength of our programs for Access Fit and the Miracle League with Myia Alston
for Sarah Bentley being nominated for a Health Care Hero Award this year
for Haley Sink being nominated for a health Care Hero Award this year
for the coaches who come out week after week for the miracle league
for all the parents and guardians who cheer and root on their players from the stands
for the parents and guardians and friends being ABLE to root on form the stands and letting their players be on their field with buddies
for all the buddies from UNCW
for all the buddies from rotaries
for all the buddies from NCINO
for all the buddies form Live Oak
for live oak bank committed to the community at large
for live oak’s commitment to involvement where employees want to get involved
for the buddies from NHRMC
for the buddies from UNCW Recreation
for the buddies form UNCW Nursing
for the buddies from UNCW honors
for the buddies from UNCW Watson College
for all the buddies form the Sea Turtle Chapter
for all the buddies from the Christian Frat at UNCW
for all the Buddies from FIJI
for all the buddies from UNCW Baseball
for all the buddies from companies throughout the community
for all the sponsors of teams for the miracle league
for the landfall foundation
for KBT Realty making snacks happen every game for everyone
for the legacy of the McKenzie Picnic Shelter
for all the joy and celebration under the McKenzie Picnic Shelter
for the legacy of the Campagna Dugout and the Campagna Family
for the legacy of the Nixon Foundation and Trot and Kathryn
for the legacy of the Weyerhaeuser Dugout and all the joy in that dugout
for the legacy of the Anderson Field house and Kyle always being on that field through the Raintrees
for Brax stadium and the legacy of Pete Hexter
for the Shipman legacy fund
for the Kiwanis Miracle Makers Playground
for the bleachers helped by 101 Mobility
for the announcer’s booth from Coldwell Banker SeaCoast Advantage/Alpha Mortgage
for the Gregory Memorial Flag
for having the national anthem before each game and facing that flag
for hearing players sing the anthem and the enthusiasm of the singing
for having Tripp Harris sing with Whitney Houston
for having the Sea Belles Join us and sing
for Miss Victoria and selling goods to support the efforts
for joe and Szechuan 132 coming and giving lunch
for the Pathway of fame
for each brick that gives tribute to someone special
for each player having joy in the sun
for watching and seeing the players grow over the years
for five years of success
for seeing changes that mean such a difference in quality of life
for having quantifiable data that shows the difference being made in the lives of those participating as we knew would happen
for seeing a promise fulfilled that was once just a dream conveyed
for being a part of something that makes a difference
for sharing tears of joy at the success of others
for watching a player make the effort to use an ability they have not used before
for the beeper bases
for the beeper ball
for life of Christine Cunane and her eternal life of cheering for erin
for the service for Christine
for the love offered to Erin by the owners of Wilmington Water Tours
for Wilmington Water tours
for the special friends and beautiful service for Christine
for those who come to make hot dogs at every game for all
for the miracle makers luncheon
for the Cokes speaking at the luncheon
for the cokes vision that lead to what we have today
for our board of the miracle leave
for Chad chairing the luncheon and being the MC
for board of the miracle league moving forward with new ideas
for being made an emeritus board member for life
for being able to serve on the board of Access for my term
for the fiscal responsibility and transparency of Access
for the care of ACCESS to be a true non profit
to see Bonnie take on the hurdles
to witness Isaac walk with out his walker and take the bases
the gift of having Isaac walk to me
the gift of having a co-announcer who is pure joy
for the privilege of being the announcer for this amazing event
for learning more about how to respond to the needs of the players
for sharing the excitement with all
for playing music that they love and want
for every high five and hug every Saturday as players arrive and leave
for watching the dancing when some players take the field
for the introduction this year of the t-ball teams
for seeing parents of children with special needs as toddlers networking and sharing a joyful experience at this young age together.
For being able to play “wheels on the bus” every week! J
For learning new music these youngin’s want me to play and staying VERY current!
For the miracle and motion race
For seeing alexa complete here first 5k after watching this youngin’ grow up and move through so many changes…such an amazing youngin!
For seeing everyone running, walking, rolling together
For all the volunteers on the course cheering and routing people on as they run
For being the first fully inclusive race in the region
For teaching about full inclusion
For Fleet Feet
For Fleet feet being available to tent at the events
For Coastal Carriers being the title Sponsor
For the work of Wayne Ray in so many things
For the Layman Group being the presenting sponsor
For the Layman’s in so much of what they do to make the world better
For all those who registered for the race and make it so successful and joyful
For the professional services of Go Time to time the race
For the awards at the end of the season of miracle league
For the recognition of each player
For the special recognition done this year for Christine
For the special recognition done this year for the five year anniversary
For the birthday recognition done at the games
For myia’s great additions on the line up and help knowing what players need
For the laughter that comes from the playground
For all the players and families that come over to see the games and stick around
For leaving the games with a sense of joy
For the audio system that we have and how it is arranged for us
For the never ending stream of joy and tears each game
For ending each game playing “we are family”
For the afternoons during the season when I leave and go to the beach after and just enjoy the day
for my bike to get to the beach
for having a bike at all
for bike cycles
for all the service at Bike Cycles
for having a bike to ride that makes riding fun and exciting
for having trails to ride my bikes on
for my beach bunnies on the south end
for the cactus flowers on the south end
for the sanctuary of the little garden off the loop
for the loop
for Dr. Nesbitt and his legacy
for the oaks on the loop
for the oaks on the loop making it through the last hurricane
for the shade of the oaks in the summer when I am running or biking and there is relief
for running in front of loggerheads and being so grateful I am not there
for the work of Madeline Flagler to make the museum so much better and expand
for Wrightsville beach fire and rescue and s. profit in particular and his helping in a crisis I was involved with.
To meeting with my spiritual family weekly at the beach
For the all the dogs on the loop
for the bright orange and deep red beach flowers
for the bright orange and deep red flowers when they first arrive with the portend of a new Spring
low tide at the tidal wall on the south end
playing catch a shell in the surf on the wall as they go back and forth in and out.
The preservation of the bird areas
The Audubon society and all their care for the hatcheries
The sea turtle chapters
The preservation of the turtle nests
for the cross city trail
for finding my way for the first time all the way over to Cameron on the trail
for the ease of using the trail over the Cameron and all the access now made and completed
for all the things I would never have seen had I not biked on the trail
to the life and legacy of my friend Gary Shell
to the work of those at the Wilmington Parks and Recreation
to the work of those at New Hanover County Parks and Gardens
to all those who make our parks looks so good
for all those who make our parks safe for all
for all those who pick up after all of us in our parks and keep them clean
for the clear and safe paths in our parks
for the accessibility in many of our parks
for knowing that accessibility is essential in our parks and public spaces
for working towards accessibility in all our public spaces
for the crews who travel and share time in all of our parks to keep them trimmed and growing
for F3 at Hugh McCrae
for the Althea Gibson Tennis Park
for the Softball fields at Olsen
for the life and love and care of Peggy Olsen
for the interchange at the corner of Military cutoff and east wood
for those who respect bikes on the road
for those who look out for runners and bikers and share the road
for the times I have not been hit riding my bike
for the times I have not been caught on camera responding to a driver who almost hit me J
for the freedom of riding a bike
for the air and the sunshine on my face riding
for the air and sunshine on my face
for never forgetting how fortunate I am to be able to run outside
for never forgetting how fortunate I am to run period
for the smell of spring when it’s spring
for the smell of fall when its fall
for the musk of plants in the wetland areas
for the fresh cut grass as I pass yards
for the feeling in my body when I let go and ride or run…
for being able to cut through neighborhoods and over to mayfaire
for the honks of approval and hello from friends when they see my out
for playing games on my bike down the trail and avoiding the hash marks
for having fun! For having fun!
For that oh so connected head nod or extended finger of hello to fellow runner of bikers as we pass one another
for my favorite trail: the Summer’s Rest trail
for all the work to make the summer’s rest trail better and easier to ride
for the woods and the quiet on the summer’s rest trail
for the autumn hall trial
for the little hill on the autumn hall trial
for the view and reflection of the clouds over the pond on the autumn hall trail
for being able to connect to all the trails right from the house
for the long leaf pines towering over the ride
for the trail through and around uncw
for the rose avenue trail
for the bridge that was to be named for me and isn’t…a lesson learned but an acknowledgement I will always treasure
for the solitude of the woods on the rose avenue trail.
For the dog park at Hugh MacCrae park
For watching jax have a ball in the park
For the gift of Jax
For his paw on my foot when he lays on the floor
For just watching him sleep
For the most amazing empathy from jax when we are not well
For watching him go up the stairs
For having him sit at the top of the stairs and guard the house
For literally cradling in my lap like an infant when its cold
For waiting to eat until being told its ok to eat
For cocking his head to one side waiting to hear the food hit the floor
For being able to play catch by listening for the ball to bounce on the floor
For watching his amazing ability to count his steps form the sidewalk, crossing the street to the other sidewalk
For his exuberant bounce out of the house when he is ready to walk
For his downward dog when getting in his harness
For the most earnest sound when getting an ear rub
For just being so patient with us and being there no matter what
For the love and patience he gives to each person who comes in the house
For the play he gives to other animals
For the joy of jax when I come home (likened only to Dino on the Flintstones)
For the smile I get when I find jax’s toys literally all over the house
For the smile I get when I give him food that his other daddy does not want me to give him, but we are good J
For the moments of pure happiness watching him walk with Michael
For having that feeling of blessing to know of the love that must have been in the plan when Jax was given to us.
For the care given to jax by Atlantic veterinarian
For the fluffiness when he comes out of grooming
For the awesome gift of having the best neighbor in the world who will baby sit from time to time for our sweet boy
For having the best neighbor
For having a neighbor with a beautiful boy and cat boy of her own we get to baby sit.
For living in a neighborhood we have not been in for going on 19 years
For being the same place for almost two decades
For having the privilege to choose to stay in our home
For having the blessing to love our home
For making our home a place we love and want to be
For my chair
For the cyrstals on the transom
For the rainbows in the afternoon cast all over the house
For the changes in the seasons to the cast of the rainbows
For our home still standing after the storm
For the feeling of completeness and comfort in our home
For never forgetting to be grateful we have a dishwasher in our home
We have a washer and dryer in our home
We have heat when it is cold
We have air-condition when its hot
We have breathable air in our house
We have windows we can open and close
We have screen on our windows so bugs cannot get in
We can open our windows and don’t have to be afraid (or as a afraid) someone will come in uninvited
We have walls that do not have mold
We have have bug control on our home
We have rodent control in our neighborhood
Our yard is maintained
We have a small yard
We have fence for some privacy
We have great neighbors who we care about and care about us
We have security in our neighborhood
We have quick response from law enforcement in our neighborhood
We have a good response form the city on issues we have in our neighborhood
We have sidewalks to walk down
For our mailman
For Pink Trash pinking up in from of our homes
For recycling being pick up
For recycling being used so widely
For the birds in our neighborhood, particularly the doves that come every year in pairs
For the peace in our neighborhood
Not having to be afraid to go out because of gunfire
For not being as afraid because of crime
For not being as afraid because of gang or drug activity operating in the streets
For not having a crack house or other drug operation next door
For not having to deal with septic issues overflowing
For not having a train track literally running through our back yard making noise at all hours of the night and day
For not hearing the sound of helicopters overhead at all hours because of crime
For not having sirens at all hours because of crime
For being able to walk the dog after dark in relative safety
For knowing a lot of the folks who live near us and feeling safe.
For having floors in our home that are level
For having central air and heat
For having towels
For having sheets we can change regularly
For having toiletries and basics
For having medications we need to stay healthy
For having pet stations in our neighborhood
We have rooves that do not leak
We have brick that is stable
We have a garage
We have a place to park our cars
We have a car for each of us
We have cars that are dependable
We have cars that crank when the key turns
We have cars that we have serviced regularly
We can get our cars serviced regularly
We have an amazing car dealer we trust and treats us unbelievably well
Parkway Volvo
We are thankful for the integrity of Guiermo at Parkway
For the giving and generosity of Mary Margaret at Parkway
For having car big enough to transport our family and some valuables out of the path of the storm
For having a home that could withstand some of the worst of the storm
For being out of the flood plain
For the drainage in the neighborhood
For the maintenance of the drains in the neighborhood
For the maintenance of the retention ponds in the neighborhood
For the trees in the neighborhood
For most of the trees still standing in the neighborhood
For the little nook in the upstairs for prayer
For having a tv to watch
For fire tv
For apple tv
For having both fire and apple so if we cannot find one control we can still watch J
For not having cable anymore!
For not having 24 news in our office
For not “scrolling” anymore on the TV but just watching
For reading in my chair
For having books on my devices
For having books literally in every room
For mother giving me the love of books
For the shelves Harold built for us
For sitting at papa’s desk and writing from time to time
For being able to breath with ease
For being able to think
For being able to remember
For being able to visualize
For being able to resolve
For being able to imagine
For being able to see transformatively
For being able to feel
For being able to smell
For being able to hear
For breing able to touch
For being able to get up stairs
For being able to dress in the morning
For being alble to get out of the house
For being able to work through depression
For having love in my life to help see when I don’t when I am in need or in trouble
For being able to hear information and look for my own bias
For being able to shut of social media when I am full
For being able to walk away from what I cannot control without denying it is happening (or at least for being able to do better doing this! )
For being able to see click bait and keep on swimming
For being able to listen to my gut and most of the time following through
For having an awareness of consciencousnes
For telling on myself when I don’t do write rather than do self harm
For trying to be the most honest I can be
For the feeling of throw over my feet when it is cold
For the most effective massage therapist ever Charles Watts
For being healthier because of Charles
For remembering to give myself what I need to be healthier
For acknowledging the cardinals in my path and knowing
For seeing the butterflys in my path and knowing
For seeing the signs
For not being afraid (as much) anymore
For being able to go to sleep at night
For peace at the end of the day
For waking in the morning
For the ability to see the possible
For the gift of sharing what I see
For the gift of articulation
For the gift of giving hugs
For the gift or receiving hugs
For the gift of people trusting asking for help from me
For the gift of being able to ask others for help
Having hair (ok, superficial, but I love my hair! J)
For not looking in the mirror and running
For the gentlemen’s corner
For clothes that make me feel good about me
For clothes that allow me to do my work easily
For having clothes to choose from
For having shoes
For having shoes that meet different needs
For having running shoes
For having rain shoes
For having work boots
For having beach shoes
For having coats when its cold
For having coats when it rains
For being able to share what we have with others
For the awareness that collecting does not prosper a better life
For the collections we have, cherish, but not continue
For knowing it is not what we have but what we do
For our staying right where we are and using what we have
For valuing what we have
For not wanting so much
For the want to be about doing not having
For the joy to be in the learning
For the creation to be the joy
For the revelation of the finite
For the satisfaction of my.our own opinions
For the desire to have ours not what others have
For the focus more and more on being here
For everything I see in our home having a connection not a price
For that moment in the storm when I thought it was done and it was ok
For a sense of the present like never before
For creating my shell sculptures
For the beautiful creations of Marie Walkers designs
For my precious ring holder
For having the shells I have collected in a creative area
For creating “mediation” collections with the shells
For putting together some of the special shells in a case to look at
For the gasp of joy when I come across a shell I collect on the beach
For each shell I have be a reminder of a moment of that joy
For each shell I have be a reminder that I can slow down and see what is revealed to me
For each shell I have to be a reminder of the beauty of God’s creation
For each shell I have to be a small work of art in and of itself
For each shell to be a discovery of shape, form, design and color
For each shell I have to be a reminder that even in vastness and what can often appear as emptiness, there is beauty..
For each shell I have there is a reminder that I have to slow down to see these
For each shell I find, a reminder that life existed Inside each one and by having it now and creating my scuptures, a new life comes from it
For each shell I have I can feel it and there is wonderful sense from it
For the paintings and art I did when we first met
For works of Feliz Dion we have in the house
For our little bears
For having my cologne I love so much
For my wedding ring
For the first rings when we were married on the mountain
For the beads we have made for mediation
For the beads michael made for me when I was a commissioner on the housing authority
For all those who serve honesty and with intent to care for the residents in the housing authority
For having section eight vouchers for those to live in our area
For having public housing
For taylor homes
For rankin
For creekwood
For those who take the time to learn about the realities and needs of those in public housing
For having internet
For having our own ability to connect on the internet in our home
For having books in our home
For our love of books
For our little collection of things that are not THINGS but really little memories
For not running a museum but really using what we have
For scaling down and being about a light foot print
For the handiwork of Mark Barrow
For having someone to help us with our home like Mark
For having spaces and places we can feel safe and secure
For having a bed to sleep in that does not hurt us but actually is healing
For having chairs to recline in and be comfortable
For having spaces to have friends come
For having plates and cups and silverware to eat
For having pots and pans to cook
For having a stove and oven that works and is dependable
For having a refrigerator that works
For having food in our home
For having the ability to choose to eat at home or go out
For all the meals at the table
For our new table to eat from
For jax sitting at our feet when we eat
For having the choice to order in if we want
For all the choices of places to go in Wilmington
For the good food and the good locale restaurant people in town
For K38
For K Bueno
For Pine Valley Market
For Brasserie
For Port City Java
for my port city java on racine
for the welcome I get everymorning from Nicole and Silas and crew
for the first smell of that coffee in the morning from PCJ
for being made to feel like I am welcome
for the good stuff that the Iron Skillet makes
for whatever is in that gravy at the Iron Skillet that I literally could drink
for fried turkey at cracker barrel..yes, I said it..cracker damn barrel and it’s good! And I ain’t ashamed J
for the most amazing chicken and pastry at casey’s that connects me to my grandmother dean in such a special way
for having health choices at Lowe’s
for the best grocery store we have been shopping at for 20 years with Lowes
for Miss Sarah at Lowe’s
for the best produce at Lowe’s
for being treated so well at Lowe’s
for having grocery stores in walking distance
for having choices in grocery
for not living in a food dessert
for having access to fresh produce
for having access to fresh organic products
for having access to fresh meat
for having access to fresh fish
for having access to groceries that are not priced up because there are not other choices
for having access to other water sources besides tap
for having access to information as to what water is better
for understanding what the CFPUA has been doing to make this all better for us
for having running water in our home
for having hot water in our home
for having a neighborhood that is tapped into water
for having a neighborhood that is tapped into sewer
for having a disposal
for Cape Fear Clean water
for the lawsuit against Chemours
for the work to protect us
for cape fear riverwatch
for the work and leadership of Kemp Burdette
for work to clean up the coal ash
for dean harwoods
for my lovely cutting block
for being included on meeting triple D this year
for the amazing gift form Kathering of accompanying her on that meal
for his amazing generosity to GLOW at the private meal and the connection to good he makes
for seeing what an amazing Chef he really is
for making connections to values and seeing deeper how corporations can make good on those values from the food network
for seeing how those values are embodied by local food folks here
for john and Pita Delite and hoping it opens back up soon
for the good work of my youngin jonathan and all the good always at sweet and savory
caroline at spoonfed
for beach bagels
for all at atlanta bread
for CM and MOI
for charles davis and sawmill
for epic
for Encore Magazine and Shea making all of the good known to more
for encore keeping more informed about what needs to be known in the area
for the integrity of Shea Carver in her work as a journalist and editor
for Ben Schactman in his work journalist and editor
for Port City Daily
for Port City Daily’s indepth look at issues
for Port City Dail’s ability and apparent desire to not be held hostage by social standing or donors or advertisers, but really look into issues to report what is.
for the career and work of Ben Steelman
for the career and work of Frances Weller
for Fran’s Fans
for Randy Aldridge making a difference on WWAY
for the voice, integrity, and difference made my Brandon Big B Hickman through 97.3
for Port City Rip the Runway
for Sandra Midday McClammy
for Sandra’s posts of her work at elderhaus and giving LIFE to seniors with her music and pure joy that runs through her!
For Sandra’s integrity, life experience and example to make an impact on the world around her.
For Foz in the morning. My friend and a damn good man
For the career of Kim Ratcliff at WECT
For the work of Beau Gunn at the amphitheater
For the work of Beau Gunn and promoting local music as a whole
For the penquin
For the music of Eric Miller
For the Music of L Shaped Lot
For the toy drive annually from L Shaped Lot f
For eric miller and l shaped lot coming out and supporting craig at the miracle league
For being able to play “in the garden” repeatedly by eric miller (and it is in my will that if he alive when I die he will sing this at my serive or if I ever get a chance, I sing this with him on stage! J )
For the music of Randy McQuay
For the best song EVER by Randy McQuay “I’m Going to Rehab”.
For the second best sone ever “Grinnin in your face”
For Randy McQuay donating a set at the Recovery Rockfest
For being able to download Randy McQuay on Itunes and listen ALL THE TIME!
For being able to download Eric Miller on Itunes and L Shaped lot! J
For the music of Mid Atlantic
For the music of Jason Andrea
For the music of Jake Newman
For the music of Susan Savia
For the music of Geraldo Frazier (also in my will!)
For the forver gratitude of the memory of susan savia singing at my mother’s service
For the voice of Donna King
For Opera Wilmington
For the voice of John Callison
For Cione Music
For Nyla Cione
For the third annual port city Rockfest
For the honor of being the MC for the rockfest
For the amazing flute of Rick May
For the sponsors for the event of Wilmington Health
For all the attendees experiencing music and fun without substances
For the ability to memorialize those no longer with us
For the ability to celebrate time substance free
For the walk to celebrate recovery
For the freedom just to have some music and time together
For the mothers with the children form the Kelly house
For the men from other houses
For the family members who came to support and enjoy
For those in the park who heard and just wondered over
For the coffee going all day
For all the laughter
For all the hugs
For a few tears of relief
For the sharing of a personal story from rotella
To hearing music from someone taking the stage for the first time
For all the donations of talent to make this special
For all the facebook live posts that brought so many others to it
For the message of hope in a weary world
For the vision of Nyla Cione
For all the volunteers
For the music of Bryan Putnam
For the music of striking copper
For the enthusiasm for reggae and joy of deliver of the night nurse, Kimberly mclaurin smith
For the diversity prowess and life changing work of Kimberly mclaurin smith
For the Wilmington symphony
For the Wilmington girls choir
For the Wilmington chamber music
For the musical talents of Joey gore
For the life giving joy or Joey gore’s facebook piano videos
For the music of masonboro sound
For the facebook live videos from Regina Richardson hawse of folkstone
For the music of folkstone
For the Wilmington celebration choir
For the wilson center
For shane and company and all the giving they do to include people in the shows at the wilson center
For the wilson’s and all they have done to make that center work for all
For cfcc and seeing the vision for the wilson center
For extending opportunities for county employees to attend shows at the wilson center
For the community partnerships at the wilson center
Fro the north Carolina symphony at the wilson center
For kenan auditorium
For the arts building at the UNCW
For Cameron art museum shop
For the pancoe art center for education
For the museum school
For the arts council
For the leadership in the arts from Rhonda Bellamy
For acme arts center
For the work and art of Dumay Gorham
For the sculptures that dumay makes for our county awards
For our treasured dumay pieces
For dumay’s mastery of copper
For dumay’s piece on the river walk
For the seahawk on UNCW’s Campus
For the for ever memory of seeing the seahawk installed on the UNCW’s campus and watching Dumay during all of that
For the artistry of the MJ Cunnigham
For the artistry of Liz Hozier
For the artistry Elizabeth Singletary
For the photography of Katherine McKenzie
For art of Sully Anlyan
For the art of Viriginia Wright Frierson
For the bottle house at Airlie Gardens
For the sculpture of the angels
For the magnificent frogs
For the artistry of Andy Cobb
For the beautiful magnolia sculpture from the azalea festival presidents at airlie
For the art of Bates Toone
For the artistry of Jenny Mckinnon Wright
For the artistry of Kirah Van Sickle
For the artistry of Todd Lengyeltoti
For the artistry of Barabara Jamison
For the artistry of Bradley Carter
For the artistry of Todd Carnigan
For the artistry of Elizabeth Darrow
For the artistry of Michael Van Hout
For the artistry of Lincoln morris
For the artistry of Hiroshi
For the artistry of all at Art and Bloom
For all at Fat Cat Pottery
For the skill and artistry of Aaron Wilcox
For the artistry of Sandy lee
For the public art on the riverwalk
For the fly trap art at the foot of market
For the tile art in the ports building by Claude Howell
For the amazing art in Church of the servant
For the “cartoon” of the cathedral installation in the church of the servant
For the window by rowan lecompte in the Cameron art museum
For the rowan lecompte window in the NHCRMC mediation sanctuary
For the rowan lecompte window in church of the servant
For the life and artistry and legacy of rowan lecompte
For the windows in First Presbyterian
For the architecture in the churches downtown
For the architecture and detail of the old county courthouse
For being able to climb up into the bell tower of the old county courthouse
For sharing the view of the bell tower with some new employees
For the privilege of being a part of government here in New Hanover County
For being a public servant
For making a very intentional decision to move into being a public servant
For learning and sharing what it means to be committed to public service
To growing in public service
For continuing to see how public service makes a difference in the world around us
For being astounded, almost daily, by the work that those engaged in public service do.
For an ever deepening sense of duty given the needs that are ever increasing
For being given the opportunity to listen and explore what we can do to see how to make public service work not only for those we serve but for us as we do it
For having a job
For having a job where I can expect a certain amount of pay each time
For having a job where I have sick days
For having vacation accruals
For having holiday accruals
For having incentive time
For having health benefits for me and for my family
For having an on site health clinic
For the onsite health clinic
For the help that darlene and all give me when I am sick or in need
For the physical therapy expertise of Dan Spinello that literally saved me and kept me whole this this year
For the mindfulness training
For the skill and help of tina abrams for that mindfulness
For the thoughtful expertise of my colleague Amy Cook and the wellness program
For my office
For having an office
For having a computer to work with
For having a space to think and to create
For being allowed to think and create
For having a supportive boss who gives me the opportunity to grow and do
For having an agency that sets a standard of service that puts our citizens’ first
for knowing, 100%, in the deepest part of who I am that I work with and for, and in line to folks, who would never put me or anyone we serve in harms way intentionally and who truly work to make this world better.
For being allowed to facilitate the refresh of the county’s strategic plan
For the amazing work with the amazing Jennifer Rigby on the County’s Strategic plan
For the love, guidance and teaching of the chief of Strategy Beth Schrader
For being witness to a leadership group focus literally on every single member of this community while doing this in accordance with the commissioner’s vision
For the involvement and work of so many stakeholders from the community and in the county
For each step and the changes and turns as it unfolded
For the agility and the flexibility
For the leadership of an amazing county manager
For the most amazing joy of setting something up and watching it come together
For the beauty of seeing the words and ideas placed into a visual by a talented desinerr
For the visual gifts of Alexis McKloskey
For the first moment when seeing all those weeks of work come to life in that visual and that deep sense of appreciation
For really seeing how what was done attaches to making a difference
For feeling a connectedness like never before
For watching people put aside their self-interests and focus on the direction forward
For understanding more about how a logic model can work
For going home at night and looking up at God and just being speechless…
For reveling at being a geek for something I love
For finding comfort in correction
For, maybe for the first time, really having to just be quiet..and let it happen in a way that I really let go and let God..Good…
For knowing it really is about the mission, not about me
For knowing I have something, but that is useful, not important
For feeling good about me but more so about others…in a new way
For working with some of the finest people I have ever known
For doubling down on why I am here
For knowing what can be done and why
For seeing the potential in new ways
For being allowed to go do somethings I did not think possible
For listening…
For connecting with people even deeper
For Social Workers
For the witness of going out with some and seeing first hand what they do and how they do it.
For every child who is made safer, more whole, and kept moving forward because of the work of these amazing public servants
For every older adult who is in a sanitary place, has proper medication, is not taken advantage of, is not mistreated and connected to what they need because of these amazging public servants
For every parent who is given resources to be whole, to understand, to nuture, to feel safe or to be accountable because of these amazing public servants
For our Economic Caseworkers
For those who help people connect with what resources are there to the best of their ability to be as whole as they can be
For those who help those seeking help to see worth, see integrity and to not feel less than
For those who help those seeking help not to feel lost in the struggle
For those who help those seeking help, help themselves not to give up because what they have to offer those in need is not as much as what is needed or what will make it all better, but does make a difference
For those who help those seeking help who are not coming with right or honest intentions, not to spoil the intent for all and see the bigger picture. For this I am the most grateful,
For my own growing in understanding of our service and my own maturing in seeing the good and the bad, but understanding that those that are truly in need can never be overshadowed by a cynicism because of those who are doing things inappropriately.
For all the new employees that come here and the hope to see an attachment to this great work-public service
For the ability to impart some history and share our moving forward informed
For the life of Wanda Coston and all she taught me and how I get to share about here EVERY single orientation
For the 1898..not the event, but to be able to share what happened and how this can invoke a new day here if we are willing to share our ugly and our glory and move forward transparent and open.
For the cape fear museum-now ready to tell the whole story of our area and all that we are and all that we have been
For the work and research of Dr. Jan Davidson and help to frame some of the work I get to do to help our public servants know our area to serve her better.
For the Williston room at the museum
For the legacy of the Williston alumni
For the Williston alumni choir
For the Williston alumni being involved in the MLK event this year
For understanding more about our history and how this great county has evolved over they years: good, bad, ugly and and indifferent
For all the county parks
For the new opening of the kayak launch in the northern part of the county
For the care and passion the parks workers have for each of their parks
For airlie gardens
For the azaleas in the Spring at Airlie
For the Summer Garden at Airlie
For the education programs at Airlie
For the butterfly house at Airlie
For enchanted Airlie
For the each additional lighting feature each year at Airlie
For taking the boys from the boys home at Lake Waccamaw to Airlie
For the music being played at Enchanted AIrlier
For the bottle house being lit up at endchanted airlie
For the lazer lights at enchanted airlie
The rudolphian nose on the dragon at the gate at airlie
For the river park
For the riverside views up at the park
For the baseball fields
For being allowed to help facilitate some discussions about the use of the baseball fields
For seeing all the passions for little league and the leagues for baseball in the community as a whole
For all the dedication to those who want access to parks
For the legacy of the miracle field coming to life in the accessible park in Hugh McCrae
For the amazing use of that park in hugh mccrae
For inclusive use of the parks
Out finance folks making sure that every dollar get spent correctly
For decades of awards for the way in which our dollars are accounted for in finance
For all the care and stewardship done by our finance department to help and assist those who are trying to work with paying for resources
For the all the care and customer service given to citizen paying bills and making access
For those in budget who look at needs and priorities and help to capture the desires in a meaningful way
For the non county agency committee and how that was formed and created access to county funds more equitably.
For the accountability of increasing awareness for all about how budgets are made and what they are for and why
For the extraordinary work of a team devoted to serving development with a news means to process requests
For the intergov movement
For those involved with intergov
For those who see the potential for helping us break down barriers between agencies to serve people better
For those who see the potential for helping those we serve by breaking down barriers between departments and divisions
For those who see it is who we serve that drives us
For those who have a passions for service, not matter what
For those who care about those who serve seeing and understating they why and how they make a difference in the overall scheme of things
For those who have power who see it as opportunity to serve others not as a means to serve self
For those who have power who go to any lengths to help others
For those who can make decisions, make decisions
For having the ability to make decisions
For seeing that I do have choice
For having choices
For having the ability to influence
For having the privilege to speak
For having the earned privilege to participate
For having some respect
For giving respect
For earning some respect
For keeping some respect
For knowing my feet are clay
For not setting people on pedestals anymore
For treating others as human
For liking many, regarding all with a healthy respect as fellow humans, and working hard to act with love in intention.
For remembering that my actions have to match my words
For remembering that my actions don’t always match my words and I have to be accountable.
For remember that I am accountable
For remembering that when I hold one finger out, I have three pointed back at me
For remembering that is progress and not perfection
For trying to remember to be gentle with myself
For loving myself as I am loved
For checking my motives on my actions
For doing an inventory when I am out of whack
For taking it one day at a time
For often being one moment at a time
For seeing how vital that is in those I work with
For being witness to those who literally see some of the worst of the world around us, yet they show up to make a difference
For being allowed to direct employee appreciation and recognition
For the recognition committee
For the recognition committee meetings monthly
For the amazing employees nominated for stellar awards
For the care and stewardship of the nominations by the committee
For the stories of heroism, good acts, love, kindness, creativity, responsiveness, service that we read and respond to every month with the committee
For the email that the manger sends in response to the recognition email to each recipient of a stellar award personally recognizing them.
For being able to read all the high fives that employees send to one another
For being able to see the care and love and support
For the forever story of Deputy hook and the night I witnessed his great work
For the forever story of Adelaide Brooks and the night I witnessed her great work
For the forever story of Master Sgt. Beagle and witnessing his professionalism and skill
For the forever story of seeing the Detention Officers and how they make a difference everyday
For the forever story I have of time at the landfill and seeing how they manage all of the demands everyday
For the forever witenes of watching how the landfill is trying to mitigate our waste and work to ensure sustainability into the future
For the forever witness of the health clinic and seeing how patient records and needs are managed and connected to sometimes very reluctant private providers and slow responding care
For my forever story of spending the day at the museum and seeing the change for our youth in science education
For the teaching prowess of Jamison and Pepper
For the stewardship and care of our artifacts and history of Heather Yenco
For being able to connect community members’ desire to give to our folks with events we do for them
For being able to witness the good that comes with events like a night of baseball and the sharks that commissioners Barfield brought up as a great idea that our folks love
For being able to get together a night at UNCW Basketball that Tim Milam supported
For seeing our folks out with their families and having a moment to breath and be happy
For our folks feeling appreciated
For our folks playing a game of basketball against the city and having some fun and this time winning! J
For sharing that recognition with others
For putting their pictures up in the gallery
For them being able to have a headshot created
For our communications folks taking the time to take the photos
For our deputies who patrol and respond
For our School Resource officers who are there in relationships with our children and set examples for all
For our Detention Officers who go between therapist, jailer, enforcer, confidant, mental health attendant, you name it, 12 yours a shift, and usually in overtime.
For our Detention Officers, who look into the eyes of people who need help and offer solace in at least professional care
For our detention officers who look into the eyes of people who are detained on charges of rape, child abuse, murder and more, and still deliver that professional care each day.
For our detectives and those who serve in other areas, working hard to create the best outcomes when the worst circumstances occur. Never perfect, but always vigiliant
For those who work in an environment where opioids, crystal, heroin, pills are literally everywhere and in every neighborhood and in every walk of life
For those who work in every avenue of our public life who have to be trained to be responsive in an environment with those who are under an influence and potentially harmful to themselves or others
For those who are not afraid to be responsive because they know we need to help in the right way for the right reasons
For being allowed to facilitate the Criminal Justice Advisory Group
Being Witness to the amazing work and leadership of Cathy Stoute and the Community Justice Services of New Hanover County
For being witness to jail diversion to keep families whole
For being witness to lower recidivism among youth because of these programs
For being witness to some of the lowest youth crime statistics in a decade due to the school justice partnership
For being witness to the enormous leadership and work of Judge Corpening
For being witness to the leadership and work of Judge Faison
For being witness to the leadership and work of Sheriff McMahon
For being witness to the leadership and work of Chief Sarvis
For the being witness to the leadership and Work of DA Ben David
For being witness to the leadership and work of the clerk of Court Jan Kennedy
For Jan Kennedy being re-elected
For Ben David being re-elected
For Ed McMahaon being re-elected
For being witness to the leadership and work of Chief house
For seeing chief recognized by the governor this year
For the being witness to the leadership and work of David Donaldson
For being witness to the leadership and work of Jennifer Harjo
For being witness to the work and leadership of ADA Lillian Salcines-Bright
For the witness to the work and leadership of Lyana Hunter
For seeing lyana hunter recognized by WILMA for all she does!
For the amazing work and leadership of Melinda Pittman
For the work and that she does of Tonay Gilley
For the leadership, Particular with the youth in our area of Bob Speight and making all of them better as a result
For the work and leadership of Thurman Turner
For the amazing outcomes of the CJAG and the progress and impact on crime
For the remarkable Opioid commercials produced by NHC out of CJAG aired in movie theaters
For Healing Place that is coming soon
For all five county commissioners
For the leadership in governance of our commissioners
For the privilege of attending the meetings with new employees and doing service awards
For watching the elected during the hurricane
For seeing elected members work as hard and as long as anyone
For seeing up close dedication from all of them that was superior and remarkable.
For the actions taken by county employees during the hurricane
For the experience of the hurricane (and yes, now that I am a month away from the month after, I can truly say I am grateful for the experience. In full disclosure, I could not say that right after, as this was a traumatic event, but what I saw during this, will inspire me for a long time to come).
For seeing firefighters come back into the emergency operations center while we are on duty, safe, covered in water, sharing stories of rescues, 100s of them..the first day.
For seeing everyone, in the first shifts, coming together to push through the uncertainty and respond…no matter what
For Jennifer Stancil and I with our mops as the ceilings came in
For the entire emergency management team
For all the agency that worked together in the Emergency Operations Center
For the FEMA people that came in later
For the temp employees that came in to answer calls when we resumed normal operations
For the one, tall, lean pine across the street that I watched before, during and after the storm that gave me such hope
For having a place to sleep (a little) during the storm.
For having a place that had electricity
For being close to the house and my mother in laws house and able to check on it after the storm
For having my bicycle here and being able to get around
For our magnolia saving our home from the 50 foot tree that came down
For the candle light saw party I had after shift getting the tree off the ac before the power came back on
For the sense of peace when that moment came and we thought all was lost during the storm
For the messages that came that roads were opening
For the troopers who stayed with us and kept us informed
For all who understood
For watching on line and seeing those who stayed helpful
For all in the community who tapped into good
For all who saw there was hope and help
For the recovery not to have stopped but keeping going
For the decisions made to focus efforts ahead
For the witness out at the landfill of all the work being done to process the waste
To the crews picking up waste
To the city and the county for getting all that picked up so quickly
For all the honest folks who came to repair and help
For all those who volunteered and served
For property management keeping the building together as it closed in around us
For the shelter workers, as they held on, not matter what during all the changes and directions things went
For the witness of being a hoggard during the combination of everyone pulling it together
Of seeing those respond to the medically fragile
Of the chef from world kitchen at the front door of haggard, literally hugging me, because he just wanted to feed folks who had been waiting to eat
For the deputies who were working so hard to keep it calm
For the witness of watching our county manager, in the middle of all of it, sleeves rolled open, doing everything he could to help and to assist to move this forward in the best way
For the witness of my colleague Cheryl, working with employees who had given all, wanting relief and helping to staff what was needed and get folks out as soon as possible.
For the witness of watching the principle at Hoggard, who I later found out was literally brand new to the school, doing literally EVERYTHING she could to get everyone what they needed.
For the witness of health director Phillip tarte, on scene and working with the nurses to triage any major medical issues and get some folks moved to the hospital
For the witness of watching Assistant Social Services Director Wanda Marino work with DSS employees and help guide them and reassure in the midst of so much that was going on as one thing moved to another.
For the witness of the shelter managers who were literally managing thousands and working to keep everyone comfortable
For the witness of the pet shelter attendants who were working with all the beloved pets to keep them calm, fed, walked and well treated.
For being with Commissioner Zapple and Senator Lee and a dozen others who were off loading cots and supplies and taking care of everyone there
For just the most remarkable actions performed under the most remarkable circumstances
For back at the EOC watching one shift of 911 after another leave the 911 center to try and sleep and then go back to work, day after day during the event.
For all of us, sleeping in the government center, and then returning to duty
For watching the entire EOC go down in the storm and have our Information Technology have it back up and running in another location in the building in an hour
For the command prowess and leadership of EM director Steven Still
For all our county managers who stayed with it and led the entire storm
For all our Executive leadership team who hunkered down and staying on shift and worked side by side
For seeing everyone lose their department identity and become one with “responder” to what ever needed to get done to be of service
To the most amazing people on the phones with the citizens, answering their cries and calls and trying to get them to help and resources
For all those involved in DSNAP and the recovering efforts
For the all those who personed the pods and distributed food and meals
For all those who heard the call of those stranded and in need of help
For the those with special needs who the IC3 responded to before, during and after the storm.
The witness of those out of the EOC who left in hazzardess conditions to transport people to their duty
The witness of those who moved out to get streets cleared so fast!
For the city folks who sat side by side with the other municipalities and got er done
For the news people who came in and reported accurate information
For the deputies who got out so fast and patrolled and kept looting to such a minimum
For the WPD and other law enforcement who were out to make sure everyone was safe
For that heroic moment when we lost our friend and her child and everyone stopped to pray
For all the tears we shed together when the desperation and fear was coming in
For all the love and support given to each other to keep moving forward and stay together
For the strength to stay when I wanted to run
For feeling that sense of connectness like I have never felt before
For Delta Behanvioral and for Brian and helping me through after when I needed it most
For Cindy and Brad listening to me
For Michael trying to understand
For Tracy, Cheryl, Mark, Kyia, Amy, Jean, Sonya, Sarah, and Amy, a work family I treasure in ways I cannot explain
For resiliency and understanding
For Joyce Hatem and calling across the room for help
For my neighbors and being able to share we were ok with them
For my HOA for doing a great job on fixing and making things right
For staying connected with alerts with those I love
For feeling powerless at times and really feeling His love
For know I could do something and others, I just cant and have no control over
For knowing I cannot fix someone else’s anger or hurt, but I can listen
For knowing no one else can fixe my anger or hurt, but if I allow my self to open up, I can heal
For harold’s trip to Michigan
For Harold having time with Ty during all this
For Harold being with martha and michael during part of this and them all being safe
For a picture of jax sleeping at times when it was most frightening
For remembering “how great thou art” the night before as the storm rolled in
For going on the beach the day before and finding the most amazing conch I have ever found ever.
For biking to the beach for sunrise that morning after being on shift and being able to get back on the island for the first time and it still being there
For feeling the sand under my toes the first time after the storm
For the that first rush of wind on my face after being getting back on the beach
Finding all sorts of treasures on the beach after the storm
Making a sculpture from the treasures after the storm to forever rememeber that “this too shall pass”and it will never be the same moment again, but another moment will be.
For our engineers and inspectors for hitting the streets and soon as possible to see if buildings were safe to re-enter and do assessments
For our permit department for re-opening and running 24 hours shifts so folks could come in to get back and going
To the most remarkable Major Taft and Beth Schrader working to get up a base camp in the mall and get it fully operational for military and first responders during the story
For base camp to be used after the storm for recovery matters
For all who served at base camp to make sure that they were well treated
For the over 25000 meals that World kitchen created through Diamond food here at the government center to keep all of us fed during the storm so we could serve the community
For Port City Java for arriving as soon as they could get into one of their cafes to bring us coffee to help us with those serving the recovery efforts
For the laymon group who came by with snacks and beverages
For anonymous folks who brought donuts
For the folks who brought things to the recovery center to help our folks who were getting out resources to families in need
For being in the storm and being with one another
For having my family out of town and knowing they were safe
For being able to hug those who were on duty but who had family and were not able to contact
For coloring banners with bunny and wanda
For watching Janine kill it on tv and be amazing
For Janine being nominated for AFP professional of the year
For the most powerful coordination of information by Jessica
For ruth helping me when I, and frankly, several of us, thought all was lost.
For the building(s) still standing, though beaten
For Jeremy keeping us all entertained even though he literally had his entire home looted while on duty
For listening to Margaret at report outs and helping us all laugh when we so needed it.
For witnessing first responders who were coming in and finding out they had lost their homes but were still coming to work regardless
For the witness of the shelter workers and the eoc and IC3 folks who were showing up for shift but had lost their home or part of it, and yet, being there for others was what they needed to do.
For those working public information and getting out CORRECT information in the face of all the misinformation that was out there
For seeing those who are responsible about weather forecasting and those who are not.
Seeing the weather folks who were exposed for being sensational
Realizing how much the folks I work with care
For seeing how much we have to do differently next time, but knowing that no one did anything nefarious this time
For Bunny’s Pound Cake
For Bunny, Karen, Jean, Wanda, and Teresa: best Shift there is.
For 1500 public servants, on duty in a crisis
For the EM time and no expiration J
For how much care is going in to continuous improvement now
For the strategy team meetings
For the debriefing sessions
For not beating up on myself when I got angry and scared after
For slowing down and hitting that wall to realize some things
For the training that started right after the storm
For opening the training with acknowledging what we just went through
For being open that it won’t all good, but we did one hell of a job and can keep making it better…
For understanding that I am not a talking head or disconnected
For seeing truth over harmony
For sharing tears
For sharing anger
For sharing relief
For sharing hope
For sharing fear
For sharing
For seeing the tree still standing after the storm
For the work that moves ahead
For the release of the mandatory trainings
For being allowed to create mandatory trainings that follow the refresh of the strategic plan
For creating training that has levels of activity to reach 1800 plus people
To have the honor of connecting information to folks
To have the honor of involving others to build training to have a higher degree of efficacy
To be mentored, led, even directed in that training development by leaders who show trust and support for what is being created
To have respect for those who are leading and mentoring and directing me
To see other colleagues get involved in the execution and flourish
For others succeeding and have a ball doing what they love
For actually being asked what I think and finding ways to grow together
For being able to be a better mentor
For learning more about coaching and how to work in developing that culture
To meet more folks who want to do that and be that
To see people in training laughing and enjoying
To read feedback where the connections and transfer are being made
To read feedback where the connections and transfer are NOT being made, but not taking it personally and looking for ways to improve or how that works in the overall feedback
For better relationships with people I am not as close to because I am taking care of me
For better understanding
For the process of resolving a problem to develop a solution
For seeing that my work is just that: taking an issue, a problem, something that is occurring and looking for something that can be injected, introduced to improve, change behavior, teach etc. I LOVE IT!
For the access to information
For this instinct I apparently have
For being able to speak and to share
For being able to tell stories
For being able to see what happens and make connections
For the grace
For those around me who allow for me to fail
For those around me who support success
for serving on the safety committee
for one of the most dedicated groups of people who care so deeply about all of us being safe
for the amazing health inspectors we have
for the work of our mosquito sprayers and all those who are environmental specialists who are so good about keeping us safe from poisons or adversely affecting the world around us
being allowed to be the key note speaker for the tax association
speaking in the officer’s mess of the Battleship North Carolina
for speaking to a group of tax folks and connecting what they do with actually creating how we are able to serve our communities
for the tax mappers who make it possible for us to create GIS
for the GIS in IT to create where we find Fire Hydrants
Where Fire cant find a fire hydrant, budget makes sure they have money for a truck that can carry water
Where there a truck that needs to carry water, finance is making sure to let the commissioner’s know how much money is need in unincorporated area
And planning and land use, when asked to do development will know what to charge for impact fees because there is or is not infrastructure.
For all the understanding about how all this works together
For understanding how we have to see how vital it all is to make our community good for all
For the register of deeds office and getting the slave registry on line so that people can find their ancestors
For the ROD and all they do to provide the best service to all
For the elected leadership of Tammy Beasley
For Soil and water and looking at how everything effects our area that is 40% water
For one of the finest health departments anywhere
For all the maternal and child health services provided to so many for health babies
For the sex education and health education that is done
For the health educators
For the lab team that works tirelessly to monitor for potential outbreaks and disease
For the most incredible team of school nurses
For the work the nurses do to keep our kids healthy and in school
For the work the nurses do to keep our parents at work
For the mental health practitioners on our school
For the growth in allocation of mental health practitioners in our schools
For those who maintain the records
For all the confidentiality that is never shared or broken
for the WIC program and basic nutrition
for the translators and language line to serve all who enter
for the senior resource center
for the prescription drug program to help those of moderate incomes
for the free tax help for seniors
for the dances at the center
for the activities at the center
for the cafeteria at the center
for the meals delivered to homes
for the volunteers who deliver meals to home
for the nutrition program at the senior center
for the work out area at the center
for the programs at different holidays at the center
for distributing frans fans to seniors in need
for the stockings at Christmas for Seniors
for educating the public about the needs of seniors in our community
for 320 chestnut
for the roof on 320 chestnut
for sunset and looking off of 320 chestnut
for teaching and facilitating at 320 chestnut
for the guardian ad litem program
for the defense attorney
For the work our planning and land use department to frame how we move forward and create the best place for all to live and inhabit sustainably
For the engineers who make sure it won’t fall down around us
For the engineers who made sure I have my walk on the north end of Wrightsville beach
For building safety holding folks to account to make sure structures are maintained in all events that come our way
For Fire..
For being first on the scene
For being educators
For putting in child seats
For literally being the cornerstone of the neighborhoods in which their companies serve
For being open to their communities to come in and meet
For being on duty 24.7.365
For training and training and then training some more
For the enormous integrity they have and stewardship with their equipment
For teaching others about what they do and how they do it
For putting up with me, and even more so, welcoming me
For keeping us safe(r)
For being there at the Miracle league as many Saturday’s as they could (17) to the delight of the children
For the Honor Guard being at every funeral they can be
For the Honor Guard always coming to the Awards Ceremony
For the Great Camp for our kids every summer
For boots and badge working together on great camp
For all the good that comes to those kids interacting with fire and sheriff at camp
For not making me go to 100 feet in that bucket (yeah, I know..I will..but you know you are going to act like it’s stuck and make me go down the ladder…I know you all..)
My city
For the opening of the par three golf course this year at inland greens
For finally having park in our area of the city
For having a walking trail near by
For the purchase of the echo farms tennis complex and pool to increase access for the facilities for all
For MLK center
For the maides park facility and fields
For historic district
For the amazing development of the castle street area
For the vision and work of Michael Moore
For Michael Moore antiques
For the 2^nd Annual Port City Pride
For the leadership and Vision of Joey Hall
For the amazing pride street festival this year
For the phenomenal performances led by Lauren Scott this year
For the music of Laura McLean
For the gifts of Laura McCLean
For the work of Laura McClean with DREAMS of Wilmington
For DREAMS of Wilmington
For the fanning street center
For the Methodist church hosting dreams after the storm
For castle street having Kid’s Making it
For Kid’s making it
For the pens made by Kid’s making it for the county
For the clocks made by Kids’s making if for the county
For the entrepreneurship of Kid’s making it
For the impact made by Kid’s making it on all
For the witness of youth feeling empowered and cared for at the Pride Festival
For the honor of being invited to speak at the pride festival
For sharing the stage with Julia, Woody, Dallas, Randy, and Scott/Lauren to share the good that has been done and is being done
For the Ann Flack Boseman Gallery
For the Rotary Club of Wilmington
For the Rotary Club of Wilmington Foundation
For the 6 areas of focus
For being able to sponsor two new members this year
For our club finding a new place to meet seamlessly
For our club having a new place meet the four way test in meeting there
For rotary making an impact locally in schools with literacy tutoring
For ringing the bell together
For doing the Williston Middle School Student of the month
For witnessing the students each month being recognized by their teachers for living the four way test
For seeing these middle schoolers connect this honor with what they do and how they do it
For seeing so many Rotarians come to shake these youngin’s hands to make sure they know they are cared for and supported
For being able to be the MC at these events and speak to them
For looking in their eyes and seeing their appreciation
For witnessing the good that is connected to them in so many ways
For witnessing a group of such different people GET ALONG and Serve
For the Wine Event as our fundraiser
For the committee that does so much to make our big event possible
For all those who sponsor and raise funds
For Pat Watts and all her care for being the presenting title sponsor
For all the fellowship and good that comes from this event
For all the uses the money comes to for making our world better
For being trusted to make this happen
For Tryon and all they do to make this special
For each week coming together and sharing time
For supporting one another
For seeing how we can help when there is a crisis
To see someone I respect truly become a leader as president
For being included in the birthday celebrations
For being included in giving to others
For being included doing something special for the club
For the teacher appreciation day
For the first responder appreciation and recognition
For the annual dollars for desserts for the Williston band
For being on the invocation committee
For sharing a room with world war II veterans and millennials, all who see service as a value
For saying the four way test at the end
For living the four way test
For seeing that ‘is it the truth” can be one of the easiest and the hardest at the same time
For knowing that the use of one’s blessing to make the world better IS happening in this room
For all the clubs in Wilmington
Forever gratitude to my first club, central rotary
For this being my 10^th year in rotary
For being a paul harris fellow
For the ways that members look to make a difference
For knowing how much I stand on the shoulders of some awesome people
For Melissa and Donna opening the doors of Williston for us all
For Stacy setting the floor for our event
For all those who came before who made sure we were doing the right things to make this club open and moving forward
For trying to make a difference moving forward
for the life and legacy of Colonel Andy Anderson
for the Paul Harris Fellows
for our Rotary International Foundation
for hearing the reports back of the wells being created to bring fresh drinking water to Guyana
for the inspiration of Kristen McKeithan carrying on the tradition of her dad
for all the legacies in the room and the connections they have to the over 100 years of history
for non profit director Rotarians extending what they do to the greater world
for Paws4people and Kyria
for the amazing Paws4people
for the privilege of MCing the Pawsforpeople derby day
for Haley Sink and Miracle League
for Julie Rehder and Champion Davis
for the music harp therapy of Julie Rehder
for Erin Payne and Cape Fear Literacy
for Will Rikard and Step Up Wilmington
for Steve Spain and Habitat for Humanity
for Linda McGoldrick Baum and the Kelly House
for mcing the Kelly House’s Cape Fear’s Got talent again this year
for the use of Pine Valley United Methodist church
for the amazing talent coming out and sharing to complete to support the Kelly house
for the Kelly house bringing recovery to women who are either pregnant or who have just had an infant
for sharing time with those who have succeeded in the Kelly house
for the most wonderful “rap” presented by the Kelly house staff
for the legacy of Mary Kelly
for remembering that one act of good can lead to years of change
for the Andre Mallette Training rooms at the Government Center
for the Bruce Shell Government Center
for the leaderhip in Education of Tim Markley
for the forever gratitude of my family to Dr. Tinsley f
for the forever gratitude of me for Dr. Schrieber
for my love of and new gratitude for Dr. Lucybeth Neives
for my forever gratitude for Dr. Agnost
for our love of and care from Wrightsville Family Practice
for our love and care from Dr. Sandra Miles
for our gratitude from and love of Mr. Jack Barto
for our gratitude for Mr. David Parks
for our gratitude to forever to Bill Anlyan
for our gratitude to and forever care for Dr. Kittenger
for appreciation of the Zimmer Center
for our appreciation of and love of the Nurses at NHRMC
for our appreciation of and love the staff and doctors and Duke
for Community Fitness Solutions and Brandon Knox
for Fitmo and Anita Harrell
for being able to go to 02 through blue cross plan
for my health risk assessment
for my health savings plan
for my pharmacy
for medications which have kept me ok for some time
for being able to get blood draws at the clinic
for being able to get a flu shot at work
for work supporting folks getting a flu shot
for not beating up on myself about the weight gain during all the stress of the storm
for being on the right track and intentional now that I am past that time
for praise when I make good choices-internal
for being able to have a diffuser in my office
for having access to oils when I want them
for the best hair cut ever
for an amazing barber in Nathan
for Tame the Mane
for going somewhere where they take good care of people
for having the ability to get shirts done
for having a family owned cleaners that give great service
for four seasons cleaners
for such quick turn around and good care
for Crusiers Car wash
for the amazing detail and care they take
for sitting on the side porch waiting on the car and watching the world go by
for the business practices of Clayton and Susan Gsell
for the gift of Furniture Finders
for the recovery efforts of connecting people to furniture with Livian Jones
for being able to play santa clause each year at good friends luncheon
for seeing over 800 women come together to do good at the luncheon
for the lunch at good friends just being a bag luncheon and homemade cookies
for the men I serve with as santas to collect the money for event
for the case stories that are told to share how the money is used
for using our DSS to make use of the money in the community
for the trust between the community and this amazing group
for being witness over the years of watching this event grow and grow and grow
for introducing the singing to the santas for the welcome of the women to the luncheon
to see the shear joy on the faces of the women when we sign and share as they enter
for this having to happen at the convention center now
for watching young women rise to leadership of the whole luncheon and grow
for Ashley Miller and the American Heart Association
for Ashley FINALLY being honored for all she is and does as a health care hero! J
for 10 years on the executive leadership team of the heart walk
for being the MC of the heart ball
for the most wonderful evening with the heart hall this past year
for looking out from a podium and feeling connected not afraid
for being able to speak in front of folks because it has purpose not presentation
for being able to facilitate something bigger and being open to that
for seeing faces and knowing them and connecting
for a feeling unlike anything else in the world where you are with others for a common cause
for the honor of serving at the heart ball
for the honor of Mcing the MDA gala
for serving at the MDA Gala with friend and auctioneer Alan Perry
for being able to tell Sonya Perry what a difference she makes
for remembering that at all times it is important to tell people what an impact they make
for sharing a special night and working together to do go things
for the spirit and leadership of Liz Shirley with MDA
for the amazing sponsors who used their stores to promote helping these kids and making their lives better
for Jennifer Bell for her continued love and leadership now with Easter Seals
for Easter seals and case work for people with special needs f
for MDA and Easter seals for seeing to essentials and good for all persons
for the leadership of Elizabeth DiBiasi with Easter seals and making things better for those with needs for assistance
for smart start of new Hanover county f
for understanding and continued sharing of the importance of addressing the needs of our youth from the beginning
for the amazing foster parents who nurture an love children who are addicted prenatally
for the amazing and loving agencies that help to connect children to fosters and adoptive parents
for the programs being rolled out to help prevent the pregnancy for women who are addicts
for programs that are being employed to help mothers who are preganant who are addicts get sober and have health babies
for the programs that are holding fathers accountable
for the amazing civil court work being done
for the jail navigators who are working with the DA to monitor who should be in jail
for court diversions efforts to keep people employed and keep families together
for all those who work holidays, nights and weekends to monitor those on monitored release
for all those on duty during holidays to allow us to have a safe one
for all those who are on duty in any event that is festive so we might have a good time
for going deeper to understand when someone yells “who do you serve, who you do you protect”, the answer is “you”.
For seeing first hand why public safety does some of the things it does for those who assemble in the environments today to keep ALL safe
For knowing that at least our sheriff deploys resources to ENSURE everyone has the right to assembly and free speech
For understanding more about government
For trying to share that understanding
For truly seeing the connection and how much is needed from non profits and private sector
For those agencies that do so much of the work in tandem
for Amy Feath and the Carousel Center
for literally hearing about the impact of the carousel center at almost every meeting I facilitate for the county where children being taken care of are mentioned
for the carousel center gala
for taking the stage again and literally having a ball doing it
for Debora Cottle and her daughters being my back ups singers on the stage for the carousel gala
for Tasha making the best hair ever for my performance
for Ash Crist making my face up for the gala
for the time with Ash making me up and what an amazing woman she is
for the pure joy of the crowd that night
for all the donors who gave to my online campaign to raise money for abused and neglected children
for all those who have given to every ask I made this year (and I ask a lot..not for me, but things I hope people see as important and connect to the good they have to offer)
for being allowed to come and be a part of this event and the leadership of Justin
for Margaret Weller Stargell and Coastal Horizons
for coastal doing an amazing job with the first response team to help follow up for those who have had a response to an overdose
for being mc at the annual power of the purse and raising the most we ever have with the largest crowd to date!
For the WHAT clinics expanding and moving forward and serving more and doing more under Coastal ‘S Care
For the legacy of Joy Grady continuing
For the legacy of Connie continuing
For the great work of coastal making good happen for so many
for Jimmy Pierce and Kids Making it
for Wilmington Health Access for Teens
for Logan running Welcome Home Angel
for the continued work of for the Good Shepard Center
for the UNCW Clemson game after the storm for the for Good Shepard and the Student Aid fund
for the hospital foundation
for the CFCC foundation
for the Phelps-Hodges/Stine-Freeze Women’s Empowerment Endowed Scholarship at CFCC
for the LS ‘Bo” Dean Endowed Scholarship at UNCW
for the Boseman-tenhuisen Scholarship at UNCW
for the Thad Dankel Endowed Scholarship at UNCW
for the Katherine McKenzie Education Scholarship at UNCw
for the Ada Zola King Dean Nursing Scholarship at UNCW
for the Betsy Erwin Women’s Studies Honors Scholarship at UNCW
for the Kate Bruce and Diane Levy Honor Scholarship Endowed at UNCW
for being able to be there for Kate Bruce’s last honors recognition
for the service of 20 years of Kate Burce to UNCW Honors
for UNCW Honors always
for UNCW CSURF
for the campus of UNCW
for the campus commons
for the chancellor’s walk
for the John Myers scholarship for Art and Art History at UNCW
for the Louise F. Mccoll Athletics Scholarship at UNCW
for the life of Margaret, Louise’s mother, whom I loved calling at her office and how much she loved being there.
for the Windell Daniels Section Eight and Public Housing Scholarship Endowment at UNCW
for being allowed a second term on the Watson college of Education Advisory Board
for the Watson college of Education
for the leadership of Dean Van Dempsey
for the Watson college exceeding expectations for retention, recruitment and fulfillment of needs for new teachers
for being on the Swain professional development Advisory board in the Cameron School of Business
for witness of some of the best deliverables in the state if the not the east coast for professional development from Swain and the faculty at UNCW
for the Cameron School of Business
for the leadership of Dean Rob Burrus
for the College of Health and Applied Human Sciences
for the leadership of Dean Hardy
for the continued service to the UNCW community, the legend: Pat Leonard
for Ronnie McNeill being chair of the board of trustees
for liberty health care having hospice services
for liberty and erin helping me when I needed it
for Carolina Bay being such a great place for people I love and care about
for Carolina bay being such a good addition to our area
for Wilma Daniels still being on the board of trustees
for Wilma Daniels having served as the Chair of the board of trustees
for the Wilma Daniels Gallery
for the William Hooper Apartments for seniors
for being one of the finest mentors I know
for the work of Tracey Jackson to spread intentionality in diversity and inclusion
for the resiliency task force
from great leadership and service form Matt Mylott at interim director of Swain.
For the council who serve my city I love
For our city manager in Wilmington
For our riverwalk and the vision to make that a feature
For the riverwalk making it through the storm
For the riverwalk having places to stop along to each
For the new development coming out of the ground on river water street
For the water street deck finally being gone
For the grand view form the Windell Daniels room in Union Station
For the awards ceremony we do every year for employees at union station
For graciousness of CFCC and partnerhship
For workforce development with CFCC
For the new leader in work force development
For the CFCC north Campus
For the scwartz center
For the park and fountain at the federal building
The tea and spice shop on market
Bloke downtown
The other shops where you can shop and enjoy looking too!
The education given by the bellamy mansion that tells all the story of the time
For the bellamy mansion being open for all to use to rent
The downtown library
The library system
The library on line access to college level courses for free
The library amazing archives
The library e books
The library sale
Michael lighting up like a Christmas tree when the library sale happens
The access to so much help and information through the libraries
The northeast branches rooms for use for training and meetings
The downtown story park
The planning for the amazing project grace
Project grace
The ease of access for the parking decks
The integrity in law of Collins and Collins
The integrity in law of Murchison, taylor and gibson-Andy McVey
The integrity in law of Geanine Boyette
The integrity in law of Olsen Elder law
The integrity in law of Steve Coggins
The integrity in law of Julia Boseman and associates
For the diligence and being in port along the riverwalk
For having a member of the diligence crew as a neighbor and his family f
For the view of the battleship form the riverwalk
For the sunsets on the riverwalk
For the amphitheater at greenfield lake
For doing santa at the amphitheater each year
For the lighting of the tree at greenfield
For the literal 100s of kids each year at greenfield lake
For santa taking text messages and responding, being able to do that
For santa being able to show up in neighborhoods and moms and dads giving treats to the miracle league for those appearances
The looks of hope and joy in those children’s eyes
for some of the humility in those children
for the absolute sincerity of those children
for being trusted to do all that
for the privilege to be able to give that love and receive it
For the walks downtown
For the landscaping on front street
For my 10^th year as a judge for the Wilmington Christmas parade
For all the entries in the Christmas Parade
For the best santa in the Christmas Parade
For being with old friends at the Christmas Parade
For views of the river downtown
For the holiday tree
For the sanitary fountain at the foot of market
For the beauty of the synagogue downtown
For my piece of art from Fritz Kapraun, “Claude’s View” taken from the Carolina apartments
The marriage of Frances and Joe
Having the honor of offering the prayer at the dinner for the wedding
Watching the most stunning and elegant bride enter the church
Seeing love in the flesh
Feeling the presence of love all around
Sharing in a celebration due and deserved
Being witness to a sisters love and care
For being the MC at the NHRMC rehab hospital Olympics
For seeing all the care that goes into working with patients NHRMC rehab
For the work of and love of sarah Bentley
For sarah Bentley being a health care hero
The shear joy in the room at the rehab hospital
The amazing leader John Gizdic coming in and sharing with the patients and guests
The vision and leadership of John Gizdic
The forever learning of the lean team in me from NHRMC
For being given the insight of truth over harmony
For being given the opportunity to learn from Greg and Judy
For the work of Joe Conway and the health equity intiative
For the work of Dr. Phillip Brown
For the work of Scott Whistnant
Cape Fear Health Network
Cape Fear Clinic
The leadership and work of John Devaney
Providing care for all regardless of insurance
Linking resources and care to all who are in need of the care
To see equity in care and health
For being able to perform a wedding on a porch for a couple of long standing love
For the gentle laughter and amazing humor of Celia Rivenbark
For the brave truth of Celia Rivenbark’s column
For Celia’s heart and soul in the midst of hard times and harsh reaction
For the success of plays developing from celia’s works
For theater now and the success of the theater
For thalian hall
For the leadership and legend of Tony Rivenbark
For the Opera House Company
For thalian association
For the city council chambers at thalian hall
For the garden at thalian hall
For the statue of liberty at thalian hall
For SAGE Wilmington
For connecting our Seniors to care and to each other
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care of Nova Swanstrom
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care of Ben Baldwin
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care Mebane Boyd
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care Amy Horgan
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care Carrie Clements
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care Rich Ogle
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care Tony Puente
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care Delta Behavioral
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care of Wilmington Treatment Center
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care of Brian Williamson
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care tabb ballis
For all the work to help those in need of mental health care Louise Coggins
For all who teach mental health first aid
For all who understand the needs of those with substance abuse and mental health issues and are open to serving them accordingly
For Frankie Roberts leadership in helping those who re-enter the community after being in jail
For the re-entry task force
For the county’s investment in re-entry to reduce recidivism
For the Leading into new Community’s
For the focus on third grade reading scores and make a difference early
For communities in schools
For the vision to help our youth at a critical age to help them be life long learners and resilient
For making space, time, and money to see all who need and all to succeed
For the vision of Stephanie Adams coming to the school board
For the service of Bruce Shell on the school board
For the legacy in this county of the care of leaders like Bruce Shell
For fire memorial at empie station
For the municipal golf course
For accessible golf and play
For the work of McColl and Associates
For amazing generosity and care of the Ian Sauer and the hotel group in Wilmington
For the Hampton Inn and suites and landfall
For the Hampton Inn at home depot
For the work of the campagna family for the miracle league
For the health of dot campagna
For the health of Gail Cokes
For the health and wellness of Mary B
For the health and wellness of Elaine
For the health and wellness of my dear Jean
For the health and wellness of Deborah C.
For the health and wellness of Andy E
For the health and wellness of David B
For the health and wellness of Scott W
For the health and wellness of Katherine
For the 50^th of one of the best, woody
For the witness of seeing those I admire, love, care about walk through amazing journeys of health issues and be on the other side now
For the absolute joy watching tv in my nightshirt at home
For the absolute joy of creating this list
For the absolute joy of seeing children playing on the beach
For the absolute joy of people watching at RISE with Brad
For the gratitude of my friends
For the appreciation for a text asking “how are you”
For the gift of working with people who “know” what you are thinking
For the gift of working with people who call you on your crap
For the gift of working with people who you can really and truly trust
For the gifts of accepting what you cannot change
For the love of being a little wiser this year
For seeing good in so many things
For not letting the bad take over when it is so abundant
For accessible tennis at the Althea Gibson Tennis Park
For the leadership and vison of Ed and Jeff
For the special Olympics in New Hanover County
For the joy of those participating in the games for the special Olympics
For the polar plunge at Carolina Beach
For the costumes at the polar plunge
For Carolina Beach
For the boardwalk at Carolina beach
For mother’s swing at Carolina beach
For sneaking away and swinging in mother’s swing there
For feeling mother in ways I don’t anywhere else
For knowing that she loved that area so much
For knowing that when Harold walks there she is with him
For knowing she is with me
For Carolina beach state park
For all the beauty that is in the park
For the bluff and natural areas
For the photos that Harold takes in the park
For Kure Beach
For the seating area and swings at Kure beach
For the kure beach pier
For the NC Aquarium
For the local features at the NC Aquarium at fort fisher
For the fort fisher ferry.
For the natural areas at the fort fisher area
for being able to see sunken civil war steam ships at low tide
for the natural area at fort fisher
for the kite festival at fort fisher
for the beach trees at fort fisher
for the kayak launch at fort fisher
for the drive down and around fort fisher
for the corp of engineers rock embankment at fort fisher
for the tree on the hill that overlooks it all
for the wall that can be walked at low tide
for the forever memory of walking that wall on a special day with mom, Harold and Michael
for the Wanda Inn sign J
for the park at kure beach
for preserving the beaches in a way that keeps it form over development
for the homespun feel of our beaches there
for Cape Fear Seafood
for finally being in this life and loving seafood! (mom would be pleased)
for still being connected to some of mom’s friends
for grandmother’s for peace
for the peace event each year
for the Unitarian universalists
for the Episcopalians
for 1^st pres and their amazing open arms
for 1^st Baptist and their advocacy for all
for the 1^st Baptist choir
for Unity
for first Christian congregation
for all who prosper good and love above all
for Greogory
for Julie and the Synagogue
for Jodi and church of the servant and the online offering of sermons
for rev barnard and all he does to bring about good for our kids at Miracle league through 828
for the chaplain at the sheriff’s office
for those who care
for those who care enough to think beyond their own experience
for those who care enough to get out of their own comfort and give
for those who care enough to give time and energy, not just money
for those who don’t sit on their money, but share it with the community around them
for those who see that they are finite and seek to do good
for those who care enough to want to make a difference with change and love
for those who care enough to reach across neighborhoods
for those who care enough to reach across religions
for those who care enough to not be threatened by the difference of another
for those who care enough to not fight for themselves but for all
for cape fear seafood doing so much for the heart association
for something fishy being one of the last of the old time fish houses
for the flounder at the boathouse
for the best fish anywhere at Mott’s seafood on Wrightsville beach
for watching boats go in and out of the channel from the south end
for watching the sailboats in banks channel in the summer
alexa (I know..but I always want to live the life of the jetsons and we are almost there)
for the hue lights and being able to have blue lights all throughout the house
for the way the light comes through the sky light in the house
for having our roof literally redone right before the storm
for the skylight holding through the storm
for being able to lie on he couch and watch the clouds from the skylight
for the quiet in the house
for having pratices in my life that allow for peace
for enjoying quiet
for being able to sit together and being good with no talking
for being able to sit with myself and not worry about being entertained
for my mind to be still more often than not
for dreams of connections to those who have passed
for all the cups of coffee brought to me in bed
for all the toast made
for all the toast I get to make
for being “the best waffle maker”
for being able to cook
for having my food appreciated
for sharing time
for having time to share
for taking it all one day at a time
for first things first
for easy does it
for “but for the grace of God go I”
for the witness recording in the “book of joy”
for knowing that this list is NOT complete but only revealed as the memomy in this moment and that is can be so much bigger
for growing over these years in this list beyond the person and list to more of the experiences and the appreciation for making a difference in the world
for seeing the world not as D or R or Black or White, but as it is revealed and trying to get my lens to focus and refocus so that I can “see”
for the hope of the year to come to accumulate new gratitude and for so much that I care for to continue

Bo Dean's Blog In Wilmington North Carolina

1st Day of this Journey!

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Thangsgiving tradition 2018: year 19: 1900 things I am grateful for