Bo Dean's Blog In Wilmington North Carolina: Annual Thanksiving Tradition 2019: Year 20: 2000 Things I am Thankful For.

Thanksgiving tradition 2019: year 20: 2000 things I am grateful

Annual Thanksgiving Tradition:

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

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

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

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

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

I am grateful :

My God, my higher power, my creator and sustainer, who loves me, made me, imperfectly and beautifully just as I am.
over 30 years, happy, joyous and free, one day at a time.
my family
the love of my life and the best friend I have ever known
23 years of marriage
The cabin in Leicester
Sitting on the front porch in the rockers and listening to the rain
Driving on the parkway
All the patience as I take pictures of every flower and butterfly
Watching you with jax
Seeing the bond and love while you walk together
Seeing the joy in you with your mom
Hearing you on the phone with her
Seeing such honor and care with your mother
Being witness to such care students
Being witness to such care fellow faculty
watching you give and do so much to fight against discrimination
seeing you speak out
being with someone who will not allow it just to be without notice
the care I am offered and given
the coffees made
the trips to get food picked up
the little piles you make
the toys that bring you joy knowing you have
the order to the books
your love of throws like your mother
your love of reading
the toast made
the trash taken out
the clothes picked up
the trash taken to the street
all the walks jax has had
the moments of patience
the moments of understanding
the ability to be the most I can be
the ability to have trust and never worry
the ability to be trustworthy and give that back
the ability to be of help
the ability to be allowed to help
the ability to be wrong and make amends
the ability to be heard
the ability to debate and discuss hard things
the humor
every minute just sitting
every minute just watching the birds
keeping our life more simple
keeping our life giving
the gifts
the ability to give
the love languages and understanding even more
hearing you laugh
seeing you enjoy a new game
hearing you say “munster”
letting me cook you
allowing me to change up our eating and enjoying it with me
every hug
every moment just being
watching you at the book sales
enjoying all the movies
just spending a day “going around”
the gray coming in
taking down Christmas
every single rubix cube
seeing the wagging tail walking next to you
seeing you read and immersed in something you love
seeing you so comtable in your daddy’s chair at your mother’s house
time in best buy
time in barnes and noble
your patience with me in Ivy Cottage
your patience with me in Home Goods
your big eyes when you want “muffins”
iinx..1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10….
Our prayers together
Your faith
Our faith
Our sharing ideas of faith and hope
Seeing and growing in that faith
Just you
All the love in my life
The best step dad ever
spending time with him
the stories and lessons of a life lived well
Harold’s posts on facebook
Harold’s writings and words that bring so much care in the world, but me
Harold being able to go to alabama and mexico beach mr. cozart passed
The connection and joy of family and ties that bind
Trish and the joy of friendship and love in all times
Sharing time over dinners together
Exploring new ways of living
Still having a parent to tell good news too who understands so much of where it all comes from
So much love and care from one man
Good health
Dr. Boyan Georgiev and taking care of those I love
Pam at the Senior Center
The Cape Fear Humanists
The connection of the meet ups and watching that connection
Sharing the perspective of the world and knowing it is going to be ok
My family of blood
The life of Carl Dean still coming up as I travel public service
The connection through facebook and Instagram
Seeing little cousin brooke prosper
Sharing our ancient pictures and seeing each other in them
The Fuquay facebook group
Not taking granted the good that comes from that history
Knowing some truth in where I came from and finding comt in it
Not being afraid of just seeing one side of who we are
Knowing where I came from and being connected
Seeing cousin elaine and bob traverse the world
Sharing the moments of the best nieces thrive as the best mothers
Seeing the great nephews be amazing
Seeing my sister so happy
Seeing my brother in law be the amazing leader and gan
Seeing the cousins doing well
The life of Judy lived well in them
Jerry still with us
The amazing work of cousin david
Seeing so much of the Austin’s in david
The daily dram
David’s show this year
The amazing work and drawings of Wilmington of David’s
Seeing other cousins thriving in changing the course in some family issues
All their beautiful children
Having a home where I can connect with family in pictures and “things”
Seeing the portraits in the morning on the way to the bath room
Touching the box mom made as a young woman.
Having her Carolina picture at my bedside
The desiderata she made to see each day
The angle on my lamp she gave me
The drawings of the farm by cousin david
The first piece of art I every bought from cousin david
The hands over our door m Elin
The words Gandhi of to guide us out of our home each day from Elin
The feel of the throw on my lap as I sit in my chair
Jax curling up in my lap when its cold
Just sitting at home, side by side watching tv
Watching poirot
Watching midsummer murders
Tolerating mst3k or whatever else Michael and chosen and being happy it J
The sound of silence in the house
Having both alexa and google to order around and ask questions
Having a home period
Having air when its hot
Having air when its cold
Having fans to move air around
Having running water, no matter the condition of the water these days
Having access to filtered water
tidal creek’s filtered water and bottles it
Having a hot water heater
Having a dishwasher
Having dishes
Having pots and pans
Having utensils
Having cups, plates, and other items to dine on and with
Having food
Having fresh vegetables
Having fresh fruit
The market street produce stand
The most amazing blackberries this year at the market street produce stand
The scuppernong grapes at the produce stand
Having great memories of scuppernong grapes from Billy Kinton’s vines and the summers in that field by Marshal’s house..and all the grapes we would eat
The fresh blue berries and tons of them
The sweetness of the blue berries at lewis this year
Devouring blueberries by the carton this summer and having them just around the corner
The produce box delivered each week with fresh vegetables
The unbelievable fresh corn this year
Having fresh tomatoes delivered our house
Having access to multiple grocery stores
Having access to a car to get to places
Being able to afd gas
Having a gas station right around the corner from the house
The gas prices staying pretty stable this year
Not having to worry about being able to put gas in our cars
Not having to worry about maintenance on our cars
Having good tires on our cars
Being able to get in the car and go
The best service any where at Parkway
Guierrmo and all he does us at Parkway
The leadership of Mary Margaret at Parkway in the community
Being able to work with the folks we deal with on our car in person
Having a car we can move things around in
Having a car we can travel with Jax in
Having jax travel in our car with us
Having the paper delivered to our home
Being able to pay our light bills and bills
Not having to make hard choices on our bills and food
Having electricity
Having internet
Having a roof that does not leak
Having the skylight
All the light in the house
The crystals in the windows
All the rainbows in the house at different times of days
The crepe myrtle from mom and harolds yard in Raleigh flourishing
Our crepe myrltle our front
My bird bath
All the little chimes in the wind
The yard art
The david in the yard
The giant pin wheel
The cover over the porch this year
All the time siting out back this Spring together
The squirrell ballet trying to get to the bird seed
The flowers doing so well this year
All the flowers from the Plant Plant Place flourishing
Dee from the plant place
Spending mothers day with Mrs. Freeze at the plant place
Getting flowers Mrs.Freeze
Having Mrs. Freeze so close by
Hearing michael enjoy talking to her all the time
Sharing time and dinner with her
Arguing about paying dinner with Mrs. Freeze
Michael opening the door me when I come home
Find a friend and seeing me where I am on my way home
Checking out where I am on my run or on the beach
Knowing I am on my way
Knowing we are not far a part or worried about one another
Having the lights on when I come home and its dark
Seeing the lights on in the house at night
All the art in the house
The special pottery from the hands of people we have connected with
Our Dumay owl
Our Dumay SeaHawk
Our Dumay Sanddolllar
Our Dumay Hummingbird
The winged angel
The visuals of so many I admire
The art of Virginia Wright Frierson
The photography Harold Hodges
The art of Sully Anlyan
The Art of Elizabeth Singletary
The art of Elizabeth Darrow
The art of Donnie Wrights
The art of Bradley carter Carter
My art on our walls
The Art of Elin O’hara Slavick
The art of Karl Saliter
The art of Rick Mobbs
The life of rick mobbs and how very much I miss him
The art of david Norris
The art of the whirligig
The art of God in shells and compositions
The Art and creations of Marie Walker
The art of Jim Downey
The art of Todd Carnigan
The art of Hirsohi
The art of aaron wilcox
The art of liz hosier
Acme art studio
Art the masses
The orange street festival
The harbor island garden club azalea festival art in the park
Blue moon shops
Art in bloom
All of the good shows at art in bloom
the featured shows in other area by art in bloom
the WHQR earney gallery
the Wilma Daniels Gallery at CFCC
Harold’s show at art in bloom
Having a home that withstood hurricane dorian
Having a home with a little garden
Our little garden coming back after hurricane Florence
The great work of Capt. Barnette and his lawn service
Our beautiful, resilient magnolia, coming back after almost being lost ever
The hundreds of birds revisiting
The sweet smell of the flowers this year
Jax having a place to go out in the back little visits
Having a home that jax can live in and be comtable
security cameras
security in our home
having a bed to sleep in
having sheets
having blankets
having pillows
having toiletries
having indoor toilets
having city sewer and sanitation
having trash pick up
having recycling
having regular patrols in the neighborhood of city police
Wilmington Police Department
The NHC 911
Being able to call 911 and get an answer and service
The incredible responsiveness of NHC 911
furniture to sit on and use
home that is treated bugs
neighborhood that have irrigation
having storm water maintenance
having landscaping in and around our neighborhood
having a retention pond that is beautiful and well maintained
having private streets in the neighborhood we can monitor and control
having lighting that we can read by
home that has a floor and flooring
a stove that works
an oven that works
a refrigerator
having laundry in our home
having different clothes to wear
having shoes
having shoes to run in
having rain gear
having smaller clothes to wear!
being able to get into size 36-38s! J
being able to have a closet where things are organized
all the books in our house
the love of books
having time to spend together
having a house of things that we know and not just own
staying in the townhouse we built
the candlelit moods
the bubble tub moments
having space if needed
having space to hide what we cannot deal with at the moment
the Christmas closet
the Christmas tree that has 23 years of memories
the nativity collection
The gift of a nativity from a dear friend
the revelation of the greatest hope throughout the world
our first ornaments from chapel hill
the angels from each year around the top of the tree
the white Madonna
the chalk figures from grandmother’s house
each crystal ornament
all the crystal pieces and their light
my very first nativity that mother gave me when I was in my 20s
the feeling we get when it is all up and out and enjoy it
the Christmas clock and tunes at each striking hour
sending Christmas cards
receiving Christmas cards
Becca’s Bounty
Shopping together for these and remembering mother
Shopping together for these and remembering daddy
Shopping together for these and remembering Mr. freeze
The work of Chiquita
The amazing senior resource center of new hanover county
Coming over and seeing the hundreds and hundreds of gifts to the seniors in homes
The home delivered meals program
Cowboy randy coming each year and doing the fundraiser for the senior center
The home delivered meal volunteers
The home delivered meals being funded by donations
The vita volunteers
Being able to do trainings for the vita volunteers
Seeing the impact of doing taxes for those in need through the senior center
The impact of our senior center and all the programing
Having a new satellite center for the senior center
The prescription drug program at the senior center
The work of pam wall and reducing the impact on prescription drugs to seniors
The connection of the delivered meals and those staying in home
the Senior Center Giving
the Miracle league opportunity to adopt a player
ways to make the holidays about sharing and being a part of the world around us
seeing other people’s trees
driving around looking at lights
going to mike’s farm last year
enjoying the hay ride
the phenomenal lights at Mike’s farm
the cute Christmas Show at the farm
just being together at Mike’s farm
all the memories of the giant and wonderfully colorful family trees at mother’s
all the memories of the notes from santa that mother would write
all the baked goods mother would make us
Mexican wedding cookies
the nuts and fruits in little bowls
the oranges in our stockings
all the pottery bowls with treats and goodies all
our remembrance tree
having little pieces of gifts on that tree of those we love
my willie Stargell bracelet
the little image of mrs. Weller
my image of windell
my image of beth Quinn
my prayer from Tracy brown
my remembrances
my necklage from mother
daddy’s company pin
popa’s glasses
wearing popa’s glasses when I am santa
being able to share Christmas as santa with the city at greenfield
being able to share Christmas as santa with the miracle league
the eyes those children looking at santa
being able to ride in the fire truck as santa
being santa families
being santa on the phone folks
being santa at the fire station
being santa the women at Katherine’s house
the privilege of hearing children give their heart’s joy
the little gifts to santa from the children
the connection with the parents over the “right” gift
being santa with paws4people
the amazing puppies with paws4people
the joy of sharing the seat with the puppies
the work of paws4people
Carson
The leadership of Aquesta Bank in serving the community
My sock monkey ornament from Kiki
The santa from mexico from mother
The ornaments from paws People
Memories of mother’s care at christmas
the wrapped gifts so beautifully wrapped and prepared with love
mom and harold’s bubble lights
letting go a little more this year of things we don’t need
making our way to what we want and how we want it
dinner at the table
having a table dinner
having space to create
having space to make music
all the music in the house
the click of jax nails on the floor
being greeted at the door with a gift from jax coming home
Pulling on the pull toy with my strong boy
Holding paws to make sure we are near by
Always lying near
Getting used to his new chair in the library
Finding him sitting on the couch when we come home
all the little sounds jax makes
jax’s deep sighs of resignation
the deep and abiding empathy of Jax when we need him the most
the amazing way he snuggles up tightly in bed to make sure we are ok
seeing him welcomed in all the restaurants in Asheville on our trip
seeing him so happy in the library in Asheville enjoying himself
having him climb a mountain with me
Being able to check in on him on camera when we are not home
the flourishing flowers this year at the door
the lights in the tree at Christmas
the laser lights!
The little lights from the lasers coming through the transom and bouncing all over
The wreath on the door from mother
all your boxes and the treasures you know you have
the prayer knook and sacred space
the light coming through the stained glass
little oil picture of the two shadow figures on our bedroom wall
having movies to watch
Having games to play
All the little remembrances of our journeys
The little connections to our families
Connections all around to the past
New items that are just ours
New gadgets that make our new life of WFPB easier
nespresso
air fried
the little table in the kitchen breakfast in the morning
having a little routine in the morning
jax’s internal clock
his little twist of the head listening for his food
jax’s drool waiting to have our plate after we are done
my being able to give him a few treats (treat daddy)
having an iphone
having programs for meditation
being connected to people
texts and being able to be connected quickly
having access to folks quickly and easily
being able to pay for our phone continuously
being able to have a provider that is constant and does not fail
being able to have internet and data on our phones
not having to be limited in our phone
facebook
yes, facebook.
The connection with fried for over 40 years
The connection with family
Being able to share the good in the world
The ability to share what is happening
The ability to see the good in other lives
The health and resilience of Andy
The love of Andy and Jeff and perservence and care
The love and perserverence and care of David and Randy
The health and resilience of Randy
The career and success of Randy Lee
Being able to see Randy on the news
Seeing Randy and David take on a new part of their lives in a place they love
Seeing Jeff and Ed thrive in leading in the community
Sage Wilmington
The Sage Events throughout making such a different for so many
Seeing the leadership of the Frank Harr Foundation really have a difference in the community
The life and legacy of Frank Harr
The life and Legacy of Bob Jenkins
The visitor center being named for Bob Jenkins
The Castle Street district thriving
The leadership of Michael Moore moving forward
The leadership of Joey Hall
The annual Pride event being another smash
The inclusivity and thriving movement really moving forward in a positive way
The gathering of stonewall kickball
The giving back to the community through stonewall kickball
The inclusive spaces like Bottega
the leadership of shelley o’rourke
the joy of watching TR and his success
bringing the Quilt to Wilmington
all the places that have shown pieces of the quilt
the quilt that hangs in the UNCW Collection that was made years ago
using that piece in the current discussions
having a new group making new panels and celebrating that opportunity
continuing a much needed discussion about HIV/AIDS
the life’s work and recognizing Tony Rivenbark
the leadership of Shane Fernando
the amazing Wilson Center
the amazing productions we have attended
the wilson center working with the county to make special deals
Airlie Gardens
Enchanted airlie
Doing enchanted airlie when its cold
The blue trees in the garden
The new additions each year
The snow machine
The singing trees especially when their little mouths make o shapes to sing
The lights cast on the moss in the oaks
The music being played
The bottle house lit up
Being able to walk around the bottle house
The sculptures lit up and shining in the night
Sharing stories in the park with strangers
Going the garden party this year
Wearing the hottest blazer ever made by the Gentlemen’s corner! J
Not eating BBQ and Chicken at the garden party and not missing it! J
Loving the camellias in airlie
The azaleas this year…so amazing
The arboretum
The tea house in the arboretum
The ability garden
The walks in the garden
Katherine’s coy pond
The coy at the aroboretum
The coy at the arboretum being on a diet
The leadership of Lloyd Singletary
The master gardener program
The NHC Parks system
The incredible care that is taken in our parks
Having inland greens open now
All the golf balls collected in my mother in laws back yard
The lovely walk in inland greens
Halyburton park
Tama Tea
Mayfaire being so close by
Delta behavioral Mental Health Practice
The mental health practice of Carrie Clements
The mental health practice of ben baldwin
The mental health practice of louise Coggins
The mental health practice of Marion Gittings
The mental health practice of Tony Puente
The massage therapy practice of Charles Watts
One of the most talented and spiritual practitioners of care in Charles Watts
Tame the mane hair cuts
Seeing a former honors student flourish with Casa Blanca coffee shop
Seeing Allison Eggleston have such an amazing practice in Denistry
Watching the success of Tony harrington
Seeing tony become a deacon
The outreach of first Presbyterian and welcoming congregation
The inclusion of universalist Unitarians
The inclusion of St. Paul’s
The inclsion of Church of the servant
The inlclusion and welcome of St. Jude’s
The inclusion and welcome of Temple Bethel
The inclusion and welcome of first Christian
The inclusion and welcome of unity
The beauty of the riverwalk
Spending july fourth on Wilmington water tours
The Wilmington water tours boat and tours
The best of Wilmington on the water with the folks at Wilmington water tours.
The city making sure to have fireworks on the fourth of july
The amazing fireworks display on the fourth off the battleship
The ghost trees along the river
The river park up in castle hayne
The kayak launch in Carolina beach state park
The runs through Carolina beach state park
Sugar loaf in Carolina beach state park
Finding new discoveries of beauty and scenery in Carolina beach state park
The view from the top of the bluff in Carolina beach state park
To wake in the am to a new day with hope
having vitamins at the ready to take
Frans Fans
Frances Weller on WECT
Sharing the stage with Frances, Big B and others from Cummulus at the heart walk
Tracy mccullen and his amazing run backwards for the boys and club
Windell being honored by the Boys and Girls Club
Being honored to be included to speak at the event that honored Windell
The service of Wilma to UNCW
The service of
being able to bath and shower in our home
not hearing gunshots at night
having some security in the neighborhood
being on relatively high ground
good drainage in the neighborhood
having a fence in the back yard some privacy
good neighbors
still having a couple of neighbors nearby who are in the neighborhood when we built 20 years ago
living in the same home for 20 years
have a sense of place
being able to look around and see and remember so many things that have happened in our home
feeling so good when walking in the door
the smell of home
the smell of a homecooked meal
my cooking being better than eating out
not having issues with neighbors
having good relations with our neighbors
paved streets in our neighborhoods
paved streets that are not full of potholes or that are dangerous
having some sidewalks in our immediate neighborhood
having a pool in our neighborhood
having dog stations
being close to family
walkable to grocery
having a home that we can afd
having a home that we actually love and love being in
having a freezer food
having a place to store things
having things to store
being able to open our windows with little fear
being able to walk our dog without fear
being able to run in the neighborhood
having a neighborhood, we can get out in
being connected by next-door on the app
having an HOA that keeps up the most part
the intense colors in the trees in the fall
the amazing azaleas in the spring in the neighborhood
so many trees in the neighborhood
so many homes decorating in the holidays and so many lights
a sense of neighborhood
the college acrea neighborhood association
having church of the servant in the neighborhood
church of the servant
getting prayer cards from the team at COS
knowing we are cared about by the parish
the new build of college park elementary
the drop off and pick up on oriole be less dangerous now
having a sense of connection to the area where we live
not living in fear of major crime
not feeling fear from major disruptions on a regular basis
being close enough to work to walk
being close enough to the beach to run
being close enough to the beach to ride my bike
being near enough to the cross city trail
the cross city trail
the UNCW cross city trail
the outer ring I run which is 4 miles
the inner ring I run whish is 3 miles
the largest rings I run which is 6 miles
the back path that goes by and through the woods
the woods that still exist next to UNCW
the sittings every once and a while of the hawks
the siting’s and being present the fox
the beauty of UNCW’s campus
Dumay’s hawk at the front of campus
running by the “eye” of the hawk and knowing I am being watched J
that feeling I get when I hit the two mile mark and I know it is on
the path through autumn hall
the beauty of the pond
the amazing sunsets over the pond
the clouds over the pond
the feeling of freedom on the eastwood road path
dodging the dotted lines on the bike
the wind whooshing by my body
the childlike freedom of going fast on my bike
the release of my muscles when I run
running on Wrightsville beach
walking on Wrightsville beach
shelling the north end of Wrightsville beach
the feeling of finding the shells that I love the most
the feel of a shell in my fingers
coming across a new m of sea life I have not encountered bee
discovering an octopus this year. Such beauty
so many jelly fish and how fascinating and beautiful they are
the amazing birds on the beach
the pelicans
the shifting shoreline
the shapes in the sand and the designs from the winds and sea
the sun over the shore
the clouds and rays coming through
the sparkle
the feel of the wind on my body as I walk
the rush of the sea on my feet as I walk barefoot
the waist deep step into areas at low tide looking shells
the “hidden” shells at low tides revealing themselves
the healing of the shore and sand
the connection to others as I walk
the shell collection in the house
the shell sculptures I created and have
the shell meditations in the house to the wrightsville beach loop
the garden on the loop
the extraordinary garden plants in the garden this year
the beautiful roses and smell this year
the bricks in the garden dear friend
using the Wrightsville beach park as my place of working out to bridge this journey.
The concert in the park
Dancing in Wrightsville beach park
The flotilla
Running the loop
Spending time going down Waynick while running
Tower 7
The best veggie burrito in the world at tower 7
The life and greatness of Josh Vach
The paddle out Josh
Being on the beach to watch and be present for Josh’s paddle out
For the legacy being preserved by Cindy
The legacy of Josh and all the scholarship and good
The surf board on the wall of all the scholarship winners
King Neptune
Breakfast with the bestie on Sunday mornings
Best veggie omette ever
A restaurant that is willing to work with my nutritional needs (which is not always happening and Neptune is awesome)
Being able to park and walk cause of Ashley
Sitting on the winslow bench and just be at peace
Crossing over the Wb bridge on foot and stopping to see the boats go under
Kayaking with my ornish family
Kayaking and launching from underneath the WB bridge
The living animals in the mud underneath the WB bridge
The freedom on the water in the kayak
Stalking birds in the kayak
Roaming through the islands on kayaks
Going into the reeds away from the motorboats and noise
Sharing pictures of these times with others
My family of choice and the amazing friends
my sister of my soul
her walk through the darkness in light and fierceness
our walks on the beach
the connection unlike anything I could explain
understanding myself through her and seeing things in ways I have never seen bee
Being able to connect on the phone as she walks her journey
Being inspired by her
Being inspired by those I care about
Being inspired by those I work with
Being inspired by others
Wanting the success of others
Seeing the success in others
Celebrating the success in others
The growth in others
Seeing the value and the contribution in others
Not being threatened by the value, growth, and success of others
Being trusted
the ability to be of help to those I care and knowing how to and when
seeing someone take risks and build a life
resilience exemplified
the spiritual gift of a friend who shares the world with me
the connection of the “orbs” and knowing we are not alone and care
the gift of thoughtfulness and care
the gift of sharing the world expressed
the connection of time
the connection of caring
the connection of knowing what is important in the world
the presence of mind of caring about those who care
the team that came through this year as a mation of care
each person on it and all their aces
the interventions and ways aces only gave us compassion and not negative outcomes
understanding aces
the aces connection and making our world better with that connection
the straight talk about issues as they arise
never worrying if things are left unsaid
the rumble
the new articulation of how to manage one day at a time
the tools
the skills
understanding the biological nature of resilience
resources 4 resilience
community resilience model
trauma resource institute
the life’s work of Elaine Miller-Karas
the connection of all of us
the way all the pieces fell into place
the department of Health and Human Services of North Carolina
the Duke Grant
the New Hanover County Resiliency Task force
the monthly meetings of the NHRTF
being a part of working to create a strategy the task force
working with their teams and seeing a way ward together
the excitement around how to envision a more resilient community
the understanding of historical trauma and the links to work in our area
the work and leadership of Mebane Boyd
the leadership of the steering committee of the NHRTF
Scott Whisnant being recognized by the NAACP
The work of Scott Whisnant
The message resonating from Cliff Barnett to me when I needed it most
The timeliness of the resilience me when I could hear and receive it
that day when we sat in the Paynter room and CRM was made real us
those days when R4R were made available to us.
The connection with Meredith and Blue and see how we could do more and build more in the worlds we served with all we were trying to do
Teaching so hard Amy lost her shoe
The leveling power of susan
Watching Robin soar in teaching and the earnest stories and care she brings each time
The applause robin gets and all the love she engenders
The amazing ability to teach at Friends school
Being able to see the new campus at Friends
The leadership of Brenda Esch
Seeing the possible come alive in others outside my own comfort zone
Showing up to teach resilience with a witches hat
learning to embrace the clicker
celebrating the moving car!
Changing it up to meet the need
the feedback and learning to hear it without taking it too personally
The tears in the room during a training
The safety we create in our training
The resource list that we have created and keeps getting added to
The resources plackards each person makes and some of the art they create
The crayons. And having real crayons
Being beyond the fear of doing something different and seeing it in operation
Living seeing something move to the next iteration and create more
Hearing back how folks are using what we are sharing and teaching
Getting the texts of how this has changed lives
The deeper dives
The creativity and major changes that are occurring as a result
The DSS Tilt team and the connections
Hearing how they “tilt” each other after losses and trauma
Peer support and care
The Wilmington Thrive Tribes and the work of some of the best social workers making better better so many
The posts by the Thrive Tribes that make so much good come up
Sharing the connection of resilience
Being honored to speak at the flower launch this year
Being able to give voice to the work that social workers do and the connections that are made from law enhancement, first responders, social workers and all who are there to ensure the best outcomes in the face of violence and abuse
The bright sunshine on the river as the flowers cast on the waves
The social workers who take the task of healing every day of their careers
Doing a ride along with adult protective services
Being able to see a social worker be so forthright, honest, and build integrity with those she serves
See up close and person the trauma and fear of those most vulnerable
Know that there is hope and opportunity offered to those vulnerable
To know that when there are those who will share when they hear something will say something and connect people to resources
To know the extent that the social workers will go to get to the bottom of an issue
To see the care and the concern
To see the self-care and to see resilience being applied
To see good supervision in action
To see good management of all concerned
To see agencies who are responsive when asked questions and want to help and be responsive as well to make sure that those who are responsive can get to the bottom of things.
Sharing remembering to put the mask on ourselves bee we can put it on someone else.
The eight hour sessions of CRM
The two day sessions of resources Resilience
the moment when I was given restoration
the feeling in my chest, arms and legs when I was told “I would do it and be successful” and I have been
the feeling when I was told “I was enough”
being so vulnerable in teaching restore and letting go more than I ever have in my professional life to good ends
seeing the transformation in others and the connections made
showing up in dorian and making sure the re-sets where in the shelter
putting out the Ichill app in the community
seeing people using the ichill app
the gift of the basic three the community in dorian
having skills in the shift changes and briefs
having a reset meetings
the jokes we have now going “off line”
using the hand brain model
sharing the hand brain model with my family and how much it makes a difference
knowing more about basic biology and using that to bring myself and others “online”
using these skills as a way to keep us moving ward
actually feeling “neutral” and positive” and knowing what those feelings are
the magic of the redirect
the power of visual
having resilience integrated into emergency action
placing Resilience trained on appointed shifts
hearing from supervisors how much they appreciated the resilience skills.
integrating resilience into language throughout
the incredible compassion and care of each person
the laughter and joy in the midst of hard time
coming each other
the love we have for each other
the bond in service
the desire to serve
the desire to make a difference
the tears shared among us
the care shared among us
extending that care to do more
being selected to be certified resilience
the work of Ann DuPre and Mary Lynne
the amazing new hanover group
holding hands and resetting with Tonya
the most revealing certification of my life to date
finding in me something I need to find
finding something I can give myself and offer others
being able to grow professionally and spiritually still
being dovetailed and timely at a critical time in my life
sensing into my own body and feeling where I am and moving ward accordingly
finding new responses and new ways of wellness
sharing that with others
seeing how to re-direct and helping others
using highlight
using and feeling that sense of reality while being positive
not trying to fix
adding more to the journey and in a powerful way
coming to this at a time that I could receive it and be able to facilitate it
bring resilience training in a historic training to NHC and WFD command
the amazing work of the NHC Fire and WFD command
the honor of being involved with any training with the command staff
seeing what we were doing resonate and be received
hard eyes turning to acceptance
stiff body turning to warm handshakes
a nod of the head while standing in front of a quiet crowd
a feeling of energy of connection
the face heart connection
understanding co-regulation
making the connection with concepts and creating more how to improve work our employees
seeing connections and being able to articulate them
seeing connections and bringing in experts to make improvement real
working in a place where improvement is a priority
knowing that it is NOT perfect, but there can be progress
knowing that I made the right decision in accepting this grace I was given
seeing in amazing ways how much this path was created and being humbled by it.
knowing I am just a facilitator and a part of the plan
knowing that I am a vessel and responsible for showing up in this
for getting out of the way
for the days I don’t worry about credit
for the days I don’t worry about notice
for the days I don’t worry about who sees
for the days I don’t worry
for knowing that in the end it’s the outcome that matters
for knowing its my actions that will resonate
working somewhere where service is truly key
working in a place where the belief in public service if the priority
working in an environment where the care those who work there is a priority
working in a place where there will be a priority placed on putting resources behind making improvements people available.
Having a space to create
Having a job I love
Having a job where I feel like I can make a difference
Having a job where there is a pretty regular week day schedule
Having a job where there are pretty regular day time hours (not having to work overnight unless an emergency)
Having health insurance
Having other benefits
Having a retirement plan
Having sick days
Having vacation days
Having holidays
Being covered by FMLA if needed
Having disability coverage if needed
I NEVER take for granted the benefits I have in my work and am incredibly grateful
policies and processes that allow me to be successful as a professional in my work
Being allowed to be a part of conversations
Being asked my opinion
Being included in discussions
Being regarded with care
Being known for caring
Being forgiven for not being responsive sometimes
understanding
being understood
growing and continuing to learn
seeing some of the most difficult of circumstances and learning how to make these part of how we make things better and grow
connecting the good with the difficult
being a part of sharing the story of the amazing work that is done everyday
being allowed to connect those who have with those who need.
Having others come and create with me
My standup desk
A little corner to have for work
Creating a space that has not been bee
Being allowed to think beyond what has been bee
Others coming and sharing that space
Property management at NHC
Seeing a dream come to life
Sharing that dream with others
Having a space at work to make coffee
My work family
My work ‘wives
For the support in team in jean
Having the gift of an intern like Kristen
Having the gift of rumble, learn, and care with colleagues who care
Staff meetings where there is raucous laughter
Hard times met with care and pushing through
“going to hell” J
Having our huddles
Having a space at work to store food
Being able to get out and walk at work
Being able to connect with others at work from office to office
Being able to get out and connect throughout the organization
Being able to witness what others do
Being able to do ride alongs and share what is happening
Being witness to the opening of a new building and the excitement therein
The leadership of our county commission
Sharing public values and how we govern with others
Our stellar awards banquet
Our stellar awards
Cape Fear Community College Daniels Hall
Our 5 Star Award Star fish by Dumay Gorham
Our recognition committee
The monthly meetings of our group
getting to read all the nominations and hearing all the good that is done
seeing all the high fives and the care
receiving high fives and how precious they are and how wonderful they feel
being able to send them and how much that feels good
The serious discussions about how nominations rise to stellar
The fire service awards
Being a part of recognizing those who do amazing work
Being a part of celebrating the work of amazing people who serve others
Reading the write ups of great acts of service in nominations awards each month
Being a part of recognizing years of service to the public and creating ways to make that special
standing each month at the commissioners and watching them give recognition to good people doing great work
Kids Making it making Pens special recognition
Kids Making it making Clocks special recognition
UNCW making hand made cups special recognition
all things that help us connect who we are as a community with how we recognize those who do the work and serve the citizens.
those who truly take time to write up the retirements and make them special
the extra mile that Chris Coudriet goes to make sure that the recognition of the employees is made special and is created good and shares the good story of service.
the work in leadership of our manager and leaders and their care this county and the staff.
the finest Sheriff anyone could ask , Ed McMahon
the finest Sheriff’s department anyone could ask
the privilege of being invited in the Lt. process this year and seeing, yet again, another of the ways integrity is maintained at the highest level
the finest of Fire Services around
the amazing job that the captains did in teaching a very tough subject
the privilege of serving with the captain in teaching at the stations
the privilege of being welcome
the honor of being a part of the fire services recognition
the fire service dinner and how well it went
the fire honor guard
the fire honor guard serving at the stellar award dinner again
seeing the Fire Services leadership recognition the fill the boot campaign with MDA
the MDA campaign and going above and beyond to make a difference
17 coming out to the miracle league multiple times
Watching the kids and families with the fire guys and having a ball.
going out on the field and lighting up the life of one young man during a game
Working this year with chief smith during the hurricane and her great service running point on a critical night on logistics
Emergency management of NHC
The continuous improvement at NHC
The revised training after Florence with EM and how well it all went
The amazing addition and service of Anna McRay
Seeing a well devised plan come to life after Florence in Dorian
Finding ways to thank people for continually seeking ways to learn about service
The amazing people at Plantation village
Donating turkeys and hams to the fire houses each year
Port City Java
the leadership of Steve Schnitzler
always giving back to the community through PCJ
making our new employees feel welcome through PCJ
the Wilmington Sharks
Shark Night for NHC Employees
Connecting with Public employees and seeing value in that connection for the sharks
The reading program with the sharks I the summer.
Being able to meet with the CEO of the Wilmington Community Boys and Girls Club.
The leadership and vision of Derral Pits
The phenomenal facility and offerings of the Club
The connection between youth activity after school and success
Being privileged to participate in the gala for the club
Sharing the connection with what we know and how we can share it so we all know
making the connection between knowing our history and how that emboldens us
making the connection with the strength of who we are..all of us
seeing this facility and seeing the possible
seeing the connection between this and dc virgo
seeing more about how all this relates
the privilege of the site line
not letting go of asking for how to use that priviledge in accordance of his will
Nikki’s prayers
those who pray for me
those who pray with me
those who pray about me
being a part of the horizontal god group
hearing at meetings and trying to keep open to learning
being reminded this year that anyone I shut down on might just save my life
those who think enough of me to think about prayer
those who know that all prayer is important
all prayers and good will and good thoughts are good
the use of what we have to bring good in the world
for putting forth the next right thing
putting forth the next right action
for putting out the next right way
the sound of my chimes in the office that offer a reminder of peace
the images on my Instagram that offer a quick restart to positive
for the shelf behind me of little things for good
slogans “this to shall pass”
the serenity prayer
still having hair (on my head)
being able to think through complex issues
express ideas to others
use my voice to inspire
speak good
make decisions
delay gratification
get up on time
sleep in every once in a while
enjoy being relaxed
let things be without having to be resoved
wait to be asked to share
wait to be asked my opinion
let my opinion not be shared
allow for things to just to be left undone
walk away
not take the bait
not be offended
be offended but not let it absorb me.
Help to listen to others and map out ways to connect if they are willing
Be funny without sarcasm
Enjoy life
Enjoy the moment
Be
Singing
Having been exposed to so much music in my life and having access to it
To my iphone music
little passages that help me get through
images of past places of peace
the ability to transport to the hill in Sharon Valley
the ability to transfort to Lion’s Head and sit and be stil
to sit by twin lakes in the winter and “hear” the snow
the sound of snow falling
cold weather
the feel of the blanket in the cold
the feel of fan
the white noise of my fan
the bubble of my diffuser
the smells of pine in my diffuser
the natural oils that I need
my pigs with wings
the feel of peter millar jeans on my body
the feel of leather on my chair when I sit
going out and seeing people I know
sitting in mother’s swing on the board walk at Carolina Beach
seeing random people post pics and it is of them in the swing with her name on it
the view from the swing with all the abundance fo growth around it
always going down there and people wanting that particular swing
the sound of the ocean and know somehow she is there and hears it still
viciting the house and how comfortable and colorful it still is
seeing Harold happy
being with Harold
having a parent I can share things with
having a parent I can still learn from and with
having a place in the world with a parent who knows me
having a parent who loves me
sharing the recovery rockfest
the leadership and vision of Nyla Cicone
being allowed the honor of mcing this amazing event.
Seeing persons in recovery have a great day in the sun, just have a great time
Listening to amazing musicians play phenomenal music
Hearing and seeing parents and friends be there with and in support of
Having a time to give voice to time in recovery
Giving tribute to those who have passed
Sharing a circle of love and a time of celebration
To the amazing resilience and health journey of Mary
To the relationship and love of Mary and Linda
To the recovery rockfest resource tent
Wilmington health being a major sponsor for this event
The recovery walk
WWAY featuring it on their morning program
The best dog store ever: Best Day Ever
Katy and seeing jax on Saturdays when we take him to see “Miss Katy”
The look on Jax’s face when we tell him we are going to see “Miss Katy!”
Watching Jax “Shop” in the Best Day Ever! J
Making malas this year
Giving malas away
Opening up an etsy and selling malas to make a little money for charity
Selling my sea sculptures on etsy
Making my sea sculptures
Being a part of anything with Lump to Laughter
The leadership of Connie
Sharing the stage with Sandra McClammy
The leadership and grace of Sandra McClammy
The amazing work of Connie and Lump to laughter
Harold sharing all of mother’s yarn with Lump to laughter to make blankets and other items for women
Hickman Enterprises
The spinning of Sandra McClammy
Being able to MC the sobriety dance at Christmas while Sandra Spin away the night
Lump to laughter making good happen for women going through cancer treatments
The work and leadership of Brandon Hickman
Port City Rip the runway
The Higgins Scholarship
The Ada King Dean Memorial Honors in Nursing Scholarship at UNCW
The L.S. “Bo” Dean Jr. Honors Endowed Scholarship at UNCW
The Diane Levy/Kate Bruce Endowed Scholarship at UNCW
The John Myers Art History Scholarship at UNCW
The Thad Dankel Memorial Endowed Honors in Mathematics Scholarship
The Windel Daniels Public Housing and Section Eight Memorial Endowed Scholarship at UNCW
The Katherine McKenzie School of Education Annual Scholarship at UNCW
The Nancy Phelps Hodges/Marth Stines Freeze Women’s Empowerment Endowed Scholarship at Cape Fear Community College
The Betsey Ivrine Women’s Scholarship at UNCW
The Bobby Dean Fund for Alzheimer’s at the Cameron Art Museum
being a part of a newly formed board of advancement for education in Watson
the Miracle Makers Monthly Givers at Access of Wilmington/The Miracle League
the Karen Beasley Turtle Hospital
being witness to the creation of a lab school in our community
visiting and seeing up close DC Virgo
the amazing work and leadership of Sabrina Hill Black
the restoration room with resilience it
visiting a school where the connection between students and their parents/guardians is so high
witnessing the care, compassion, and love for children is unparalleled like at DC Virgo
being involved in a school of education that is committed and determined to provide for and create the best of opportunities for public education
seeing how much the college of ed is bringing UNCW national recognition
seeing how much the college of ed is producing much needed teachers
seeing how much the college of ed is producing much needed teacher education
seeing how much watson is at the forefront of the next iteration of what is teacher education
seeing how much on the ground Watson is in the surrounding counties and very involved in disparate areas of need and under resourced school districts
the leadership of Dean Van Dempsey
the leadership of Watson to turn around a very “majority” culture focused institution to a more diverse and inclusive and responsive college
STEAM education
Continuing with my 11^th year with the heart association
Being allowed to host the heart ball
Being a part of the mc group for the heart walk
Sharing some fun with the crowd at the heart walk this year
Being able to shout out all the good
people at the walk that came in
Keeping it fun and lively at the walk this year
Seeing the sun come up and make for a great day
The heart demonstration this year and staying alive
The leadership of Ashley Miller
Everyone who gave to my birthday fundraiser for heart
The windell Daniels heart walk
The tribute and leadership of Wilma Daniels
The leadership this year of Jay Wileman from GE
The leadership of the Executive Leadership Team
Running around putting out signs again this year
Having the heart walk on UNCW’s campus
Sharing time with friends on the campus for the heart walk
Seeing rose get a healthy heart award
Finding orange theory
Having the amazing friend Colby Grant bridge cardiac rehab with my next steps
Having someone, even while he was studying for his PHD to set me up with training to get me through till I could figure out what I was going to do
Working out in Wrigthsville Beach park for weeks using Colby’s app
Not worrying about what it looked like, but just doing it
Getting back to “running” and not worrying about how long it took
Being thrilled I could run again
Taking a risk and going to orange theory
Being inspired by Tammy Pruden
Having tammy pruden by my side on the first day at Orange Theory to show me what to do.
Having Oliva to help me get started
Having Bren to help me on my way
Having Sam to help me
Showing up even when I thought it was too much
Not worrying about what others where doing but what I could do
For the friendliest staff I have ever met in my life
For Holly being there when tammy and I were there
Tammy checking in and encouraging me and coaching me along
Tammy being my role model
Olivia and Bren being so supportive
Every person behind the front desk knowing my name
Going to a gym where they actually say hello to you
Going to a gym where you can see your results
Going to a gym where you can get it done and leave
Going to a gym where you can work at your own pace if you need
Winning a raffle at the gym
Getting little milestones
Actually completing a tri at the gym and doing it well
Loving going to the gym
Getting back to long runs
Getting back to quicker paces and feeling good AFTER I run
Feeling more like myself again
Hearing positive things in my head about me
Hearing previous coaches in my head
the foundations laid by Adam
Foundations laid by Brandon
The good form I was taught
having had good people to help me be successful now
seeing Brandon flourish with his family
Brandon and Courtney’s new baby knox
sheri being able to find her way back to Nashville and her happiness
seeing brad get the job in charlotte
seeing brad get this cpa
seeing pete be so successful in the schools
seeing Josh t be a great manager in Ncino
see all the success of so many of the youngin’s (another reason I love facebook)
hearing good things about me in my head
feeling good things about me in my head
reinforcing ideas about what I can do inside me
breathing
laughing
crying
feeling
seeing
hearing
being able to touch
to feel
to smell
to be empathetic
to encounter the world with what I have seen and remain open
to be open to new ideas
to remain willing
to remain teachable
to want humility
to want to be of service
to see myself at times and know what direction I don’t want
to hear what others are saying
to no longer use others’ opinions only
to no longer take it all on
to have some sense and wisdom
to be ok with not being ok
to be ok with not being liked
to be ok with being uncomfortable
to be ok with us saying “its not mine to do”
to be ok not knowing
for loving not knowing and wanting to know more
for backing up
for saying not today
for being a part and not in front of
for finding success in building others
for the grace I see all around
for the beauty that is in the stillness
for the quiet
for the small
for the appearance when I least expect it
for the dragonfly who stays in one place
for the butterfly who did not move
for the bird who did not move too fast
for the squirrell that stared me down
the hawk that allowed me so close
the wild turkey that let me near her new borns
the crab who raised on me the day before dorian
the smallest of the shells underneath my feet
the flowers that just seemed to come out of no where
the clouds that caught me breath
the sunsets over the gov center parking lot
the sunrises when I could get them
the moments when I got to share those skies with others who photographed them and we had that moment together
the connection we all have to whatever brought us to something other than a selfie
to the selfie where I saw myself for the first time
the selfie where I was NOT looking for approval
the selfie where I really was proud and happy to show myself rather than feeling insecure and needing a like
the love of sharing pictures of others
the love of seeing others happy not posing
the love of hearing others share their joy
the love of hearing good news
the love of hearing victory in whatever form that is
the love of people sharing inspiration and what inspires them
the love of people sharing faith in whatever form that takes
the love of people sharing health and whatever way that shows up for them
our ability to connect on solutions f
being allowed to handle employee relations this year
being trusted with issues for employees that are tough
the vulnerable place to be a position to hear people who are struggling or frustrated and “investigate” not fix and then help find a way
being a part of a process that allows for persons in their livlihoods in tough times to be kept whole and accountable
to be in a place in my own life where I am able to be that person
to be trustworthy
to be capable of not just listening but hearing
to work on active listening
to leave the conversation of my own mind and thoughts and work to that person
for the work of those who support me
being a member of Wilmington Rotary
the leadership of President Cathy Barlow
the leadership of President Eric McKeithan
the ability to be a part of the monthly Williston student of the month program
the faces of the students at the Williston student of the month
being able to connect the four way test to what these students are doing in their class room
the 6 areas of focus
the four way test
the diversity of jobs and places where our members come from
sponsoring different people into the club and watching them flourish
our weekly meetings
the amazing veterans we have in our club
the limericks of jake and his phenomenal ww2 career
the best part of health and happiness
knowing that Anne is going to interrupt us all with the cart buckets
being a part of raising 250k over the last four years in the fundraising
being off from fundraising this year
being supported by a few of my fellow rotarians on my health journey
bringing Matt into the club
bringing Tufanna into the club
bringing Van into the club
bringing Natalie into the club
the world’s largest rotary wheel at greenfield lake
the amphitheater at greenfield lake
Cape Fear River watch
The rheder preserve by alderman
The PASS program with Alderman Elementary School
Having a reading program that directly targets third graders to ensure life long resiliency in reading
Using county employees in the professional development academy to be the tutors in this program
Working with communities in schools of the lower cape fear to make this program possible.
The leadership of Louise Hicks
Communities and School overall
Smart Start of New Hanover County
The dolphin dip to support communities in schools
The polar plunge to support special Olympics
The special Olympics of the cape fear
Many of our miracle athletes being medal winners in special Olympics
The NHC Sheriff’s department being so supportive of the special Olympics
remerging in the ability to say no
growing in saying no
letting go of some toxic spaces but not of love
maintaining relations and love but not space for places that are not good for me
trying to have some peace in my own body
making some space for that peace
being ok with just not doing anything at all
my own health and wellness
the leadership of NHRMC
the vision of John Gizdic
the leadership and care of David Parks
David’s intervention in my own life
the heart scan on Military cutoff
only costing 100$ to have the scan
David seeing I was in trouble and getting me help
The results opening up new ways for me to get help
Dr. Murphy at Cape Fear Heart
Cape Fear heart and the incredible customer service
The whole team for the nuclear test
Making me feel ok with the nuclear test
addressing my needs
getting me into the Ornish Program
my first encounter with nurse Jennifer Joseph
Jennifer sharing Undo with me
The connection stil with Jennifer and what an incredible person she is and continues to be
Reading Undo before all this began
For the voice of my higher power on the beach before all this started and the moment of knowing I had to do this.
The power of my own boss, Mark Francolini letting me know that whatever it took, he would support me through it
The fear of going to cardiac rehab being balanced with the care of Nurse Jennifer
The care of Dr. Murphy
The support of Michael at home and how much I knew I was cared about
Entering into ornish and knowing many in my cohort
The presence of the team from the very start and how very much they made me feel like I could be successful.
The first time on the treadmill that my chest pains reduced with redirect with Sydney
The joy and energy of Sydney
The special connection (I now know as face and heart) of Sydney
The day that Sydney sat down with me and got me through a slump that I was not sure if I could make it
The day I realized how much shame I had for being in cardiac rehab and being able to work through that
How much Rachael Decaria brought into my life teaching me about eaching whole foods plant based no oil
Whole foods plant based no oil lifestyle
Having actual cooking demonstrations to see how to eat this
Slowing getting over the fear of eating WFPBNO
Having the support of the others in the class about how to eat this way
Sharing information about how to find restaurants that would support eating this way
Finding places that were resistant to helping (and I say this because I was grateful to see ugly places and people cause it got me fired up to seek more and do more, particularly places that were supposedly healthy and would not do more no oil)
Seaside bagels
The amazing responsiveness of Christie and XaVIER
Kelsey at Kale me Krazy
Kale me krazy at Mayfaire
Kelsey being willing to work with me on my dietary needs
Kelsey and her whole staff being in on my progress and needs
Kale me krazy carrying Cravings desserts
Cravings chick pea blondies
My vegan wrap at Kale Me Krazy made my way
The best vegan soups ever at Kale me krazy
Kale me krazy being a veteran owned restaurant
Kale me krazy doing a heart walk day
Tidal creek
The leadership of Anthony at Tidal creek
The responsiveness of Tidal Creek when I had a weird encounter at first
The love and appreciation of Tidal creek to be as inclusive as possible
For Tidal Creek for being the best place to get hot food around
For tidal creek’s farmer’s market on Saturday’s
For tidal creeks’ ro water
For tidal creek making it their aim to get rid of single use plastics
For tidal creek getting terri mann to come in to do cooking demos
For tidal creek opening during dorian
Finding seaside bagel by facebook accident
Probably the most vegan, no oil friendly place in the county
The autism inclusion at Seaside bagels
The message to me that I was included at seaside bagels
The deliciousness of seaside
Learning how delicious being WFPG really is
Finding alternatives to Whole foods (they are fine, just expensive)
Finding locally sourced vegetables and staples
Finding pre prepared meals and items that I could have on hand that were healthy and fit the diet
Hippeas
Powdered peanut butter
Thin pretzels
Hummus, hummus and more hummus
Did I say hummus?
Hummus, cuke, and tomato sandwiches
Dr. Praeger
Cost
co on the health fly!
Waterloo!
Water…drinking lots and lots of water
Finding out that I actually do like beans
Literally eating brown rice like no tomorrow
Air frying everything in site
My favorite crispy tofu
Mushroom, marinar, and onion with spinach on crispy tofu
Quinoa pasta
Quinioa salad
Egg whites (it is a little cheat, but sooo good)
Dave’s bread
Polaner all fruit
Blender muffins
Maple syrup
Non fat latte’s
Soy milk! Omg! Soy milk is so good
Not having cheese for now 10 months and being ok with
No meat, fish, dairy, and almost no oil for over 10 months and loving it!
All the flavors with so little of the issues
The feeling in my body of health
The way I look
The color in my skin
The way my skin feels
Starting the cape fear whole foods plant based group on facebook
Literally connecting with 100s of others on line
Tapping into a whole new world out there of folks who live this clean life
Finding out how a frozen banana, cocao powder and soy milk can make chocoloate into a dream
The use of gum to deal with habit and issues of need
Thinking of how much my mother would love all this
Learning a little more at a time as I go along
The joy of overcoming fear of the unknown
Not letting the fear of others stop me from doing what is right for me
The way in which Seth made us all feel ok in group
The accountability seth held for me when I weighed in and a little was never enough
The ease by which seth kept us moving forward when we got stuck
The tears shed
The frustration
The fear
The joy
The victory
The celebrations
The connections
The intensity of quiet
The gifts of Holly Konrady
Holly’s gift to me of stopping and being present
Holly’s voice and moving through taking time
Having someone who cares so deeply
Holly’s willingness to hold me accountable and shared with me
Holly and Rachael being willing to reach out to others who are in need
Holly’s private practice and gift of yoga and stress management
The nurse practice of Mike Peretta
Mike’s constant reinforcement with smiles and encouragement was I was on the track
Mike’s continued support on line and in the groups to this day
The ability to go back and share my story and hope to others entering into the program
The vision and the experience of Ashley Garner
The voice of Ashley Garner sharing his message in the face of resistance
NHRMC taking a risk to do something different, better, with greater results
The doctors who will and do listen
The NHRMC Foundation for supporting the Ornish Program
The leadership of Sandy Spiers and the foundation board
The leadership of Schorr Davis and aligning the foundation to the hospital plans
The embrace of the foundation
The ornish program extending itself into the community and becoming a community program
The thanksgiving recipes from Rachael
The ornish alum events
Seeing ornish alum and our continued connection
Not having one chest pain
Having a resting heart rate of 132/81 after starting with 164/98
Having diabetes managed by diet
Having cholesterol managed now
Having weight down 74 pounds
Being able to run again at a rate that I have not in years
Being able to exercise and enjoy
Being able to breathe again
Being able to embrace new ideas and concept
Now using food in the same way to manage my stress
The presence of a so many new tools and the continuation of learning
Seeing my health risk assessment no longer show issues against my health
Not having the issues on the HRA
The connection and each of our group
Seeing daddy in one of the members of our group and seeing a difference as we moved along
Feeling the change
Finding my way
Being able to do this.
Managing through some of the dangers of “time passing” and the newness wearing off
Having some experience with emotional ups and downs and managing through those as well
Having stress at work and still being able to show up and not fall back
Building in more resources and opportunities for resilience in all areas
Sharing this in both professional and personal parts of my life continually
The NHC training collaborative
The energy that comes from others who want to grow and teach
Teaching ADDIE
Teaching about implicit bias
Having an orientation where we talk about difficult subjects but get folks moving ward
The IDEA Roundtable
Being allowed to be a part of such a wonderful group of engaged individuals looking at intentional diversity and inclusion
Live Oak Bank
Apiture
NCino
PPD
NHCS
Wilmington City
Unexo
Intentional collision
The leadership
GE
Corning
All the major Employers caring about their practices to be inclusive
Being privileged to share the history of NHC and how we were shaped by events to bring us here and how we can work to move ward.
Hosting the IDEA roundtable at the county
Being able to see NCINO on the inside and learn more about them
The amazing group at NHRMC and Health Equity
The Leadership of Joe Conway
The Leadership of Philip Brown
the YWCA
the leadership of Evelyn Bryant
the community relations advisory committee
the honor of being able to facilitate a moment with the CRAC
the leadership of Tufanna Bradley
the founding of the African American Historical Commission
being allowed to be a part of the first meeting of the commission
hearing the stories of the why people wanted to serve on the commission
helping to link the “why” with forward motion and goals
being allowed to be a facilitator at all.
Learning more about listening overall
Hearing where the source of forward movement my lie
The NSEA swimming program
Creating space more inclusion and access to quality health care
Affinity group creation and use at major employers and ways to make that happen
Continuing with faciliting the Criminal justice advisory group
The leadership and inspiration of Judge Jay Corperning
The leadership and inspiration of Ben David
The leadership and inspiration of Jennifer Harjo
The leadership and inspiration of Lyanna Hunter
lyanna being recognized statewide for her amazing willingness to help in times of need for youth in particular
the leadership and inspiration of the leadership in our courts
the leadership and inspiration in our parole
for the leadership and inspiration of chief Sarvis
for the leadership and inspiration of the county manager
for the leadership and inspiration of the city manager
for the leadership and inspiration of Kathy Stoute
the leadership and inspiration of Bob Speight
raise the age
making the new judicial building for juvenile justice possible
the leadership and inspiration for all our local chiefs of police
For the witness of seeing Kathy Cochran rise to head of patrol in Wilmington
For the witness of seeing Chief Donnie Williams made a chief
For the upcoming opening of the training center
For the hope offered to those youth given the chance through misdemeanor diversion
The chaplaincy program at NHC jail
The community one program at NHC jail
Injunctions
LEAD program
See something, Say Something
Everyone being all in for the Healing place
Bringing beds into New Hanover County for those who choose to enter recovery
Making sure the beds being offered are for both men and women
Standing strong against stigma and prejudice to create something for wellness and recovery
Seeing good over come injustice and ignorance
Seeing victory in the face of disheartening protectivism
The texts during the hearing that gave me hope
The fierce fight for what was right
The work that went into putting something into our community that will make a difference for so many
Seeing ACES fly on those who opposed and knowing it will be ok
Those who were able to rise above the fear
The exposed
Those I saw for the first time to know for the next time
Those who showed up for good at a time when they could have walked away
coastal horizons
the life’s work Margaret Weller Stargell
the honor of bringing the invocation at the annual dinner
the hundreds of staff of Coastal Horizons on the front line
for the youth shelter
for the rape crisis center
for TASC
for reaching across the state to address the need for mental health and substance abuse care
for WHAT
for the Power of the Purse
all the purses that were donated by people that wanted to continue the great event
the legacy of Joy Grady
the continued leadership of Denise Salozky
for being allowed to be a part again of the Purse event
for being a part with Ashlea and making it special for those who came out to make some money for what
for providing care for youth on site in the school
for making sure that all youth have access to care
for making sure that care allows for parents to stay at work
for making sure that care allows the student to stay at school
the grant from the legislature to help with the opioid crisis
bipartisan support for the grants
for the leadership of the commissioners on the crisis
for the leadership of the city on the crisis
the Quick Response team
for the end of year response and the hundreds who have been connected to services
for all who are seeing a difference between criminals and those in need of care
for the differentiation of the mentally ill and the incarcerated
for the narcan grant and resources from the health department
for those who feel the compassion exhaustion but work towards moving forward
those who respond
for the ability to connect resources to a crisis that has a time window
For the community justice services programs
For being able to “ride” along with CJS and see the programs in action
For seeing the connection between the work of CJS and partnership agencies and activating our youth and giving them direction.
Learning appreciative inquiry
Hundreds of books from the NHC library sale
Sharing those books and resources
Library think
The work of Margaret Miles and scanning all those books into library thing to share
Creating opportunity for others to grow
For the amazing library branches and all the work each does to make access happen for every person
For the new branch at pine valley and creating a maker space to further connect ideas to resources
The access to resources that enhance the lives of 100s of thousands of citizens every year through the year
The Carolina room
Having an 1898 publication coming out from the librarians on data regarding the names of people in the area
For the cape fear museum
For the Williston room
For the powerful displays throughout the year
For the archives and collections at the museum
For the engagement of 1000s of students by the museum educators
For the work of Jan Davidson on 1898 and the relationship to the raised awareness and understanding of the coup in the community
For the new historic marker on the street that speaks to the 1898 coup
For calling the 1898 event a coup accurately
For the continued understanding and integration of that understanding in the community throughout
For the visual park at the cape fear museum
For the museum advisory board
For the friends of the library
The friends of the library making books available to the students of the month at Williston
The friends of the library holding the book sales so successfully
The friends of the library raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to aid the library in the library sale
The amazing books made available in the library sale
The shared libraries across town
Creating a shared library in our own home for others
The brick streets in Wilmington
The beauty of the architecture downtown
Being able to climb up in the bell tower of the county courthouse
The view from the county courthouse
The garden roof of 320 chestnut
The view from 320 chestnut
The spiral tops of the temple downtown
The windows in 1^st presebyterian
The windows in st. james
The rowan decompte in church of the servant
The inside of st. Pauls
The incredible architecture inside thalian hall
The foot of market
The sanitary fountain
The view of smith creek from MLK
The sunsets coming down MLK
The view over the river from the top of union station
The new building going up over the old parking deck
All the new buildings downtown
More people living downtown
Taylor homes still looking great and being maintained
The 1898 memorial on the way into town
The sound of the Westminster chimes of our clock in the house
Packages coming to the front door J
The sound of jax dreaming
The smell of coffee in the air
Lowe’s grocery store
Having a grocery store we have literally been going to for 20 years
Knowing our grocery store manager
Being converstant with so many people that we trade with
Having relationships with people we do business with even in today’s world
Feeling connected to the community in which we live
Feeling like we are a part of this place
Enjoying being a part of the community
Living here long enough to have seen things change for the better
Living here long enough to ‘remember when’
The launch at the foot at the memorial bridge
The battleship
Battleship park
Nourish North Carolina
Knowng that children who do not have food at home after school are looked after
Our Nourish NC food drive at the county
The leadership and vision of Steve
The amazing work of Nourish NC to bring in Fresh Vegetables and other staples for health and wellness for our youth
The leadership and non profit leadership of Logan Thompson
Volunteer of the year Alan Perry
Professional of the year Logan
Association of professional fundraisers
The fierce work of Amy Feath for children in the region
The carousel center for abused children
The mitigation of issues for children who have been victimized
Holding those who harm children accountable and adjudicating them
The carousel center gala
Seeing NHRMC rock it out in the competition this year
Enjoying just watching this year
Liberty homecare providing hospice care that has quality and efficacy with integrity
The quality of Andrews Mortuary
The community foundation of nc
The cape fear memorial foundation
The landfall foundation
Women’s imact network
Mustaches for kids
Wilmington Optimists
Cape Fear Optimists
Central Rotary
Rotary West
Cape Fear Rotary
Wilmington Kiwanis
The Kiwanis club pancake breakfast
St. John’s lodge
The lodge on 17^th allowing for parking for DSS this year
The old building being gone completely
Hospital opening up emergency services in autumn hall
Stepping stone manor
The Kelly house for women and children
The recovery houses through Launch Pad
The Frat house
Inter group offices on Wrightsville Avenue
24 hours a day phone for those seeking recovery
Wilmington treatment center new campus
Behavioral health
The sheriff and WPD downtown unit for the evenigns
The parking decks and plenty of parking for downtown
All the vertical structures going in downtown
the marker indicating the escape of slaves at the foot of organge street
the education given on the slaves at bellamy mansion
the wrightville beach museum
the addition of cottages at the Wrightsville beach museum
The flytrap sculpture at the foot of market
The dram tree sculpture at the convention center
The incredible inside of the Brooklyn art center
The beauty of chestnut street Presbyterian
The remaining trees that line the old part of market street
The whirly gig being restored at the Cameron art museum
The gift shop at the Cameron art museum
The art department at UNCW
Opera Wilmington
Wilmington symphony
Celebration Choir
The music of Randy McQuay
The music of Susan Savia
The music of Eric Miller
The work of Beau Gunn
The voice and work of Foz and 107.5
The voice and work of Big B and 97.3
The voice and work of Sandra Midday McClammy and 97.3
The Christmas music all day, all the time on 102.
The starnews still in print
The absolute best news of port city daily
The headlines coming regularly and indepth coverage from port city daily
Encore Magazine
The leadership of shea carver
Fit wilmignton or Wilmington fit on facebook and the work of Jeremy
F3 wilmington
F3 showing up for the miracle league and supporting all things good
F3 being there for so many who need support in the community
Seeing more and more good support for people seeking personal training help with their fitness journey
Fitmo
Christina rivenbark attorney at law and all the good she does all the time for so many
The James E. Moore Insurance agency
Jim being in the Wilmington hall of fame for athletes
Jim supporting the YWCAs women of achievement year after year.
Bennie Sheally insurance
Bennie sheally looking out for soccer in the community
Wells insurance
Wells insurance coming up on their 100 year anniversary
Visually mapping connections and places folks to make a difference and serve
Being allowed to be a part of the success of others
Having others who want to be a part of the journey of growth and development
Having others who see how much public servants give and do and want to grow them
The acumen and gifts of Dr. Jessica Whitney
The Swain Professional Executive and Professional Development
The Cameron School of Business
The fierce leadership of Dean Burrus and care to make sure to deliver what is needed to make the best all
The leadership of Richard Walsh
The Leadership of Matt Myott
All of the interns through swain
The professionalism of each class
The support and way in which each class is delivered
The care of expertise of each member of the faculty who teach us to grow our public employees
The time spent by the faculty to get to know the work and service of our public employees
The connection with the most meaningful and up to date applications and what we need to do our best to serve
Giving our folks to best of training and development and ongoing needs
The deep conversations and in-depth look at the difference in our folks and making sure give them what they need across the board
The willingness to see how much they do
The Swain advisory board
The care the advisory board takes
The outlook conference and the new way to make a difference in the community with an establish tool
The entire group of the staff at Swain
UNCW and partnering with the community to make the world around us better with what the university has to offer.
The Masters of Public Administration Advisory Board
Our MPA fellows
Watching our MPA Fellows thrive in their roles in their departments
Seeing the projects and work in the organization and the link back to their graduate program
Having time with the fellows to listen to their experiences and what excites them.
The MPA Fellowship
The leadership of Dr. Chris Prentice in the MPA program
The classes geared towards public service in our partnership
The project management academy
The supervision expertise
Being able to provide supervision enhancement and growth
Our CI for Supervisor Impact this year
All those in our enterprise who are willing to teach internally
All who care enough to give back to those coming in
The truth about how much it means to give time that has to be made
The openness to hear about ways to do things differently and keep moving ward
The celebration and leadership coming in to say how much those who have attended mean
Getting to know each new supervisor and learning about their journeys
Being there and being a part of the first day of work all employees
Being a part of creating that experience
Sharing history and a sense of place
Understanding more about how systems operated and influence our public service
Being able to impart the importance of being open to everyone
Being able to impart the importance of being open to identifying my own biases so I can clear the way to serve everyone.
The NHC government day
Sharing how we do what we do and why
Being a part of the school of government law training
The school of government
Spending time in chapel hill learning
Staying in the historic home in chapel hill
Running on campus the very first time
Biking around the campus a week
Spending my nights at weaver street
Going over the gentlemen’s corner in chapel hill
Reconnecting with pauper players and enjoying a night of theater
Connecting with people from all across the state who care about public service
Having the privilege to keep on learning and growing and sharing that with others
Being in my home town and not being sad
Reminiscing and enjoying being at “home” and being ok with being there
Loving running through gimghoul and the neighborhood of my childhood and truly enjoying myself
Finding myself lost in croker arboretum
Lost in memories of good and connection to what made for the good in my life
Really feeling at “home” for the first time in a long time
Not needing to be back there and looking forward to getting home
my weekends in the season for the miracle league
being allowed to continue to announce for the miracle league
getting up on Saturday and knowing that I will spend the day engaging in the excitement of literally hundreds who will take the field that day
all the music that is played throughout the day on the field
the twist that jana makes when she hears here walk out to boot scootin boogie
To the joy and show of allie when “shake it fast” starts up
To this year Jeremiah waiting for the line “If I was the king of the world” being sung before he will hit and the “joy to the world” it brings to everyone when he hears it
Knowing that lucas is going to change up his song everytime and it is going to be an emotional one and I better be able to find a “clean” version fast
the dance celebration that Darrain is going to have when he comes home
And the fence jumping excitement that can only be our cokes when he come out and takes the field
Famalay and Isiah coming out more and more each game
alexa running after starting in a chair and growing taller and taller
seeing Allie just light up like the sun when she hears “roar”
Isaiah knowing every song and hearing the ball like a champ
Sincere running like the wind
Samantha making my day with conversation and hugs
The best co-announcer and friend anyone could ask for in Isaac
The absolutely humility in having these players honor me with their trust and care
The time spent with Mike and his inspiration from our opening to being next to me at games
For mike being a coach this year
For erin being a coach this year
For my friend and inspiration, David Morrison
For david’s coaching
For david Morrison consulting
For david being listed in the top 100 this year
For Erik reaching out to me and checking in on me on line
For watching these amazing players each week
For tip harris helping to sing with whitney Houston the national anthem
For the team sponsors
Wilmington rotary d’backs
Osprey global solutions
828 church
Parks Company
OT Solutions
Country Club of Landfall
All of Health and Applied Human Services coming out week after week to buddy
UNCW student volunteers
UNCW Baseball volunteers
UNCW Women’s Soccer Volunteers
UNCW Womens’ Softball Volunteers
Southeastern Freightliners
The campagna family
Peggy olsen
Olsen field
The McKenize Picnic Shelter
The Warhauser Dugout
Trot and Kathryn Nixon
Brax Stadium and Pete
Access of Wilmington board
Project soar
Access fit
Access fit and Cross fit
Access fit and Longwave Yoga
Project Soar Yoga
Hook Line and Paddle and Project soar
All the group homes
The leadership and resilience of Hayley Sink
The leadership and care of Maiya Alston
The veterans being served by Access
The miracle field itself
The miracle Kiwanis playground
The thousands of children using the region’s ground breaking accessible playground
The families and players all around the miracle field who come over to witness inclusion on any given Saturday
The families and players who stop and salute each time we play the national anthem
The Gregory memorial flag
The seacoast realty Coldwell banker, alpha mortage announcer booth
The Anderson field house
The hotdogs on every Saturday
The celebration each Saturday at the end of each game with “we are family”
Being able to coach a little from the micro phone as each player hits
The celebration of watching each player use their ability to participate
Watching Larry, well into his late 70s have access to this after a life without
The swann sisters
The bozart sisters
The t-ball league
Seeing our youngest players just have a ball
The collective chaos and joy of the t-ball players
Playing the great music from the t-ballers
Watching a players give up the t and want a pitch
The amazing and patient and kind pitchers we have who are so attentive and responsive
For Ms. Valerie being out week after week selling merchandise no matter what
For the new “baseball” cards for each player to let the buddies know more about them
For the amazing organization of Maiya and how well everything goes and is prepared
For the new sound system
For finally have a contract
Taking such care for each family member and their player
The message of inclusion
The miracles in motion race
Having a race that is 100 percent inclusion
Having the first race in the region that was and is 100 percent inclusion
Being allowed to be the announcer for the race
Having great weather for the race
Having the race on opening day this year
Having great folks to give prizes for the race
Seeing players of all abilities be awarded top honors
Having amazing sponsors for the race
The laymon group
Nhrmc
American Property Experts and Jason and Shannon Thompson
Coastal Carriers and Wayne Ray
Seeing wayne run with everyone else
Enjoy being able to celrbate the day with others
For chad laymon and his children coming out to be with all
For the days this year that have brought a new level of awarenss, health and growth
Wiliness to keep moving forward with listening to growth
Willingness to become a vegan
Willingness to use the health app each day
Willingness to take the vitamins and meds each day
Willingness to keep finding ways to exercise and move forward
Willingness to let go of people and things that stand in the way of being unhealthy
Willington to see stress and act to move in a way that will address it
Willingness to be a new part of the solution and keep listening and being aware
Willingness to not beat up but be positive when I not perfect
Loving the taste and flavor of this part of the journey
Creating new ways of integrating new neural pathways and sparking them together
Surrounding myself with people who care about me in this way and reinforce this way of being
The people who give me so much support and love
The life that I can give back for the life I am given
The joy I am feeling in new and powerful ways
the accountability at a level I have never had in my adult life
the level of blessings I feel
For the reality but the positive way I can and do move through no matter what is going on
For the creation of each moment
For the chance to embrace what is happening and see it through
To feel much, so much more of this in my body
The way this life is playing out a day at a time
The revelation of the gifts amid the issues and how it all comes together
Truth, forthright conversation and true care
So much love that can be seen everywhere when the distractions of negativity are everywhere trying to vie for notice
The grace that is drawing breath
The grace that is being alive
The grace that is being a part of this life
The true essence of what is part of my worth in all of it
So many who ran who see inclusion as the way forward
Being able to announce time and see the victory for all
Working with some of the finest people I have ever known
Seeing Nothing is more important than love
Being granted life on the waking of a new day
Living one day at a time
For knowing hope is not the absence of reality but an anticipated opportunity the possible in all circumstances.
Being able to type this
The time to make this possible
This time to reflect and share

Bo Dean's Blog In Wilmington North Carolina

1st Day of this Journey!

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Annual Thanksiving Tradition 2019: Year 20: 2000 Things I am Thankful For.

Thanksgiving tradition 2019: year 20: 2000 things I am grateful

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