Thursday, November 25, 2021

Annual thanksgiving Tradition 2021: 2200 Ways I am Grateful

 

Annual Thanksgiving Tradition:

 

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

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

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

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

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

I am grateful (to/for ):

1.)    my Higher power, whom I call God, who is my sustainer and the reason I am and can and do and who made me perfectly as I am and as I am becoming

2.)    Over 32 years, one day at a time, happy, joyous and free, by the grace of my higher power and the love of those who continue to love, teach, and sustain.

3.)    25 years of marriage to one of the greatest friends and loves I have ever known.

4.)    my family of blood and choice

5.)    knowing more about what makes family

6.)    feeling more and understanding more about what happened and what folks in my family went through that informs me and all of us

7.)    feeling more compassion and love to those I am related to today because of asking “what happened” rather than “what was wrong”

8.)    feeling closer to moving forward than being stuck in the old

9.)    loving but being able to let go

10.)          having an great great uncle contact me and connect me to part of my family I did not know

11.)          my own family

12.)          the way my family, this house and what we do together creates good

13.)          the joy breathing again this year

14.)          the love in this house

15.)          having one another

16.)          side by side chairs in our library space

17.)          having time together

18.)          the clock chimes

19.)          finding joy in simple things

20.)          sharing shows in Netflix

21.)          finding joy in simple things

22.)          the wagging tail on the way out the door

23.)          seeing Michael and jax walking as I leave  work

24.)          seeing jax so excited when the leash comes out

25.)          that little face in his lap waiting

26.)          the sound of jax’s breathing

27.)          the little welps in his dreams

28.)          his rolling in his bed

29.)          jax moving back and th at night to make sure we are both taken care of

30.)          the bark  treats

31.)          the timing  his food

32.)          the love of his pull toys

33.)          opening doors, no matter how inappropriate at times 😊

34.)          bringing a toy on walking into the house

35.)          the love on entry to the house

36.)          all the love of our little family

37.)          finding a doggie advent calendar

38.)          the joy of going to see Miss Katy a

39.)          miss katy and best day every!

40.)          All the special treats from Miss katy

41.)          Having a life, the gives so unconditionally to us

42.)          Having a home where we nuture life around us

43.)          Sharing the same feelings about nurturing and focusing on life

44.)          Being committed to things that are similar

45.)          Being supportive of things that are different

46.)          Being supporting of ideas that are not always the same

47.)          Having an envriorment where we can be creative

48.)          the growth that continues with us

49.)          never taking  granted each and every day together

50.)          being in a locked down situation and finding peace and comt in and with each other

51.)          finding the friendship in the way we move through

52.)          the being at the door when I arrive sometimes

53.)          that hug on the way out

54.)          the hug on the way home

55.)          knowing never to take it  granted

56.)          never going to bed angry

57.)           being able to find out way through really hard things

58.)          being able to find our way through really difficult things

59.)          sharing so many values and truths

60.)          sharing faith

61.)          sharing love

62.)          sharing good

63.)          sharing care

64.)          sharing a desire to care

65.)          supporting one another in what we want to do

66.)          supporting one another in what we are actually doing

67.)          continuing to find ways to articulate that care

68.)          always saying I love you

69.)          always meaning I love you

70.)          holding hands

71.)          never another  either

72.)          seeing the possible in the worst and best of times, together

73.)          just being heard by someone who knows me

74.)          being me and not being afraid to do so

75.)          having someone who looks at me and is genuinely loving

76.)          true trust and care

77.)          days at home working together

78.)          finding ways to unload without loading one another up

79.)          getting coffee  me

80.)          allowing me to be helpful

81.)          creating space to have time  ourselves

82.)          the video game

83.)          hearing laughter from a book or a movie or something we are sharing

84.)          haring laughter m something we are listening to on our own but still in the same room

85.)          still able to be in absolute silence but ok with

86.)          what an amazing son he is to his mother

87.)          what a gentle and good soul he is

88.)          what  compassionate and caring mentor and teacher he is

89.)          how much he cares about the work

90.)          how much he cares about his colleagues

91.)          how much he cares about the university even when….

92.)          How much I have been granted time with someone who is so special

93.)           our trips to get coffee

94.)          Drives to the beach

95.)          Those eyes!

96.)          Every hug

97.)          Our walks on figure eight this year

98.)          Time on the back porch together

99.)          sitting here, looking out the window on the garden typing this cancer free

100.)      all the love in this part of the journey with cancer

101.)      the day that I left Linda’s porch to go to  the MRI

102.)      the prayer Linda put on me to be surrounded with love

103.)      the technician at NHRMC as she put the dye in me  that MRI and the extreme care she took

104.)      listening, finally to my body and what was going on to go get help

105.)      the call that Dr. Brown took from me with the news came to me bee the Doctor could talk to me.

106.)      Dr. Brown’s comt and care and ease on a new year’s weekend

107.)      Dr. Brown’s advocacy  my health when I felt like I was loosing it

108.)      The intensity of fear being replaced with love and support and a way ward

109.)      The call to Dr. Webb and his ease to get me rightly directed to a good god

110.)      the way it worked out and God’s grace with the immediacy  being seen

111.)      the amazing care of Roc McCarthy and his staff

112.)      Dr. McCarthy and his way ward, his comt, guidance and are.

113.)       Nurse Sandy and all the nurses who never let me flounder

114.)       the ease with billing and payment on MyChart that let me focus on my health

115.)      The cards, the surrounding of care from Rotary

116.)      The blessings of FMLA

117.)      The care of my boss and close team

118.)      The support from work

119.)      Having benefits and being able to get good treatment

120.)      Knowing the level of care of was and is excellent

121.)      The love of sonya and benefits and knowing I would be able to get through

122.)      The laymon group’s advocacy  me and never letting me down  a minute

123.)      The advocacy  the laymon group and their continued work to see me whole

124.)      The process at NHRMC  surgery

125.)      The check in team

126.)      The anesthesiologists

127.)      The covid testers who saw me so I could have surgery during all this mess

128.)      The nurses talking to me and helping me get through

129.)      The recovery room and hearing what I heard next to me and knowing how blessed I am

130.)      The resilience skills helping me reset so I could face surgery and be ok

131.)      The resilience skills and be able to get through in the weeks ahead

132.)      The drugs! Yes,  someone who does not take drugs or drink, I was grateful that this hospital knew how many and what quantity to not overdue but keep me comtable

133.)      coming home and the care of a spouse, partner, best friend that was unparalleled.

134.)      the little hook on the side of the bed

135.)      the knitted blanket that covered me every second of the time as I recovered from a friend who left it at more doorstep

136.)      the love of friends who sent door dash

137.)      the love of friends who sent gift cards so we could have healthy meals

138.)      the loving basket of self-care and goodies m my access family

139.)      the texts just to check in and see how things were going

140.)      Jax laying at my side and never leaving my side

141.)      The gifts of seth Boynton and his therapy practice

142.)      The treatment days and the care in the office

143.)      Being able to complete the first treatments in the back garden

144.)      Legs up against the wall to let the medicine go in

145.)      Remembering my mom and dad to give me strength

146.)      Having powers of example on line who helped me even though they did not know it

147.)      Having Randy, Scott, Eric, Judy, Anna, Judy, Debora, Andy, Donn, Bill, Holly, Tracy, Beth, Josh, Robert, Pat, Ola, Mary be just some of the sources of my hope and inspiration to get through (and  Randy to still get through by grace)

148.)      The life of Eric Redolphy

149.)      The life of Donn Ansell

150.)      Life of Judy Bloodworth

151.)      The ansell scholarship

152.)      The shoulders I still stand on because of Donn’s care and love

153.)      The life of Bill McCarthy

154.)      This year hearing Bill’s name from someone who is better and moving ward because of him

155.)      The Life Beth Quinn

156.)      The life Tracy Brown

157.)      The legacy of the ovarian cancer funds from Tracy and Beth and others still making a difference

158.)      The life of Andy Estal

159.)      The life of Scott Corbett

160.)      The life of Ann Skiba

161.)      The Life of Paul Marhshall Dean

162.)      The Life of Wade Hampton Phelps

163.)      The Life of Nancy Phelps Hodges

164.)      The legacy of Ann and the lecture series

165.)      The life of Josh Vach

166.)      The life of Ola Lewis

167.)      Sitting next to Ola at coastal horizons dinner and sharing love for the good that can come when we believe in others

168.)      The forever texts during her treatments of hope and love of god

169.)      The work and waymaking of ola lewis

170.)      Creation of drug treatment court by judge lewis

171.)      The life of Lenwood Sherill Dean Jr.

172.)      All the inspiration around cindy

173.)      The Josh Vach Scholarship

174.)      The Josh Vach stand at Wrigthsville beach

175.)      The life of Robert West

176.)      The Life of Frank Harr

177.)      The legacy of Frank Harr living on in the Frank Harr Foundation

178.)      The life of Pat Leonard

179.)      The legacy of Pat Leonard

180.)      The world of amazing things on UNCW’s campus left from Pat Leonard being on this planet.

181.)      The legacy and work of Working Films

182.)      The impact of Working Films

183.)      All the gratitude  those who lived and lived and taught me to live no matter what

184.)      Having a desk in my bedroom so I could work on the first floor and no have to navigate the steps.

185.)      Watching the birds and the beginning of the growth in the garden as the treatments took effect.

186.)      The ability to keep working and doing  the most part

187.)      The ability to stay safe in the pandemic and get my treatments

188.)      The nurses in Dr. McCarthy’s office’s who gave the treatments and made it so easy  me.

189.)      The care everyone allowed  as the treatments become a bit more  me.

190.)      The hope that came with the treatments

191.)      The turtle doves that hung out with me often

192.)      Watching the development of the garden as each treatment took effect

193.)      The cardinals feeding one another

194.)      Being able to feel the cool breeze and be present and shift in the discomt

195.)      Being able to shift and stay

196.)      Being able to focus so that discomt did not rule every moment

197.)      Being able to find joy and ease in the midst

198.)      Being able to see good and the possible

199.)      Being able to use what I had learned to find peace

200.)      the magnificence of love and kindness

201.)      the feeing of grounding and the best underneath my body

202.)      the ability to have equipment that allowed mobility and ease around the house

203.)      the silence at times where any noise was just too much and I could have that time to just be still and know my God and be ok

204.)       having neighbors that are not noisy and have that peace

205.)       

206.)      Being able to look up at the sky as the medicine took effect

207.)      Having Michael go with me each time to treatment

208.)      Having a broccoli and cheese (cheat) bowls  comt after each treatment

209.)      Being allowed on Figure eight to walk to be away from others as I was compromised

210.)      Being able to work from home during a great deal of this

211.)      Having such loving friends to give me places of peace to heal and continue to move ward.

212.)      Not being set up with being “cured”

213.)      Having doctor that explains everything and the full realm

214.)      Having a doctor that gives a clear way ward

215.)      Having a doctor that fist bumps and cares deeply

216.)      Having a doctor that is an expert but have clear empathy

217.)      The check up after the first surgery and treatments being progress but still needing to do more

218.)       being ok with having to do a second surgery and get that done

219.)      Listening to the inside and not being overly dramatic

220.)      Showing up  my health and getting through

221.)      Living pretty daggone well while facing challenges.

222.)      Accepting some changes in the direction of where the treatment was going to be

223.)      The care that I received at Columbus regional

224.)       the check in nurse and the absolute love she showed both Michael and myself.

225.)      The ease, again of the process of the surgery itself.

226.)      The joy of the removal of the catheter.

227.)      Realizing  the first time in my life what it means to be grateful to be able to urinate on your own! (and I cannot overstate that one!)

228.)      The second round of treatments

229.)      Knowing what to expect

230.)      being able to get through them as they were a little tougher

231.)      being able to keep working during all this

232.)      having a mask mandate as it helped with being safe in most situations

233.)      the connected to being present with my body and feeling progress being made

234.)      humility and grace

235.)      having a sense of being able to move ward

236.)      the six week check in and being seeing the camera show no cancer

237.)      nurse wendy crying with me as I heard that no cancer was present

238.)      have a doc that celebrates with you

239.)      moving from 50 tumors (I thought it was 40, he Doc says 50) to none!

240.)      Moving to areas of “concern” and to six and 9 month check up  every

241.)      Knowing that I can keep on taking care of me and move ward

242.)      Being grateful and humble about being alive

243.)      All the love and care around me

244.)      All the possibilities to use resources that are out there to connect what happened to me to others…ALL others

245.)      finding some more empowerment

246.)      another day

247.)      each day

248.)      waking up and literally being able to say “thank you”  another day EVERY day

249.)      waking up in my own bed

250.)      not beating up on myself  gaining weight during the cancer

251.)      having what I need to move ward and take care of me

252.)      having the resources to continue to create good health

253.)      having resources and health care

254.)      Wrightsville family practice

255.)      The care of Dr. Williams

256.)      The care of Dr. Jones

257.)      The care during my covid scare

258.)      Not actually have covid after all

259.)      being able to get vaccinated after the treatments were over

260.)      the measures taken by Wrightsville family practice to take care of all patients to get treatment and seen no matter what

261.)      the mask mandate and order

262.)      the new hanover county health department

263.)      the care and expertise of county health director David Howard

264.)      the care and expertise of county assistant director Carla Turner

265.)      Carla taking my calls when I needed questions answered

266.)      The care of the pandemic team when the public needed assistance

267.)      The care of the call teams when making appointments

268.)      The stewardship and direction of the Lauren McConville and Kate Oelschlager at getting the call center up and moving ward

269.)      the leadership of Cheryl Knips in staffing  all our county employees to keep the pandemic response staffed

270.)      the leaders at NHC  keeping up moving ward in the pandemic response

271.)      my own boss  keeping us together during the pandemic response, Mark Francolini

272.)      Kyia Freeman doing all the management of leave and response to leave as the pandemic effected those on the front lines

273.)      the entire Human Resource team at NHC  being responsive to all the needs the pandemic moved and created so much change  so many

274.)      the witness of seeing those I work with be responsive to these event but still rise to service under extraordinary times

275.)       those on the front lines who, regardless of being so susceptible to the issues related to the pandemic, still showed up and found ways to deliver service

276.)      Our environmental management/landfall folks who NEVER stopped during the pandemic in all the issues, in all the weather

277.)      Our sheriff’s

278.)      Our jail and the amazing management of the issues and the mitigation of the pandemic is amazing ways

279.)      Our courts and the way in which they were management to create safe access and care in the best way ward

280.)      The innovations around use of technology to allow family visits and other means to connect juveniles and others incarcerated with their families during the pandemic electronically as well as their legal teams, proving very positive results and effects.

281.)      The innovations around social services and getting much needed services in person or electronically so that people were able to get what they needed and staff and customers were served

282.)      the library being able to keep people with information and resources

283.)      the fire services keeping themselves safe and still serving

284.)      the witness of seeing the nurses doing the testing and making sure that everyone has wat they need to know what is happening to them

285.)       all the employees who were shifted to positions that were on the front lines of the pandemic eft

286.)      the vaccination clinics and all the employees who personed those positions

287.)      the employees who staffed those positions and did so without hesitation

288.)      the the citizens who did not try to break the order of the distribution of the vaccines

289.)      the 91 year old that I got to serve at MLK who just made me so grateful  being there and reminded me of why were there and why folks needed to wait their turn

290.)      the staff at the MLK center

291.)      the amazing resources  the guard

292.)      the professionalism of the guard

293.)      the professionalism of the guard

294.)      the accuracy and goodness of the governor’s office

295.)      the visits from the governors office

296.)      the statewide emergency management

297.)      the NHC emergency management office

298.)      M. Walker Designs creating something to say thank you

299.)      Those who sent high-fives and gave recognition

300.)       all who saw and see the good these amazing people have done and are doing in all this.

301.)      The satellite outreach vaccinations to places where those a greatest risk needed access to care

302.)      The deep understanding of reaching out to marginalized communities and being responsive to care

303.)      The office of diversity equity and inclusion connecting and making safety and information connect on these issues

304.)      The leadership of Linda Thompson

305.)      being a cornell graduate

306.)      creating more learning around cornells diversity, equity and inclusion

307.)      creating more space to expand inclusion  microagression understanding

308.)      being more intentional about implicit bias

309.)      creating more awareness and understanding to help connect more and deliver more

310.)      being able to make intentional deliverables about microaffirmations and bringing people in

311.)      seeing the possible around how to make things more viable  all

312.)      hearing the voice of those involved and create space  them to participate

313.)      The translations of the information going out in Spanish

314.)      The movement to create the access to the language line  all department

315.)      The leadership of Cheryl Knips in leading that eft and Lucy Smith getting those out to everyone to have that access

316.)      The extraordinary work of 911 to keep directing calls during all this time and keep that response moving ward at all times.

317.)      The working with and  community leaders to reach out and in to work together

318.)      The information to make clear accurate and science informed information

319.)      The zooms, meetings and efts to be clear and transparent at every turn as information became and comes available

320.)      The accountability to ensure we are all there and moving ward with the best information those we serve

321.)      Staying focused on what I can control when there are things outside of what is in my prevue

322.)      Staying on mission and focused on those who do the work and do it with such care and good

323.)       the resilience working group calling and checking and helping people at every turn

324.)       the peer support group working to ensure the best   the HHS staff as they kept showing up

325.)       the TILT team as they worked with incidences of violence and abuse as they rose during all this

326.)       positive and affirming decisions to keep support those who are creating a difference

327.)      the leadership of Anna McCray

328.)      the leadership of Steven Still

329.)      the leadership of Diana Vetter Craft

330.)      the leadership of Tufanna Bradley

331.)      the leadership of Donna Fako

332.)      the leadership and care of Clinic Lab lead Shirley Melito

333.)      the Clinic Nurse Supervisor Panza McNeil

334.)      the Clinic Nurses

335.)      the school nurses who showed up and did the vaccinations as heros

336.)      the fire services members who got qualified to give vaccines

337.)      the sheriff’s deputies that were qualified to give vaccines

338.)      being able to get our front line folks vaccinated

339.)      having a policy that includes folks  vaccinations

340.)       all the staff who keep normal operations running while staffing pandemic locations

341.)      the mall site

342.)      the operation of the mall site

343.)      the skill of Bonita Wright

344.)      the skill of Regina James Boston

345.)      the amazing logistics team from Facilities management taking care of the warehouse runs

346.)      step up Wilmington staff

347.)      step up Wilmington getting work  folks

348.)      step up Wilmington creating opportunity  pandemic hires and relief

349.)      all the work that agencies across town do and did  emergency positions

350.)       the mental health team responding to calls

351.)      the amazing logistics team from Parks taking care of the warehouse runs

352.)      the temporary hires

353.)      the resilience posters on every site

354.)      the twice weekly meetings to ensure that we were keeping up with supply and changes as we went along

355.)      port city java giving coffee to the sites

356.)      the way in which the county took care of those who responded to the actual sites

357.)      to the way in which the county took care of all those who were present during the pandemic itself

358.)      the nhc health board

359.)      the commissioners and their leadership in this pandemic

360.)      the executive leadership team and their leadership

361.)      having PPE  those responding

362.)      facilities management keeping everything so clean  all of us to be safe

363.)      the care given to facilities management so they would be safe

364.)      being able to be a part of public service

365.)      going into my eighth year with this work

366.)      creating and connecting in a deeper level with the work we do to connect with the changes to meet the need of those we serve

367.)      serving on the host committee  the North Carolina Association of county commissioners annual meeting

368.)      being witness to the amazing empowerment and work of the NCACC

369.)      finding a way to have that meeting in the pandemic

370.)      having NOVANT/NHRMC provide masks and sanitizers  the meeting

371.)      having the largest number of volunteers in the history of the NCACC conference WANT to be involved from NHC government!

372.)      Seeing our folks present and be so respected across the state

373.)      See how other counties and commissioners love resilience and want to do more

374.)      Seeing our landfill be so highly regarded and want to be modeled by other counties

375.)      Seeing how much airlie is prized by the whole state

376.)      The convention center doing an amazing job

377.)      Our clerks office doing such an amazing job leading

378.)      The leadership of Clerk Crowell

379.)      The leadership of Tim Buckland

380.)      The leadership of Deputy Clerk Long

381.)      The amazing work of Kids Making it to create connection to gifts

382.)      The amazing staff and leaders of NCACC

383.)      The committee leadership

384.)      the work with Melissa Cox and so glad she was with me at that time

385.)      the Arboretum and leadership of Lloyd Singleton

386.)      being asked to speak at the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners on Resilience.

387.)      Being asked to be a part of things (no lie..I am SO grateful to be a part of things)

388.)      Being asked to speak at the western NC Clerks conference

389.)      Being asked to speak  the easter NC clerks Conference

390.)      the connection the county commission clerks and the work they do

391.)      the resilience posters going up in the courts

392.)      the leadership of Judge Corpening

393.)      the leadership of Clerk Kennedy

394.)      the leadership of Ben David

395.)      being able to be the facilitator  the CJAG

396.)      seeing how resilience is showing up and creating a means to help have the conversation about trauma informed practices in judicial services

397.)      the connection with Brunswick county and sharing this as a model to create better and work together

398.)      leading a NACO award  building a resilient community

399.)      being a part of NACO national award  building and delivering a supervisor initiative  HHS collaboration

400.)      seeing our resilience continues to help create a way ward in burnout

401.)      the work around burnout

402.)      the honest discussion about what is happening and what is needed

403.)      the buy in from leadership to create better around burnout and issue related to concerns

404.)      the opportunity to be a part of solutions

405.)      the opportunity to think about and strategize about how to make a difference

406.)      to be able to research and work to create learning and development

407.)      to listen and be about the improvement of people who care and serve

408.)      to be involved in the professional development of damned good people

409.)      to be witness to folks who bring in and help to make taxes fair and equitable at the county level

410.)      to be witness to those who serve and make veterans services possible

411.)      to be witness to strategy and finance and all those who make us a place that can be trusted and trustworthy!

412.)      being able to do the joint work with Diversity and Equity on this year’s mandatory training and having inclusion as the focus for  engagement

413.)      being able to focus on law and transgender inclusion for  the public and more intentional conversations

414.)      being able to deliver new employee orientation every other week

415.)      being able to welcome and set tone for new public servants

416.)      to have the history of NHC and be able to continue into my eighth year sharing our history in an honest, open and aligned and connected way.

417.)       each orientation being a moment to engage service  each person in a way that might set up success  the world around us.

418.)      All the subject matter experts that help to enliven the efts to inm and engage and create a way forward  for those who serve

419.)      All those who care about the learning and growth of others

420.)      Two scholarships that we will have for  employees

421.)      Partnerships with the SWAIN Center

422.)      Partnerships  for career growth and education and CFCC

423.)      Programming partnerships at the Wilson Center

424.)      The leadership of Shane Fernando

425.)      The work of the CFCC foundation

426.)      The UNCW Foundation

427.)      The professional development department at CFCC

428.)      The ongoing engagement with NACO

429.)      The leadership academy at NACO

430.)      My ability to go through the NACO leadership Academy

431.)      My coin, signed book, but mostly the learning directly from General Powelll in the NACO academy.

432.)      The legacy of Colin Powell

433.)      The engagement of others in the NACO academy

434.)      Leadership Wilmington

435.)      Our partnership with the Wilmington Chamber.

436.)      the leadership of Matt Mylott

437.)      the leadership of Bob Pious

438.)      the leadership of the Cameron School of Business

439.)      our 7th cohort of NHC/UNCW Swain SERVE academy begun

440.)      our 6tth cohort of NHC/UNCW Swain Service Academy Graduated

441.)      the ongoing high retention and promotion rates for  those who attended these growth groups

442.)      the project management academy with swain

443.)      the resource of Dr. Drew Rosen

444.)      the amazing and ongoing relationship with Dr. Rosen

445.)      the leadership of Dr. Nivine Richie

446.)      the leadership of Dean Burrus

447.)      the care for  the clients that are seen when working together and creating opportunities

448.)      the forte Institute

449.)      the leadership of Hoop Morgan

450.)      the fierce care of Dr. Rick Olsen

451.)      the special work with our teams from Dr. Olsen

452.)      going through certification to create more and better  all

453.)      the assessment ability with forte

454.)      the Maslach Burnout Inventory

455.)      the Self Care Monitor tool from the NC DHHS

456.)      my ride or die helping me within formation as always, Robin Johnson

457.)      the team for assessing clinic issues  training, Susan, Chris and Seth

458.)      always having the best in efficacy for  taking care of those we serve

459.)      working together across the enterprise to deliver opportunities

460.)      UNCW school of government

461.)      Having parks resource officers

462.)      BANE!

463.)      The amazing response after the shooting on the south side.

464.)      the mental health team running the hotline immediately after the shooting

465.)      hearing the stories of care and relief of who the mental health team responded to after the shootings

466.)      the expansion of mental health teams in our schools

467.)      the placement of more nurses in our schools and school wide

468.)      the pandemic response team

469.)      the new youth violence team

470.)      the soil and water team

471.)      the cleaning and keeping clear creek beds and water ways

472.)      the holding true to promised made after Florence to ensure things moving ward

473.)      being witness to the beam raising for the new government center

474.)      signing the beam for the new government center

475.)      seeing the proactive nature of the actions taken to ensure better responses to needs overall

476.)      the forward movement on the park below monkey junction

477.)      the renaming of the park to long leaf park   

478.)      The most amazing community partners showing up

479.)      The community coming together (and Linda and DEI pulling it together) to make sure that folks KNEW people gave a daggone!

480.)      The response and care after the shooting at NHHS.

481.)      The school nurse on the scene

482.)      All the responders on the scene

483.)      the resilience folks who came to action

484.)      all the parents who got the text their kid was ok and connected

485.)      The coming together  moving forward of youth violence

486.)       seeing a way ward to create some difference for  our youth and families

487.)       the strat team working on the facilitations

488.)      to be witness to amazing folks who serve in 911

489.)      to be witness to amazing folks who serve in the Sheriff’s office

490.)      to be witness to amazing folks who serve in Fire Services

491.)      plantation village and the turkey’s and hams

492.)       all who acknowledge and look out for  those who serve at holidays

493.)      to be humbled to be asked to be on the Primary Complete Podcast

494.)      to be in a place where I am asked to share with people who see so much and to be in a discussion where I am challenged and inspired to give the best of myself

495.)      to be among people who bring out so much good

496.)      to be witness to amazing folks who serve in Health and Human Services

497.)      to be witness to amazing folks who serve as school nurses, particularly in these times with school mask mandates and so much being asked

498.)      to witness to amazing folks who serve as inspectors with all the building projects and so much demand

499.)      to be witness to work with such incredible people in public service HR

500.)      to be witness to work with amazing people in our landfill and environmental services on a peninsula that is growing exponentially and managing waste takes such extraordinary care

501.)      to be witness to work with folks in community justice services who get it to see the whole in families and restorative justice

502.)      to be among the 2000 who serve, 24.7/365

503.)      the work of LINC incorporated

504.)      those who see value in every human life

505.)      those who see the value in the worth and work that every human has to offer

506.)      NHC, us, leading in Ban the box

507.)      others following us in Ban the box

508.)      NHC having a higher than 15$ an hour start wage

509.)      others starting to follow the NHC wage start to make sure that folks are above the minimum wage for this area sustaining wage

510.)      NHC having benefits that help keep employees whole

511.)      My job

512.)      My benefits

513.)      My ability to stay whole when I am sick

514.)      My ability to take a vacation

515.)      Learning to take some time off from work

516.)      Having a safe place to work from

517.)      Having what I need to do my job

518.)      Having connectivity and equipment to get what I need done

519.)      Having people I can reach out to if I need something

520.)      Being 55

521.)      Being 55 with hair 😊

522.)      Being 55 and feeling like I am still learning

523.)      Being 55 and wanting to keep learning

524.)      Being 55 and having something to offer

525.)      Being engaged in what I do

526.)      Being able to take care of my burnout this summer and healing some

527.)      NHC leading with having testing for  employees who were not vaccinated and having that option  now

528.)      NHC

529.)      be trusted to be thoughtful about ideas

530.)      to be used in a way that create good

531.)      to be thought of as a means to create good

532.)      to find a tribe of others who can create good

533.)      to be able to walk around the building to reset when things are tough

534.)      walks with tracy

535.)      walks with Cheryl

536.)      finding nature in our own work grounds

537.)      the woods out back

538.)      the ditch flowers

539.)      the butterflies in the swamp in the back of work

540.)      all the places I have found to walk this year

541.)      being able to walk at all after all that has happened 

542.)      finding the abbey nature preserve

543.)      the view of the swamp in the preserve

544.)      finding the most incredible passion flowers out at the preserve

545.)      the orb weavers all over the preserve

546.)      the swing on the path

547.)      being pushed on the swing by Michael

548.)      the love of swinging out in the middle of the woods

549.)      the quiet and beauty of that preserve

550.)      all the amazing nature and wild flowers everywhere in the preserve

551.)      the ancient mill stones near the swamp

552.)      the deep impressions and work into the millstones

553.)      the horses from the plantation next door coming to the fence

554.)      not having to go onto a “plantation” and still enjoy the land and walk

555.)      the deep meditation and reset in those woods

556.)      the opening of the sky and cloud from the tree tops

557.)      the well worn paths

558.)      the few people that were venturing out and peace

559.)      the area behind out house

560.)      the walking trails in the UNCW woods

561.)      the bike paths that have been carved in the UNCW woods

562.)      how much this year I was able to notice new plants

563.)      the use of naturist and being able to identify plants in the woods nearby

564.)      the ability to walk a little further

565.)      knowing I will be able to run again soo

566.)      being able to run a few times since surgeries, but being content with the walks

567.)      being able to hear all the birds in the woods

568.)      being able to distinguish the different bird from one another

569.)      the height of the long life pines

570.)      my long leaf pine at the cape fear Public Utility authority which is still my resource from Florence

571.)      my ability to walk back and th to work

572.)      the view of Church of the Servant on the way back

573.)      being able to stop in the garden in the front of the church and find a little piece

574.)      the large yellow daisies in the late summer at COS

575.)      the little sidewalk now connected to college acres

576.)      not getting hit by parents letting off their children or picking them up at college acres 😊

577.)      not being caught on camera flipping off people going to fast in the neighborhood and almost hitting me

578.)      using my resilience skills and not throwing things at cars when they almost run me down while walking 😊

579.)      enjoying the canopy of trees on the street on the way home

580.)      the canopy on our own street

581.)      our HOA

582.)      our community management company

583.)      the leadership of Chris Blake

584.)      the board keeping things moving ward in the face of aggressive “investors”  all of us

585.)       the closeness to the university and all the places to keep with nature

586.)       being able to drive to the beach in 5 minutes

587.)       feeling the sand under my toes.

588.)       the crashing waves

589.)       being chased by water when I wear shoes

590.)       feeling the water pull me in

591.)      The coolness of the water over my feet and ankles

592.)      Finding the shells

593.)      The shells finding me

594.)      Finding something new on the beach

595.)      Feeling the sun on me

596.)      Experiencing the sun in new ways on the ocean

597.)      Experiencing the clouds in new ways

598.)      Being in the beach bee a storm

599.)      Hearing people laugh on the beach.

600.)      the respite of a place to stay on the beach

601.)      Linda and her family allowing us to rent her place

602.)      the most amazing view from the porch

603.)      the porch

604.)      the pine walls and wrapping me with memories of Granddaddy Wade and Grandmother Lois

605.)      Martha being able to join us for  dinner

606.)      Just taking time and being away for a few days together on the beach

607.)      The sound and constant breeze

608.)      the reaching out on facebook and being heard (thank you Frank and LInwoood)

609.)      the cicadas and the call of their voices in the trees.

610.)      the amazing variety of wildflowers and plants under my feet all around the building when I walk and am present

611.)      being present on the walks

612.)      finding my way to Carolina beach state park again

613.)      taking a whole new path in the CBSP

614.)      not worrying about where I was going but just walking

615.)      enjoying the look of the park in the fall

616.)      the sun coming through the leaves as the changed colors

617.)      all the different natural grasses

618.)      the butterfly alighting on my shoe

619.)      finding my way to the river

620.)      the sound of the water gently hitting the reeds along the shore

621.)      sitting on an ancient piece of wood and just watching the giant boats go out from the port

622.)      loving seeing the birds

623.)      being still in that place and connecting

624.)      feeling a sense of peace like I know when I am in a garden or woods

625.)      feeling it like I do when I am in Airlie

626.)      turning into airlie one day in the summer when traffic was to thick I could not get over to Wrightsville

627.)      finding my way to the adironack chairs

628.)      sitting on the Bradley creek side and watching boats come in

629.)      feeling the breeze as it helped to heal me on a particularly tough day

630.)      listening to a family beside me having a picnic

631.)      watching a little boy climb the oak tree beside me

632.)      feeling an attachment to the little boy as that is exactly what I loved to do

633.)      getting enchanted airlie tickets

634.)      the tulips at airlie

635.)      the Bradley creek pier

636.)      the arboretum

637.)      all the new programing that Lloyd has brought about at the aroboretum

638.)      the tea house

639.)      the Japanese gardens

640.)      the resources for  working with sustainable planting

641.)      the ability garden

642.)      the garden sale

643.)      the art in the arboretum support and sale

644.)      Watching the new building coming up out the ground

645.)      See progress moving ward

646.)      Facilitating group work

647.)      The vision and leadership of Sara Warmuth and her team in Facilities at NHC

648.)      Watching groups come to new places in their work

649.)      Setting up environments where people can talk and express

650.)      Seeing folks “get it” in environments where trauma and toxicity have lived.

651.)      Seeing a way forward  those who do the work

652.)      Seeing the possible be created  for persons who don’t always feel like they are heard

653.)      Connecting people to each other

654.)      Being trusted to connect people to each other

655.)      knowing the difference between connecting and manipulating and constantly being mindful

656.)       knowing what my role is and being glad to that role

657.)      Not getting that I am where I am and doing what I am doing because of people that have helped and given me opportunities to succeed

658.)      Taking opportunity

659.)      Using opportunities

660.)      being able to depend on and trust folks at work

661.)      being able to feel like I am trusted and cared about and accept that care

662.)      getting that call  for help and not feeling like and imposter

663.)      learning how to slow down and be more deliberate.

664.)      The Front Desk team

665.)      Being called sugar foot!

666.)      Our huddles

667.)      Having a direct full time support

668.)      The Masters of Public Administration Fellows Program

669.)      The MPA Students

670.)      Seeing the MPA students thrive in local government

671.)      Learning from the MPA students and staying current

672.)      Creating connections to current materials and implementing to what we do and why with MPA work

673.)      The MPA advisory board

674.)      UNCW MPA program

675.)      The leadership of Dr. Imperial

676.)      The MPA student on my team and how amazing she is

677.)      Our use of the essential oil diffuser

678.)      The connection to turtles

679.)      Our all sharing the same space!

680.)      Having a full working team

681.)      Creating space together to create better

682.)      The health and wellness and way ward  J.

683.)      Our office thanksgiving pumpkin of thanks!

684.)      Not having hurricane duty this year!

685.)      The laughter in the hallway

686.)      The ability to decompress when we need to

687.)      The assessment of my hair 😊

688.)      being more aware that not all things are perfect but I can do somethings and make a difference in a space that I have

689.)      the ability to walk to work as much as possible

690.)      the hawk on the way to work

691.)      being able to see the web weavers on the way to work

692.)      being close enough to work to walk

693.)      the ability to be close enough to work to come home  lunch

694.)      having lunch with jax almost everyday

695.)      taking time to have lunch

696.)      being able to stop and get coffee on the way to work

697.)      being able to order and just to pick up that coffee on the way to work

698.)      knowing that I have access to these things so conveniently.

699.)      My library

700.)      The NHC Library

701.)      The access the library book sale

702.)      Seeing Michael light up at a booksale!

703.)      My ability to get professional books on my own from the library sale

704.)      Folks using the library in my office

705.)      All the materials I get to use

706.)      The association of talent development

707.)      SHRM membership

708.)      Resources from the lower cape fear HR group

709.)      My certification in the Community Resilience model

710.)      This summer being able to go through the beta of the diversity equity and inclusion with CRM

711.)      The amazing North Carolina Trainers

712.)      Working with Elaine Miller Karas

713.)      The life changing research and work of Elaine Miller Karas

714.)      The amazing vision shared with me from Elaine

715.)      The discussion and time shared

716.)      Being able to listen to the Resiliency Within Podcast weekly

717.)      Being a featured guest with Mebane on the Podcast

718.)      Building out and connecting our resilience practice with a facebook group

719.)      Resilience in action facebook group reaching over 2300 people this year

720.)      Having a community in facebook that stays on topic

721.)      having multiple sharers on the resilience facebook

722.)      being able to see behind the scenes on the facebook group how many people stay engaged and use it as a resource

723.)      how the facebook group keeps me focused and moving ward

724.)      the resource  gathering and creating information sharing on the facebook group

725.)      how with so much negative and misinformation in social media there is a place like this

726.)      how in building the facebook group there is finding so many others and finding that positive core of others that feel the same

727.)      the link to those that want to do more

728.)      the contemplative monk

729.)      finding no mud no lotus

730.)      the practice of holly Konrady

731.)      the love and support of holly Konrady

732.)      the new practice of Rachael DeCaria

733.)      the love and support of Rachel DeCaria

734.)      the amazing menus  life and health from Rachael Decaria

735.)      having the Cape Fear Whole Foods Plant based group to connect with

736.)      the moments of discomt that led to learning

737.)      seeking new ways to understand hear perspectives that help me grow

738.)      resources for  resilience

739.)      the fierce advocacy of Ann Dupre Rogers

740.)      the voice of reason and calm of Ann Dupre

741.)      sitting on Ann’s porch on zoom

742.)      seeing the different ways we show up and come through

743.)      the connection to historical trauma

744.)      seeing the connection be more understood in Wilmington

745.)      seeing the connection in Wilmington be permeated and some actions happening

746.)      the mentorship of Mary Lynn Barrett

747.)      Mary Lynn reaching out and connecting me to the ACES conference

748.)      Being able to facilitate discussion around the effects of climate and resilience

749.)      Seeing the three realms of aces live and the impacts in these first films from the conference

750.)      Connecting with Robert West’s legacy

751.)      Connecting with Judith Efland

752.)      Seeing Judith put in Robert’s coat and the amazing connection in that conference

753.)      How much the films on recovery and impacts of climate events have on communities that are already suffering or having disconnection

754.)      The work of Beth Schrader and the grid and need for improvement

755.)      Having the work locally by the recovery and resilience office in the Washington post

756.)      Seeing how we are looking at more the communities that are disparate and responding to their needs

757.)      Connecting aces and other forms of trauma with how persons show up

758.)      Seeing intersectionality and how it comes out and through

759.)      Being able to see not the reaction or the action but being able to ask “what happened”

760.)      Finding compassion in trauma informed

761.)      Finding compassion in suffering

762.)      Finding hope in compassion

763.)      Empathy in connection

764.)      So much good in all these connections

765.)       Irene

766.)       Jennifer

767.)       Trisha

768.)       Bright Embrace

769.)       Meredith Muldford

770.)       our amazing teach back together  re-cert!

771.)       all the places and spaces we can create a way ward

772.)       the Janine and Lou Lou’s certification

773.)       Chris J and just amazing love!

774.)       all my class of CRM teachers: connected always even apart

775.)      being able to do the Compassion Challenge out of Emory university this year

776.)      tapping in and doing the anti racism challenge through the YWCA this year

777.)       all the ways in which resilience practice directs to being present with resources and means to move ward with the sources that keep moving ward in positive ways

778.)       the resilient community in Raleigh

779.)       the work of Kevin McLeod

780.)       the work of Drew Pledger

781.)       making connections in communities all over the state

782.)       Tedi Bear advocacy center!

783.)      And making connections with Bonnie Jean

784.)      The leadership of Mike Sapp

785.)      The leadership of the Trauma Resource Institute

786.)      The NHC PACES community

787.)      The leadership of Carey Sipp

788.)      The leadership of Pam Price

789.)      The leadership of Jane Morrow

790.)      The Leadership of Louise Hicks

791.)      Smart Start of the Cape Fear

792.)      Communities in Schools of the Cape Fear

793.)      The Harrelson Center

794.)      The leadership fo Christy Aley

795.)      The community of powerful resilience CRM teachers

796.)      The community of powerful Resource  Resilience teachers

797.)      The coffee chat that Amy read began

798.)      The space  just sharing and connecting from the coffee chats

799.)      The space from J’vanete  the coffee talks each month

800.)      The connections of a community of resilience educators working to create a way  helping and seeking help  others.

801.)      The New Hanover Resilience Task force

802.)      The extraordinary growth of the NHRTF

803.)      Being able to hire a new leader into the NHRTF

804.)      The absolute tears in the interview of watching and listening to someone who is value and mission driven

805.)      Being offered the opportunity to be a co-chair of the NHRTF

806.)      The monthly meeting so the task force and the work that is being done

807.)      The work of the Hip Hop Collaborative and NHRTF working with LEO and youth with resilience

808.)      Leading and be a part of the CRM training  the Hip Hop Collaborative

809.)      the amazing leadership of Fredias Reyes at UNCW Cultural Arts

810.)      Katy Crosby at UNCW Cultural arts

811.)      Soaring As Eagles

812.)      100 Black Men of Wilmington

813.)      DC Virgo’s  CRM Room  restorative Justice

814.)      Cliford Barnett being out front EVERY morning to welcome those children at DC Virgo

815.)      Habitat  Humanity

816.)      Cape Fear health net

817.)      Turning the wheel

818.)      SEAHEC!

819.)      Dreams of Wilmington

820.)      American Red Cross

821.)      Seeds of Healing Inc.

822.)      Coastal Horizons

823.)      Domestic Violence Shelter

824.)      Disability Resource Center

825.)      Access of Wilmington

826.)      YWCA

827.)      Carolina Complete Health Network

828.)      Guardian Ad Litem

829.)      NHRMC-Novant

830.)      NHDC

831.)      Good Shepard

832.)      Vantage Pointe

833.)      Health and Human services of NHC

834.)      Healthy blue initiative

835.)      Injury Free North Carolina

836.)      The data that supports time off and sick days  all persons  a better work ce

837.)      IFNC showing that we can educate others to see that living wages can make issue of domestic violence and others issues better

838.)      Our local group committed to working with the data m IFNC to permeate the culture

839.)      The connection of those across the state dedicated to the work of the IFNC

840.)      Being able to share the IFNC data with a local employer and see it make a difference in a wage decision

841.)      Seeing other local employers make decisions around living wages

842.)      The leadership of Pam Price and trauma Informed Communities

843.)      Sharing the TIC across North Carolina

844.)      Collecting data and linking all of that with how to empower more work and create a means to make things better  all with that TIC model

845.)      Using my own voice and experience in the discussions

846.)      Loss of fear of disconnection

847.)      Gaining connection to good and how that good can create great connection

848.)      Seeing those who not only believe in inclusion but how live that in both their public but also their private lives.

849.)      Community care of the lower care fear

850.)      Working with Lauren Clark in teaching and sharing resilience

851.)      Working with Kelly Purcell in teaching and sharing resilience

852.)      The absolute joy of spirit and love of Kelly Purcell

853.)      My ride or die, Amy Read and all the good she brings in the world to the resilience work we do

854.)      Monthly Community Resilience trainings with the county

855.)      Learning from Cliff B. and his amazing teaching of resilience

856.)      The very active committees of the task ce and the work they are doing

857.)      The army of compassion faeries in a weary world

858.)      the peace and voice and teaching of J’vanete Skiba

859.)      the mastery of art education and care of Georgia Mastroieni

860.)      The musicians and arts at the hip hop collaborative

861.)      the LEO m WPD at the collaborative training

862.)      learning the new skill using rhythm and music with resilience at the collaborative

863.)      seeing how much connection comes in showing up in ways that can make the connections through music and art and resilience coming together

864.)      The leadership of the NHC Resilience task ce Steering committee

865.)      The leadership of Mebane Boyd

866.)      Watching Mebane Boyd succeed and move on to the state level

867.)      Mentoring and teaching leadership of J’vanete Skiba

868.)      The tri county community collaborative

869.)      The monthly meetings of the tri county community collaborative

870.)      Resilience screenings

871.)      The witness of good in our world of our local NAACP

872.)      the amazing work of Deborah Maxwell

873.)      the ever connection of my mother and Deborah and hope  good moving ward

874.)      the rise to the state level of the voice from Wilmington

875.)      the history being made

876.)       the history hard conversations that have begun in a wider and larger way in in our community f

877.)       the means to negotiate those conversations f

878.)       the work and efficacy of Historian Jan Davidson

879.)       the work and gifts of Lettie Gore

880.)       the New Hanover room

881.)       the work of Travis Souther

882.)       the work of the Cape Fear Museum and leading conversations and creating the way ward  all

883.)       the Williston room

884.)       the Williston alumni

885.)       the deep and rich history on which I get to be a part

886.)       more understanding of the indigenous peoples in this land

887.)       cape fear explorers

888.)       cape fear unearthed

889.)       Ingram and all his work to write about and explore more history

890.)       my own cousin and his daily dram from the burgwin wright house

891.)       the pictures of David Norris

892.)       the link to our history to the site we know as the battle of forks road

893.)       being further seeing the inclusion and understanding of this area and all that goes in it.

894.)       the meadowlark lemon bridge

895.)       the general McNeil way

896.)       the amazing installation  our city in Jervay Park  Black Lives Matter

897.)      The inspired work of Regular Grayson

898.)      The inspired art work of Janna Robertson

899.)      The art of Dumay Gorham

900.)      The art of David Norris

901.)      The art of Harold Hodges

902.)      The art of Sullivan Dunn

903.)      The art of Mitzy Jonkeer

904.)      The art of September Krueger

905.)      The art of Brian Kerrigan

906.)      The art of Virginia Frierson

907.)      The art of elin o’hara slavick

908.)      The art of andy cobb

909.)      The amazing frogs of andy cobb

910.)      The buddha frog at the arboretum

911.)      The dragon by dumay at the arboretum

912.)      The amazing sculpture of the seahawk on the front of campus by Dumay

913.)      The nesting hawk by Dumay

914.)      The bottle house by virginia

915.)      The angels outside the bottle house

916.)      The set of nativity sculptures in Church of the Servant by Andy

917.)      Stained glass window in COS by Rowan LeCompte

918.)      the stained glass window cartoon by rowan in COS

919.)      the stained glass window in CAM by Rowan

920.)      the stained glass windows in First Pres.

921.)      The view from the tower at the county courthouse

922.)      Being able to scale the stairs and get up in the bell tower

923.)      Being able to take other employees up there

924.)      Being able to see that historic view

925.)      The view from the roof of 320 chestnut

926.)      The gardens on the roof at 320 chestnut

927.)      The mid century redo of 320 chestnut

928.)      The training room at 320

929.)      The view and the windows at 320 chestnut

930.)      The opening of the judicial building  juvenile courts and others

931.)      the sanitary fountain at the foot of market

932.)      the history of the sanitary fountain

933.)      the brick streets being renovated downtown

934.)      the cobbles at the foot of market

935.)      the venus fly trap sculpture at the foot of market

936.)      the new hanover county arts council

937.)      the leadership of Rhonda Bellmy

938.)      the pedestrian art

939.)      the claude howell tile installation at the port office

940.)      the collection of claude howell works at CAM

941.)       the legacy and works  Minnie evans

942.)      the art of Lincoln morris

943.)      the art of heather McClelland

944.)       the art of all at Kids making it

945.)       the pens at kids making it

946.)       all the wood crafts at kids making it

947.)       the entrepreneurship of Kids making it

948.)       the skill building and resources at kids making it

949.)       the new building and studios of kids making it

950.)       the life work and dedication of Jimmy

951.)      the art of Dreams

952.)      the murals on the outside of the Fanning street facility

953.)      the art of Elizabeth Darrow

954.)      the art of Bradley Carter

955.)      the art of Joanne Geisel

956.)      the art of mark gansor

957.)      the art of kirah van sickle

958.)      the art of Michael van hout

959.)      while gone, I am so grateful  the life and art of Sandy Lee

960.)      being able to have art to look at everyday

961.)      the painting of the government center in the training rooms

962.)      my koy painting in my office by sully

963.)      the art of Catherine lee

964.)      our very special picture we got from Catherine

965.)      the image of the mountain from Sharon by my side

966.)      the image of phelps farm from harold

967.)      mothers collage

968.)      the first piece of art I ever purchased when I was 11 😊

969.)      sharing art with Michael

970.)      going places and loving to share art

971.)      going to brookgreen

972.)      the sculptures at brookgreen

973.)      the remarkable creations that transport me at brookgreen

974.)      the night of 1000 candles

975.)      the ability to get to a place like brookgreen and just walk and take in such magic

976.)      hearing randy mcquay sing while walking through all the lights strung throughout

977.)      the sculpture house decked out with poinsettias and candles

978.)      the st. francis statue that haunts and inspires

979.)      the apollo figure that is beyond stunning

980.)      the colossal Pegasus coming out of the fountain surrounded by light

981.)      the harp playing near the fountain of pan

982.)      the pan playing fountain sculptures covered with a canopy of lights

983.)      the fresh and good food to be shared on this evening

984.)      the time just to sit and listen to the music in a quiet part of the part together

985.)      to look up at the stars and say I love you in this magical place

986.)      the chill in the air to make the magic even more special

987.)      the forest of Chinese lanterns on poles, lit and so amazing to walk through

988.)      the oaks dripping with ice like likes from 30 feet up, inundated with crystal like light

989.)      the brass band playing on the entrance in and out

990.)      the sound of the French horn coming through so clearly

991.)      being across m the Huntington state park

992.)      the jungle of seaside wildlife surrounding this beachside park

993.)      the summer home that was one theirs

994.)      the place that is so magical in its walls and internal gardens

995.)      the creeks and across them with the bird and wildlife

996.)      the drive down building a play list

997.)      the drive down in the sunset

998.)      the drive back playing games

999.)      the drive back feeling the night in us and enjoying what we had done

1000.)  the view from the battleship side of the road of Wilmington as you enter now

1001.)  the lighted city

1002.)  the river walk that stretches a mile long

1003.)  the park surrounding the battleship

1004.)  the connection of MLK to get us home quickly without stops

1005.)  living in a place where we are 5minutes m the beach

1006.)  living in a place where we are 8 minutes from downtown

1007.)  that we did not move the three times we almost did

1008.)  that we made the decisions to live the way we have and can do what we can do

1009.)  being allowed to be involved in the community

1010.)  creating invocations for special events

1011.)  coming back year after year and doing the invocation for the coastal horizons annual dinner

1012.)  being able to bring invocation to the heart ball

1013.)  being allowed to mc and lead the race for miracles in motion

1014.)  being allowed to mc the rehab Olympics

1015.)  being allowed to mc the all start ball for access of Wilmington

1016.)  being involved with the temple for their fundraising efforts

1017.)  using whatever I have to create good for whatever can be given

1018.)  being allowed to serve as a santa

1019.)  doing santa for a neighborhood each year

1020.)  the neighborhood supporting access as a thanks to my santa

1021.)  doing santa for panacea

1022.)  being able to bring santa for the city going into 11 years

1023.)  being able to bring santa for access

1024.)  the special things that children bring to santa

1025.)  the very caring things that santa hears

1026.)  the wonderful ways santa has grown as he hears the wants

1027.)  the way santa has learned to use technology over the years

1028.)  having time to make magic in the holidays

1029.)  creating space in our house for joy

1030.)  making space to have the holidays the way we need to have them

1031.)  having a live tree again

1032.)  bringing tinsel to the tree again

1033.)  the great memory of the tinsel

1034.)  making salt and flour ornaments with the tree

1035.)  for the 25 years of having an angel purchased for the tree

1036.)  for all the ornaments that we have collected

1037.)  for all the ornaments form past folk

1038.)  the ornaments from mother and grandmother

1039.)  having childhood ornaments

1040.)  having ornaments from michael’s mother

1041.)  michael’s blue tree

1042.)  the nativity scene collections

1043.)  having the nativity from my childhood

1044.)  the gifts of nativitys from Kate’s travels

1045.)  the gifts of nativitys from Katherine’s travels

1046.)  the vision of the revelation of the story of hope from around the world in all cultures

1047.)  belkie bear

1048.)  being ok with having all or none of it out

1049.)  learning to slow down and take time with it all

1050.)  having the lights out front

1051.)  coming home during the holidays and lights welcoming me home

1052.)  the lights of the trees in the house

1053.)  giving cards

1054.)  receiving cards

1055.)  giving gifts

1056.)  for being able to give gifts

1057.)  growing out of not needing things at Christmas

1058.)  perspective now realizing how much I had growing up and what that really cost in so many ways for my parents and grandparents etc.

1059.)  becca’s bounty

1060.)  angel tree

1061.)  senior center gift opportunities

1062.)  connecting with what will bring joy with others

1063.)  all the non-profits in the area who operate in a way that focus on those they serve

1064.)  for the non profit leadership of the carousel center

1065.)  for the leadership of Amy Feath

1066.)  for the leadership of the cape fear literacy

1067.)  for the leadership of cape fear habitiat for humanity

1068.)  for the leadership of YWCA

1069.)  for the boys and girls club

1070.)  for the amazing impact and leadership of evelyn Bryant adger

1071.)  for the advocacy of atiba johnson

1072.)  the fierce advocacy of rebecca trammel

1073.)  the work and life of Big B

1074.)  the life affirming Sundays with gospel brunch with big b

1075.)  the northside advocacy and love of big b

1076.)  the work with 97.3 of big b

1077.)  the change that is made with how big b works with groups in the region

1078.)  for the work and life Sandra McClammy

1079.)  for the dj wonder of Sandra McClammy

1080.)  for sandra’s tik toks that give me life

1081.)  for our annual picture together

1082.)  for sandra’s fierce advocacy at UNCw

1083.)  for sandra’s work in the community

1084.)  for the 97.3 midday mistress forever!

1085.)  For all who use their platform for good in the media

1086.)  Platt

1087.)  Schactman

1088.)  Weller

1089.)  Aldridge

1090.)  Foz

1091.)  Signal Fire Media

1092.)  Matt Mylott creating connections with Signal fire

1093.)  Rob Renns with his amazing energy to use Signal fire to empower others

1094.)  Fierce connections on signal fire

1095.)  Podcasts in the region doing more and changing the narrative from traditional media that are not influenced by operatives and control

1096.)  Port city daily

1097.)  Whqr media

1098.)  The amazing communications team at the county that I witnesss and work with everyday

1099.)  Those who use social media in whatever way to put out positive and affirming messages

1100.)  Those who do not allow misinformation to go unchallenged or at least linked to material to help educated

1101.)  Having the skill to turn everything off

1102.)  Being able to disconnect

1103.)  Being able to stay focused on what I can control

1104.)  Being able to know there are people I can trust

1105.)  Knowing I am not in control of some things and not allowing media to take over

1106.)  Learning to turn the news off and go to it in my own way

1107.)  Learning to listen to many sources with a critical eye

1108.)  Knowing I am mortal and in that I am limited in my time so I need to make decisions on what I am going to invest my time in

1109.)  Having one of my oldest friends come in town an spend time

1110.)  Having a connection over that weekend I have missed so very deeply

1111.)  Sharing life and time

1112.)  Sharing our home and what is happening

1113.)  Listening to his life and reconnecting

1114.)  Stopping seeing my life through his life

1115.)  Remembering how valuable this friendship is

1116.)  Connecting to things things that I need to nurture

1117.)  Seeing how much I need to do this more often

1118.)  Going to Raleigh with him and sharing time

1119.)  Seeing Raleigh for the first time in a couple of years

1120.)  Remembering our early days together

1121.)  Gauging how far we have come

1122.)  Feeling so deeply the gratitude for life for all

1123.)  Feeling so deeply for the love

1124.)  Feeling so deeply the life that we have had and are still having

1125.)  Seeing some things that have NOT changed and knowing it is ok, there is still work to do 😉

1126.)  Life is amazing and is even more so connecting this way

1127.)  the life and legacy of colonel Anderson

1128.)  understanding the mixed message of ringing the bell but knowing why I do it

1129.)  the gift of my

1130.)  ho created my way forward

1131.)  being elected to the board of Wilmington road

1132.)  the history made of my being on that board

1133.)  the cards and support from rotary during the time of my health issue

1134.)  the leadership of president collins

1135.)  the work of Dale Smith

1136.)  work with Williston

1137.)  my first club central rotary

1138.)  my return to central rotary

1139.)  the welcome back to my club and welcome home

1140.)  the miracles of rotary

1141.)  the four way test

1142.)  service above self

1143.)  being connected to doing more with the abundance at our disposal

1144.)  having access to things that create good in the world

1145.)  that I am still very active in Access of Wilmington going into my 10th year

1146.)  Access of Wilmington

1147.)  The growth of the organization to now 6 programs

1148.)  Gaining John Smists as our executive director

1149.)  Keeping jenn with us

1150.)  The campagna dugout

1151.)  the love of rocky

1152.)  the weyerhauser dugout

1153.)  the life and legacy of Kyle Anderson

1154.)  the Anderson field house

1155.)  the SeaCoast Realty-Coldwell Banker/Alpha Mortgage Announcer Booth

1156.)  the McKenzie Picnic Shelter

1157.)  the Miracle League Kiwanis Accessible Playground

1158.)  the Trot and Katherine Nixon Outfield

1159.)  Brax Stadium

1160.)  All the bricks that have folks who have made dedications and care

1161.)  The McKenzie beeper bases

1162.)  Seeing Isaiah and Sincere utilize the beeper ball and bases

1163.)  Watching Isaiah run without any assistance

1164.)  Being able to announce “way to listen” instead of “way to watch” as he hits the ball or waits  the right pitch

1165.)  KBT reality as they give snacks each season

1166.)  All the sponsors  teams

1167.)  the Parks companies

1168.)  the office  the league and Access from the parks companies

1169.)  the fierce love and loyalty of J. Michael of J. Michael Philly Deli

1170.)  the fierce love and loyalty of Osprey Global Solutions

1171.)  the fierce love and loyalty of Landfall Country Club Staff

1172.)  the fierce love and loyalty of 828 Church

1173.)  the fierce love and loyalty of OT solutions

1174.)  the sponsorship and love of Home Care Management Inc

1175.)  the sponsorship and love of  Black’s Tire and Auto

1176.)  the League sponsor with Winter Park optimist

1177.)  the trophy sponsor each season with Linchpin SEO

1178.)  the sponsorship love and care m CBC Homecare

1179.)  the love and sponsorship from NHRMC Rehab Hospital Staff!

1180.)  All the amazing volunteers and buddies

1181.)  Seeing uncw nursing students come out and work with the players

1182.)  Seeing uncw rec therapy students come out and work with the players

1183.)  Seeing uncw ed students come out and work with the players

1184.)  The Pink Ladies

1185.)  The staff from Live Oak

1186.)  The staff from iNCINO

1187.)  Church groups comeout

1188.)  Fraternities and sororities

1189.)  UNCW athletics

1190.)  Coach Scalf still coming out (never retiring!)

1191.)  The baseball jersey auction done on the behalf of the miracle league

1192.)  The Gregory flag pole

1193.)  Doing the anthem every game

1194.)  Taking time to shake at the end and playing “we are family”

1195.)  Having a walk out song  each of the players

1196.)  The intentionality of knowing what each player needs to be successful

1197.)  Being so blessed to sit in a seat where I can see everything

1198.)  Looking around and seeing parents and guardians so happy

1199.)  Seeing tears

1200.)  Hearing laughter and joy

1201.)  Watching the most extraordinary acts of ability

1202.)  Watching players get off frames and make steps

1203.)  Watching cognition and concentration that is extraordinary

1204.)  Seeing so much JOY and fun in the process

1205.)  Seeing connections

1206.)  The absolute thrill and excitement

1207.)  The move from fear on entry to finding comfort

1208.)  The change over seasons

1209.)  Seeing the players grow and move through

1210.)  The efficacy of this piece of their lives making a difference

1211.)  The engagement and care of those involved

1212.)  The feel of the music and how much this moves in what is happening

1213.)  The regulation that is going on with faces and gestures

1214.)  The MLB flags that make it all official

1215.)  People respecting the need to wear masks and understanding our needs as we work with vulnerable populations

1216.)  How much everyone worked to keep me safe as I went through treatment but came back out to announce

1217.)  Every minute on that microphone remembering how blessed I am to be sitting there

1218.)  Every moment of grace being connected and being a part of this who group

1219.)  One of the players from the tee ball that broke the barrier every game and came over to hug me. It was a gift like no other.

1220.)  All of the thumbs up and high fives

1221.)  The announcing the end of season and the trophy presentations

1222.)  The pride the players take in those trophies

1223.)  Seeing the players post pictures on social media of their trophies

1224.)  Watching emma become a leader as well as a player.

1225.)  Watching so many of them as they grow and become older take care of each other

1226.)  The little bits of branding that folks can buy and support

1227.)  The sky above the stadium always unabated

1228.)  The breeze always blowing out there

1229.)  The legacy of Peggy Olson

1230.)  The legacy of Olson Farms

1231.)  Watching travel ball players stop their games and join the national anthem

1232.)  Having travel ball players come over and watch

1233.)  Seeing the impact what we do has on travel ball players

1234.)  Having hearing folks cheer when a player makes a particular eft

1235.)  The enormous pride in the players when they achieve success in other sports

1236.)  Our ability to celebrate their birthdays

1237.)  Our ability to celebrate their successes

1238.)  Morrison Consulting

1239.)  The gifts of coaching and creating of David Morrison

1240.)  The gift of creating and visioning of Dr. Dan Johnson

1241.)  The gift of the Disability Resource Center

1242.)  The ongoing leadership and care of gloria garton

1243.)  coach eno

1244.)  wheelchair tennis

1245.)  accessible sports in our region expanding

1246.)  Making Waves Foundation

1247.)  WAVE transit

1248.)  This year’s All Star Ball and Golf Tournament

1249.)  All the sponsors that made the ball and tournament happen so amazingly

1250.)  Vance Young Team

1251.)  Intracoastal Realty Corporation

1252.)  Coastal Carrier Moving & Storage Company

1253.)  Edward Teach

1254.)  MegaCorp Logistics

1255.)  Crossley McIntosh & Collier

1256.)  J. Micahael’s Philly Deli

1257.)  Hi-Wire Brewing

1258.)  Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC

1259.)  The T21 Project

1260.)  Coastline Therapy Group LLC

1261.)  Cape Fear Provisions

1262.)  Coastal Beverage

1263.)  Coldwell Banker | Seacoast Advantage

1264.)  Blockade Runner

1265.)  Mary Baggett who created a space so what we raised when to the our programs!

1266.)  Mike and Amanda Baker

1267.)  Jeff Gordon Chevrolet

1268.)  David and Laura Kay Berry

1269.)  The Robert Taylor Group

1270.)  First National Bank

1271.)  Litify

1272.)  R-Squared

1273.)  UNCW - School of Health and Applied Human Services

1274.)  Budget Blinds

1275.)  Barbara Biehner

1276.)  Dr. white giving his boat  this event

1277.)  The always amazing gentlemen’s corner being a part of this

1278.)  Reed’s Jewelry being a part of this

1279.)  Harold Hodges giving one of his photos to this

1280.)  Having trot Nixon give a bat

1281.)  All of the amazing sports signed materials

1282.)  The campagna’s house to auction at the beach

1283.)  Such amazing food  everyone at the blockade runner

1284.)  Being able to host the event out in the gardens at the blockade

1285.)  Have the hoppers out  everyone to see at event

1286.)  Having an event where the focus was truly on the program

1287.)  Having an amazing gold medalist to donate her time to come and share here vision

1288.)  Actually holding a gold medal  the very first time

1289.)  Seeing rocky wear the gold medal and that big ol smile

1290.)  Having the honor of being the mc again  the gala

1291.)  Being able to stand on stage and welcome the amazing speakers and guests  the evening

1292.)  Being able to connect the live auction with those who were willing

1293.)  Truly acknowledging the giving that took place in the live auction

1294.)  Being so admiring of John Smist and his leadership overall

1295.)  So proud of sam and how much she cares

1296.)  Spending time setting up with Allison

1297.)  Everyone respecting the masks at the event inside and be mindful

1298.)  Creating the event in a way that allowed  us to gather and be good to the needs of the time in the safest way possible

1299.)  Sharing time with seeing the amazing laura kay as chair of the event

1300.)  Laura kay being such an amazing creator of good  the whole program

1301.)  The entire staff at the blockade making the night so wonderful

1302.)  The miracles in motion race being in its eighth year

1303.)  Being the originators  he fully inclusive race in the cape fear

1304.)  The leadership of Cathy wright

1305.)  All the sponsors  the race

1306.)  The sponsors that have come back year after year

1307.)  The amazing coastal carriers

1308.)  The life of Wayne Ray

1309.)  The legacy of the amazing work of Wayne Ray

1310.)  Not only coastal Carriers but also the launch pad community

1311.)  The residential housing  persons in recovering

1312.)  Wayne coming out to have pictures taken the week bee he went in the hospital

1313.)  The beauty of his love and care  all the good in the world

1314.)  The leaders he created in folks like Joshua Shipman

1315.)  His amazing wife and daughter

1316.)  Wayne’s deep commitment to the helping and creating better ways  lives of others

1317.)  Our last conversation about creating better and more

1318.)  The way coastal carriers continues

1319.)  The Layman group

1320.)  The way the laymon group has come back year after year  this race

1321.)  Chad laymon and his whole family

1322.)  The title coming from NHRMC

1323.)  The alignment with health disparities and NHRMC Novant and what access actually does

1324.)  The link between the outcomes with access and creating better  persons with disabilities and NHRMC

1325.)  Katherine McKenzie being a title sponsor and continuing to connect  her amazing love and commitment

1326.)  nCino,

1327.)  xi Online

1328.)  Jennifer Crand

1329.)  UNCW Watson college of education

1330.)  Danny Dahl Financial Services

1331.)  Carolina Storage

1332.)  Cameron School of Business

1333.)  Mustaches  Kids

1334.)  Fleet feet

1335.)  Edward jones

1336.)  H and S Storm Water

1337.)  Green dot air and heating

1338.)  The baldwins family

1339.)  The queen family

1340.)  The mayhew family

1341.)  Linchpin SEO

1342.)  Health Seniors Physical Therapy

1343.)  Aquesta Bank

1344.)  Go Time setting up the timing of the race

1345.)  All the folks who help to create the prizes  the runners

1346.)  Seeing runners and rollers going under the gun together

1347.)  The way we were able to keep the start and the run safe  all involved

1348.)  Having the amazing group of runner assists to roll with attendees so they could participate

1349.)  having sharky out

1350.)  having homer out there to cheer folks on

1351.)  having paws4people come with assistance dogs

1352.)  having canines  service involved with some of the players

1353.)  being able to do santa  our players at the field and bring a little holiday cheer again this year coming up

1354.)  having emerge ortho be a part of what we do

1355.)  all the new folks coming out to do field signs and sign on  wat we are doing

1356.)  seeing the field so active all the time

1357.)  all the joy in the playground

1358.)  Seeing the impact on others who come

1359.)  Seeing staff who are truly caring and there  all the right reasons

1360.)  The players feeling important

1361.)  The players feeling respected

1362.)  The players feeling cared about

1363.)  The families feeling supported

1364.)  project soar

1365.)  seeing the veterans group grow to almost 300 and climbing

1366.)  meeting and talking to the veterans about their experience

1367.)  listening to and seeing pictures of the soar events in scuba and other experiences and know what a difference these are making in a community with so many veterans

1368.)  access fit having regular programs each day  persons with disabilities to increase and grow in their own health and wellness

1369.)   the data to see that growth in health permeance and life changes

1370.)  recreation therapy  the connection to life after aging out of systems that no longer support persons with disabilities but still keep them engaged and healthy and on track  better quality of life

1371.)  accessible adventures  gaining access to the world around which often has barriers  persons with cognitive and physical disabilities

1372.)   the terrain hoppers which have given access to persons, many  the FIRST time to the beach and other areas

1373.)   the ability to transport the hoppers from the gift from the Bakers

1374.)   our ability to grow the hopper program so more can have those experiences

1375.)   the sponsors of the hoppers

1376.)  international paper

1377.)  Carolina storage

1378.)  Emerge ortho

1379.)  Live oak bank

1380.)  Kiwanis club of Wilmington

1381.)  John howard

1382.)   the storage of these and the ability to access them

1383.)  access play events that can keep us having fun and include us all together

1384.)  Miracle league as a national and international brand and group that signals to the world that everyone deserves the experience of play and wellness and health and inclusion

1385.)  The access facebook and all the notices that go out

1386.)  The access emails

1387.)  The access newsletters

1388.)  Access sending inclusion out  all events and not standing down on that

1389.)  the access board

1390.)  the board leadership of Zane Bennett who accepted another term  this coming year

1391.)  the visionaries and founders who are never gotten with Dan, Candy, and david

1392.)  the original players who wanted and asked  this field and 9 years later, many are still playing on it and reaping the rewards of what they inspired

1393.)  being nominated and accepted to serve on the NHRMC foundation board

1394.)  being witness to the movement with the culture of Novant

1395.)  the alignment with the novant values and no loss with local and regional needs

1396.)  seeing how the impact  local needs is becoming greater with he empowerment with he foundation and novant

1397.)  grateful to be supported to the executive committee

1398.)  serving as chair of governance and looking ward to securing an inclusive board moving ward that represents skill and persons in our community

1399.)  the over arching work of NHRMC

1400.)  the leadership in Shelbourne stevens

1401.)  the work of John Gizdic

1402.)  the amazing partnership advisory group with Barb Biehner and Spence Broadhurst

1403.)  the corpus that now resides  funds to come to the foundation to continue support  the hospital to meet unmet needs and expand resources and opportunities

1404.)  Schorr Davis and her deep care

1405.)  the foundation staff as a whole

1406.)  the foundation board

1407.)  being able to be a part of some great work that will move in directions yet to be seen in this region

1408.)  creating space and opportunity  better  persons underserved

1409.)  support in areas that will increase health and wellness earlier and in larger numbers

1410.)  Michael Jordan clinics

1411.)  the care that has gone into making sure the clinics go where they are needed and don’t impede but increase service areas that already exist

1412.)   the leaders of novant execs out of charlotte

1413.)   the care of and intentionality of diversity, equity and inclusion of novant

1414.)   decisions that are about the best and highest use that will benefit all

1415.)   the gift of the rudisills  the rehab clinic

1416.)   being chosen again to MC the Rehab Olympics

1417.)   Sarah Bentley and her care and work in the rehab clinic

1418.)   seeing the patients in the clinic thrive in that environment

1419.)  to know that the who area  patients in the rehab clinic is going to be increased and so much better because of the gift

1420.)   the sheer joy of adding this event and aligning the Olympics with the extraordinary abilities of those athlete with the momentous efts and work of the patients in all they are doing.

1421.)  better care  our EMS

1422.)  better training environments  our ems

1423.)  better mri and scans  our kids to make it less scary

1424.)  better resilience and other opportunities  the staff

1425.)  ways to take care of hospital folks

1426.)   health equity

1427.)   the work of Joe Conway and his team

1428.)   the work of lean and keeping things moving in a way that effects the best outcomes

1429.)   ornish team

1430.)   Cardiac Rehab

1431.)   Cape Fear Heart Associates

1432.)   Dr. Murphy

1433.)  Dr. Buchanan

1434.)  Holly Konrady

1435.)  Sydney Stripling

1436.)  Rachael DeCaria

1437.)  Seth Boynton

1438.)  Mike Perretta

1439.)  My who cohort of Ornish folks I went through with

1440.)  Being three years without meat, fish, chicken or anything with a “mother” lol 😊

1441.)  Transformed by the skills and being present of the practice

1442.)  The moments with holly and seth to be present and STOP

1443.)  The moments with Rachael to pay attention to what I am doing

1444.)  All of them helping me to get away from shame

1445.)  The facility for cardiac rehab

1446.)  the entire ornish team of practitioners

1447.)  all who help to transform lives and keep moving ward those who have heart and stroke issues the region

1448.)  this year’s heart walk being live again

1449.)  having Walsh as our chair

1450.)  facilities at NHRMC Novant

1451.)  being on stage and dancing with Wilma, Frances and Sandra playing music

1452.)  seeing the daniels family

1453.)  seeing Michelle Clark

1454.)  being able to hug some folks

1455.)  connecting with Leslie

1456.)  seeing HHS folks I love

1457.)  being on UNCW’s quad with Veterans Hall

1458.)  finally getting to see veteran’s hall

1459.)  seeing so many people out and celebrating on campus and walking

1460.)  the beautiful weather for the walk

1461.)  so many folks stepping up to sponsor and be engaged

1462.)  not worrying about my weight gain and just having a ball dancing and enjoying myself

1463.)  being present

1464.)  having a great time and celebrating be alive with others

1465.)  sharing 12 years of being with the heart walk and doing the stage for the crowd

1466.)  seeing those who came to the walk creating good

1467.)  dassies donors

1468.)  being able to call out the good of those making the possible happen

1469.)   the Pink Ribbons campaign that expands to helping in areas of all cancer

1470.)   a continued focus to ensure mammograms and screenings  women who cannot afd or lack access to care

1471.)    The work of cathy wright in the rehab hospital

1472.)  The episode on Primary complete with Cathy Wright

1473.)  The absolute inspiration of Cathy Wright and her enormous inspiration

1474.)  Primary Complete Podcast transforming discussions around fire and lives in general

1475.)  UNCW Watson college of education

1476.)  Going into my 7th year on the advisory board with Watson

1477.)  The leadership of Dean Dempsey

1478.)  The inclusion and care for all students

1479.)  The direction for ed faculty to ensure the best for all students

1480.)  Watson Wednesdays

1481.)  The Katherine McKenzie GLOW Leadership in Education Scholarship being awarded for the first time

1482.)  For the John Myers Art Scholarship

1483.)  The levy/Bruce honors scholarship

1484.)  The Windell Daniels UNCW section 8 and Public Housing Scholarship

1485.)  The L.S. “Bo” Dean Jr. Honors Scholarship

1486.)  The Boseman/TenHuisen Scholarship

1487.)  The Nancy Phelps Hodges/Martha Stines Freeze Women’s Empowerment Scholarship

1488.)  All the scholarships that create the way forward

1489.)  For the planned gifts that will continue to make a difference moving forward

1490.)  Watson have the lab school

1491.)  DC virgo and the amazing work with Watson faculty at DC virgo

1492.)  the engagement in real and meaningful work of real public education

1493.)  the love and commitment to public education

1494.)  public education advocacy

1495.)  navigating all the ups and downs of the changes in education and being on the forefront at Watson

1496.)  serving on the SWAIN advisory board

1497.)  being able to be a part of the discussion around a new leader for swain

1498.)  seeing good discussions around not hiring someone that is not exactly what Swain needs to move forward

1499.)  the need for SWAIN to be moving forward in a way that creates opportunity and engagement

1500.)  for the faculty who use their acumen to lift others

1501.)  for the work of Dr. rebecca Guidice

1502.)  fro the work of Dr. Webber

1503.)  for the work of Dr.Prentice

1504.)  for the work of Dr. Imperial

1505.)  for the work of Dr. Barnes

1506.)  for hearing “customer delight” as part of the regular speak in our agency

1507.)  for seeing how our SERVE academy work has translated into practices across our enterprise

1508.)  for the connection to the work that is collaborated with SWAIN and UNCW and better service to citizens in NHC

1509.)  for the work that lives on with Dr. Rosen everyday in our practices and means to convey what we do and how

1510.)  for the work that lives on with Dr. Olsen and improved trust

1511.)  for the work that is conveyed with writing and communications

1512.)  The life and legacy of Gary Shell,

1513.)  the Bruce Shelll Government Center,

1514.)  the Andre Molette training rooms,

1515.)  the Windell Daniels room at Cape Fear Community College,

1516.)  the Wilma Daniels art gallery,

1517.)  the Ann Boseman art gallery,

1518.)  the Claude Howell gallery,

1519.)  the legacy of Claude Howell at art and history at UNCW,

1520.)  the Alexander Harrington Hall at MCC,

1521.)  Peggy Olsen and Olsen Park,

1522.)  the Althea Gibson tennis park,

1523.)  the legacy of Mr. Davis and maids park, the legacy of Lethia Hankins and the work to get a bridge over in Smith Creek,

1524.)  Tracy Mcculom and his ability to work on producing a track,

1525.)   Tracey Mccullen and running backwards to raise money for other kids to have the ability to run,

1526.)   Dorothy Papadakos and her amazing gifts with the Oregon,

1527.)  Dorothy and her incredible Halloween organ recitals,

1528.)   the gifts of ministers in this town to see the full inclusion of all persons not only welcoming but affirming,

1529.)  the work of Reverend Mclaughlin,

1530.)  the work of first Christian church,

1531.)  the work of MCC,

1532.)   the work of Church of the Servant,

1533.)  the work and the ministry of Gail Tabor,

1534.)   the work of Reverend Ehlers,

1535.)  the work of all ministers who see that it’s about the work for serving others and not serving themselves,

1536.)   the work of all churches who invest in the world around them rather than their own facilities, the work of those churches that are still involved in housing the homeless,

1537.)   the work on what is now family promise, the work on seeing the connection with what we are able to produce and how we’re able to create better for all persons,

1538.)  my ability to have what I have and be able to extend it to persons who are on street corners asking for help,

1539.)   my ability not to judge or worry about whether they are really in need but just to be able to give and let the receiver take what they need,

1540.)   being in line and having my coffee bought for me,

1541.)   being in line and being able to buy coffee for another person,

1542.)   being a part of just being able to be able to give and not worry,

1543.)  being in a place where there are truly active and good people doing really good things,

1544.)   the trees that line College Road in front of UNCW,

1545.)  the Huckleberry at the landfill,

1546.)  the amazing group that recycles at the landfill,

1547.)  the UNCW water tower still having the color that Donnie created all those years ago,

1548.)  For our little shared library, 

1549.)  The cupcake notices,

1550.)  The walk out on the figure eight

1551.)   the shells washing up onto the shore,

1552.)  looking down and seeing the next treasure under my feet,

1553.)   the seal of the next breeze,

1554.)   the connection to knowing my right size on that beach,

1555.)  being able to access the water,

1556.)  the beauty of friends do not only give me access but reach out to me to make that happen,

1557.)   the beauty of having friends that don’t see a gate or a bridge as an exclusion but as an opportunity to share with others,

1558.)  the beauty of having friends that see a beach as something that is gods gift not a private owners only property,

1559.)   the beauty of having connection to people who share that sense of community,

1560.)   the Facebook group that I’m involved with that is about collecting shells,

1561.)  the realization that I am among a group of people that love and contribute to collecting shells, seeing how I am one of just a mini mini group of people that admire gods work and making all of that happen,

1562.)   that the shells we have here in North Carolina are truly imbued with incredible power from the Atlantic ocean,

1563.)  that these gifts are something that are valued by people everywhere,

1564.)  my collection of shells that are gifts every time I pick one up,

1565.)   the creations that I have made with my shells that are treasures, being able to share those creations with special people,

1566.)  being able to run my fingers over those shells and feel connected to not only those experiences finding them but also the connection to the ocean itself,

1567.)  being able to go to something like a craft and being able to find a way to make something beautiful,

1568.)   being able to use the roses in her garden and make something beautiful out of those roses and those petals,

1569.)  being able to find a way to create something out of materials that are in nature,

1570.)  being able to preserve something that’s beautiful and make it into something that will last a little bit longer,

1571.)  the smell of cloves in oranges,

1572.)   the ability to see flowers in the garden go through their stages of development,

1573.)  the way in which this year the garden flowers have flourish and moved,

1574.)  being shared a passion flower vine from a friend,

1575.)  being able to share and create some flowers with other people,

1576.)  all of the bases of flowers that come from the garden and make the house more beautiful,

1577.)  having our little bed to grow some vegetables and other pieces,

1578.)  the wonderful woman who made the actual structure for our bad,

1579.)  the young woman from the fire family who made our Adirondack chairs,

1580.)  fact that the money for the Adirondack chairs is going to go to her schooling,

1581.)  sitting in those chairs and just listening to the birds in the afternoon,

1582.)  getting away with having a cover over our back porch so that I can have some relief from the sun,

1583.)  being able to catch the sun and feel it on my skin in the afternoon,

1584.)  seeing the comeback tree of the magnolia flourishing,

1585.)  remembering the deep love of planting that magnolia

1586.)  watching it go from a sprouts to a 40 foot tree,

1587.)  seeing the miracle and remembering the miracle of that magnolia literally saving our house during hurricane Florence,

1588.)  the hollies and how they have florist,

1589.)   watching the growth and the maturity of the tree that mother and Harold brought us from Raleigh,

1590.)  watching the blossoms come from the Myrtle as it continues to thrive,

1591.)  enjoying the trees and the smell from all of the plantings,

1592.)  watching the growth of the vine from the roses from next-door and sharing that with Next Door

1593.)  the incredible elephant ears and how they flop and fly during all of the wind events,

1594.)   the beautiful blaze Azalea and how it matures and grows,

1595.)  Having regular deliveries of birdseed each month,

1596.)   being able to not be worried about the squirrels anymore and just sharing with them along with the birds,

1597.)  having different types of butterflies come into the backyard,

1598.)  watching our little lizards dart in and out around the garden and bring some joy around the garden.

1599.)  The beautiful variations of rock in the backyard,

1600.)   having all of the rocks from our travels be a part of the landscaping in the backyard,

1601.)   being able to see the darting in and out of the little titmouse is how they enjoy their traps into our backyard,

1602.)  the crystals in the transom of the window on the back,

1603.)   the rainbows from the crystals in the transom that come in and out of the house,

1604.)   the way in which the light changes and the crystals move the rainbows throughout the house during the seasons,

1605.)  having so much lights in the house all the time,

1606.)  having such high ceilings so that there’s a feeling of air and breathing,

1607.)  being in a place where there is so much light all the time,

1608.)  The amazing strength shown by Mary in all of her brain recovery,

1609.)  the post every day by Mary of strength and wisdom,

1610.)  the love shown and support from Linda for Mary during her recovery,

1611.)   the legacy of stepping Stone Manor,

1612.)  The kelly house

1613.)  The legacy of mary kelly

1614.)  the ongoing work of inner group,

1615.)  the love and support of all those who are there no matter what,

1616.)  do you advocacy of Jane McDonald and everyone involved in recovery and resilience,

1617.)   Buffy and all of the folks involved in response in our community,

1618.)  the sheriffs office following up after overdoses to find out the sources and mitigate some of the circumstances,

1619.)  how continued work to fight the opioid epidemic,

1620.)  the lawsuit being settled and monies coming in to actually make a difference,

1621.)  the healing place not only being started but coming out of the ground and actually being on its way to opening,

1622.)   having a healing place here in New Hanover County for people to get sober,

1623.)   having beds for people in the area for them to be able to get into recovery,

1624.)   providing the stigma that still exists and continuing to help people see recovery as something that is not a moral issue,

1625.)  for being able to move forward as a community with the help of New Hanover County making this possible,

1626.)   for the work of Randy Evans on the ground and upfront and close and personal,

1627.)  for all who gathered were two were gathered in the message appears for help and recovery,

1628.)  for being able to use zoom to keep connected while we were not able to meet in person,

1629.)  for all the places that make sure that meetings are still able to happen,

1630.)   for all those who make coffee, for all those who put up the chairs,

1631.)  for all those who put out the chairs, for all those who lead the discussion,

1632.)  for all those who are there to welcome others,

1633.)  for all those that remember that the only reason that we are where we are is because of someone who was there for us, for never forgetting about about grace we are here and what we have extends back to those,

1634.)  for 32 years later still being connected with people from the very first day,

1635.)   for those connections to still be enriching my life every day,

1636.)   for being able to see people thriving just like me 32 years later,

1637.)   for one day at a time seeing the possibility of a 33rd year, for living inside of me the grace and the voice that keeps me moving to the next right thing, for the humility and knowing what I can achieve and watch within my excellence,

1638.)   for being able to share when appropriate and connect,

1639.)  for never giving up hope in individuals because I had people that didn’t give up hope in me,

1640.)  for always keeping it in mind when I go through my own health issues so that I don’t have issues that arise from treatments that would put me in a bad situation,

1641.)  for the example of Jud and his running and walking every day, for Jud answering the phone and answering the call for me this year.

1642.)   For the artistry of Jud and for all of his care and wisdom,

1643.)  for the patience that people give me when I get down a rabbit hole and forget to connect,

1644.)  For the patients I give myself these days for being human and I’ll always be able to keep everything focused,

1645.)  For Harold still being in the house that he and mother got here in the area,

1646.)  for seeing him happy and comfortable in that house, for the gift of Leslie Owen and being able to provide a little bit more comfort,

1647.)  for the gift of Tiffany Sneeden and providing us with some comfort while I have been struggling to keep things moving,

1648.)   for knowing that all things run their course and we are able to help one another in different ways,

1649.)   for the time that we get to sit and talk and share stories and powerful ways,

1650.)  for the way in which we share things that remind us of the past but keep us in the present,

1651.)   for having Martha and my mother-in-law so close by,

1652.)  for the gift of having a mother-in-law that includes me and loves me,

1653.)  for the life and love of Michael Freeze Senior and how much his legacy continues to live in his own son, for the life of Michael’s aunts and her passing this year not being unnoticed,

1654.)  I for a living in a neighborhood where I don’t have to worry about gunshots at night,

1655.)  for living in a neighborhood where we can walk after dark with less fear or a little fear,

1656.)  for being able to walk in a neighborhood where we can take the dog out and there are places that are safe for him,

1657.)  we’re having landscaping that is beautiful,

1658.)  for having our yards in our trees and other things taken care of,

1659.)  for having trees and landscaping and beauty around us,

1660.)  for having roofs that don’t leak, we’re having rules that are solid during storms, for having homes that are solid and stable, for having airtight homes that don’t let in the bad weather either hot or cold,

1661.)  for having doors and windows that are stable and solid,

1662.)   for having air condition when it’s hot, for having heat when it’s warm or cold,

1663.)  for being able to afford our electricity,

1664.)  for being able to have electricity that is on a grid that is fairly stable,

1665.)  for being able to have high-speed Internet,

1666.)  for being able to pay for and keep that going,

1667.)   for being able to have a washer and dryer in our own home, being able to have appliances to continue to work,

1668.)   for being able to have a stove that we can cook on,

1669.)  for being able to have a refrigerator where we can keep food at works,

1670.)  being able to have a freezer where we can store food,

1671.)   for being able to have food that can be stored with it’s not invaded by rodents or bugs,

1672.)   for being able to have bug care and rodent care so that if we do have a problem it’s not going to be that invasive,

1673.)  for being able to have solid floors to stand on,

1674.)  for being able to have comfortable furniture to sit on,

1675.)  for being able to have space in which we can move around in,

1676.)  for being able to have trash service, for being able to have recycling,

1677.)   for being able to have a little fenced in backyard,

1678.)  for being able to have things that keep us in a quality of life that is really very comfortable,

1679.)  for being able to have good neighbors,

1680.)  and being able to have a quiet neighbors,

1681.)  for not having to be around neighbors that are invasive, for being able to be out of the fray of drugs or other kinds of invasive activities,

1682.)  for being close to food,

1683.)  or having multiple and mini ways to access fresh vegetables,

1684.)  for having multiple and many ways to access different choices around food,

1685.)   for having DoorDash

1686.)  and other means to deliver food to our home,

1687.)  for having the ability to afford those options during the pandemic,

1688.)  for being able to keep our food

1689.)  and our food supply lines open during the pandemic,

1690.)  for being able to have medicines delivered to our home,

1691.)  for being able to have delivery to our home be safe,

1692.)   we’re having deliveries to our home be regular and uninterrupted,

1693.)   for being able to have medicines that we can afford because we have insurance,

1694.)  for being able to have access to pharmacies nearby if we can’t get delivery,

1695.)   for being able to have access to medicines because we have access to healthcare,

1696.)   for being able to have regular visits to healthcare,

1697.)  for being able to have things in our home that we can access for own personal healthcare on a regular basis,

1698.)  for being able to have a very comfortable bed to sleep in,

1699.)  being able to have sheets and blankets in which to sleep in,

1700.)  being able to have pillows to layer heads down on,

1701.)  for being able to have things that will keep us comfortable to wear,

1702.)   to have multiple choices of things to wear,

1703.)  to have multiple choices of shoes that fit,

1704.)  three able to access clothing that we want to wear,

1705.)   to be able to have multiple choices around what we want to wear and access,

1706.)   be able to have accessories that we can wear,

1707.)  to have access to accessories if we choose to use them,

1708.)  to be able to have cleaning supplies in our house to keep her home clean,

1709.)  to be able to keep her home clean and have help with that cleaning,

1710.)   be able to have our physical health be such that we can keep things clean,

1711.)   For Cape Fear Audi,

1712.)  for Guierrmo and all the good he does for keeping our cars working well,

1713.)  for us both having a car,

1714.)  for us being able to put gas in our cars,

1715.)   for us to have cars that continue to help us get from place to place,

1716.)  for not having to worry about whether or not we can get gas,

1717.)  for having access to fuel in different places,

1718.)  for us not having to worry about the maintenance on our cars,

1719.)  for our ability to keep our cars moving and not have to worry about them being stolen,

1720.)   for us to be in a place where we can park our cars,

1721.)  for us having a place to park our guests if we need to,

1722.)  for us to be able to transport other people in case of emergencies,

1723.)  for us to be able to get out of town with cars that are reliable,

1724.)   for us to be able to go places in our cars out of town that are reliable,

1725.)  for us to have a garage where we can store things,

1726.)  for us to have things that are stored and be away from weather or concern about weather,

1727.)  for us not to have to worry about the structural integrity of the place that we live,

1728.)   for us to have things and which we can entertain ourselves with,

1729.)   for us to have things that we can enjoy creating and making crafts with us,

1730.)  for us and never taking for granted that we have things in which we can enrich our lives,

1731.)  for all of our books, for the books to continue to make our lives better,

1732.)  for being surrounded by memories, for being able to hold onto some things that make us remember the past and keep us full of good things that are part of what keeps us aware of where we come from,

1733.)  for not living in the past,

1734.)   for letting go of some things that have kept us weighted down in the past,

1735.)  for truly having things in our home that’s about us and not about the past,

1736.)  for not being so secured with things in the past that we’re not enjoying our present,

1737.)  for letting go of clutter and letting other people enjoy things that we don’t necessarily need or use,

1738.)  for having space in our home dedicated specifically for meditation and prayer,

1739.)  for having space in our home that we can gather and just enjoy watching television or playing a game,

1740.)  for having dedicated space just to be quiet and enjoy each other‘s company and company of others with no electronics, to have a bass that we can actually bass,

1741.)   for having indoor plumbing, for having a showers that we can refresh ourselves whenever we need,

1742.)  we’re having hot and cold running water that is easy to get to,

1743.)  for having bottled water and other types of water that we can use that’s healthy for us,

1744.)  we’re having plenty of food and never having to worry about food at the moment,

1745.)  for being able to share food with others whenever we need to,

1746.)   for keeping a supply of food in case we are needing to share with others,

1747.)  for being able to have healthy food in our home that can keep us healthy,

1748.)  we’re having storage space and a kitchen that we can keep things in so that we can create different things and ideas,

1749.)  we’re having cups and plates to eat on,

1750.)  we’re having forks and knives to eat with,

1751.)  we’re having classes and things that we can drink from,

1752.)  for all the things that we have in our home that makes it our home,

1753.)  specifically for the art that we have in our house that keeps us focused on things that are creative and good,

1754.)  for all the portraits of family members that we have at the top of the stairs that keep us connected to the people from our past,

1755.)   for all the photos that have been taken that we have that we have been able to electronically get in capture,

1756.)  from all the gifts people have given us that we value,

1757.)   for all the visits of the Cardinals to come and enjoy the food in the backyard,

1758.)  for all the luck that the Cardinals bring us every time they come into our yard,

1759.)  The legacy of Mrs. Hearne and all of her beautiful cakes,

1760.)  forever grateful for the wedding cake that she made for us and that being a beautiful part of our memory,

1761.)  my friend ashley miller

1762.)   the visit from my cousin Jane and her husband coming down this year.

1763.)  The life and beauty of my aunt Nell,

1764.)  The life of my aunt peggy

1765.)  My little cousin brooke getting married

1766.)  My youngest niece having a second baby

1767.)  My oldest neice’s sons growing into such great young men

1768.)  The amazing picks of my youngest great neice

1769.)  being made a pallbearer at aunt Nell‘s funeral being one of the greatest honors of my life,

1770.)   having time with Jane and sharing special moments together,

1771.)  being named in my aunts well so unexpectedly for such a special tribute and gift,

1772.)  remembering that those kinds of special memories or thoughts being so unexpected or just beautiful moments of joy not in the material gift but in the thought,

1773.)  encore magazine, encore honors and just how special all that is,

1774.)   the beauty and connection of peoples thoughts sometimes when I just don’t even realize what’s going on,

1775.)  feeling connected in ways that I don’t always appreciate or understand,

1776.)  the volunteers in the garden,

1777.)  plants showing up in our garden with such beauty and veracity,

1778.)   the ivy growing in such abundance,

1779.)  my bird baths for my birthday so long ago hiding as the summer goes along with all the gross

1780.)  , the lavender growing in abundance,

1781.)  the Chia growing 6 foot tall with purple flowers,

1782.)   the lion sculptures,

1783.)  the David Standing Watch over at all,

1784.)   the wind mask mother bought us keeping watch over the fence,

1785.)  the purple quartz sparkling, making shell art for the backyard,

1786.)   the distant sound of the traffic from the backyard,

1787.)   everything feeling so far away and remote in the backyard,

1788.)  having some peace, having a place we can come to,

1789.)  having plants that Sheri left us,

1790.)  having a memory of a neighbor like Sherry,

1791.)  having a connection to a good neighbor like Meredith before her,

1792.)   having lived in the same place for over 21 years for the very first time in my entire life,

1793.)  enjoying the fact that travel just doesn’t mean as much as staying put because I just love it here,

1794.)  Watching Jack’s days in the sunshine in the backyard on the fake grass,

1795.)   having a little spot for him in the back,

1796.)  my kayak, having our bikes,

1797.)  The planters out front that hold the trees at the front door,

1798.)  The desiderata next to my bed, the angel on my lamp,

1799.)  the special gift from Jennifer Rigby,

1800.)  the breakout pic of mother,

1801.)  the path to the farm,

1802.)  the pic of the hill,

1803.)   silver lake, the signed books,

1804.)  the resources of good,

1805.)   the fan running all the time,

1806.)   the sound of the fan,

1807.)   all the blue crystal,

1808.)  the first piece from michael,

1809.)   the sun Catcher from carol Buckley,

1810.)   turmeric ginger tea,

1811.)   kind cultures cheeses,

1812.)  having alternatives to dairy,

1813.)  Tidal Creek,

1814.)   all the car title creek puts into taking care of all of us,

1815.)  the access to a place like Tidal Creek,

1816.)  staff and board at Tuttle Creek,

1817.)  the new way in which we can access the farmers market at Tidal Creek,

1818.)   all of the producers that come out for the regular vending at Tidal Creek,

1819.)   the vegan sushi at Tidal Creek,

1820.)  the hot bar at Tidal Creek, having access to places like Trader Joe’s,

1821.)  having access to places like Whole Foods,

1822.)  having access to plant-based foods at other sources of grocery,

1823.)  having plant-based and vegan options at restaurants,

1824.)   having places like panacea,

1825.)  having sea level reopened and so incredible,

1826.)  Kale Me Krazy,

1827.)  the delicious and very tempting Cinnaholic,

1828.)  the amazing options for opportunities to keep healthy in a very difficult climate, having work folks get it with regards to alternatives,

1829.)   getting back on track for these things, being able to have Thanksgiving as a family where we can all eat what we want to eat and no one worries about it,

1830.)  doing Thanksgiving our way, not feeling like Thanksgiving Hass to be like it wise but we can do it the way we want to,

1831.)   the fisherman statue from Woody, saying would you be so happy in his life now,

1832.)  seeing friends in general be happy,

1833.)  being happy for the success of others,

1834.)   being able to create some opportunity for others to grow,

1835.)  seeing an opportunity for that success,

1836.)  Montieth Construction,

1837.)   saying businesses put their abundance into good use in the community,

1838.)   seeing women’s in the Wilma leadership program,

1839.)  seeing the features around women that I admire and Wilma,

1840.)   watching David get into rotary district leader ship,

1841.)   seeing the rotary district get very involved diversity equity and inclusion,

1842.)  see others involved in that work and take it seriously,

1843.)   watching the rate resilience task force take on an opportunity on Facebook with the clear website,

1844.)  or the historical nature of the tours that are now being time to historically black and under represented communities in our community,

1845.)  for the African-American commission at the New Hanover County,

1846.)   for the women’s commission of New Hanover County,

1847.)  Linda’s front porch pulpit

1848.)  Pearce house

1849.)  The work and life of linda pearce

1850.)  for the community advisory group for all the commissions that have taken on opportunities to give voice to more inclusion but also more opportunity to show and feature not only history but present activity for all persons in the community,

1851.)  for watching Chris Montero leave UNCW and start his own party supply company,

1852.)  for all of the New Hanover County library‘s,

1853.)  for the pine valley branch and the focus on maker spaces,

1854.)  for the downtown library and continuing to offer services in a building that is not equipped in the way that it needs to be,

1855.)  for the Northeast branch and all the services they provide so many people every day,

1856.)  for the Carolina Beach branch and how they’re able to make a difference in the community around them,

1857.)   for the federal point fire station and how they are able to keep a secondary station for 911 going in any occasion where the main facility has to go down,

1858.)   for all the ways things keep growing when things get difficult.,

1859.)  For the new fire station on 421,

1860.)   for Collins and Collins being there for my family,

1861.)  for the Laymon group being there for my family,

1862.)  for New Hanover Regional Medical Center being there for my family,

1863.)  for Cape Fear Audi being there for my family,

1864.)  for Chris Blake and our home management being there for my family,

1865.)  for people who do business and understand that it’s about people and not about just money,for

1866.)  Wells insurance being there

1867.)  For my family, for Michelle clark and her team, for tim Milam, for

1868.)  Cindy McNeil Bringing me joy with her efforts at UNC hospitals,

1869.)  for the love of seeing Erin thrive,

1870.)  For the amazing Heather Wilson,

1871.)   for the beauty of Heathers yoga and meditations online,

1872.)  for the ongoing work to connect arch and what gets us through,

1873.)  for the beauty of attaching spaces that create how to make us better as an entire community,

1874.)  For the gift of the love of multiple pieces of music that mother gave me,

1875.)   for the variety of music that still fills my heart that Harold helped me with,

1876.)  for the love of Southern Gospel Johnny Cash and Elvis that daddy gave me,

1877.)   for the true gift of being able to sing a little from Bobby and Marshall,

1878.)  for the attachment to my own family on both sides to being able to use our voices to celebrate and praise from the Austin‘s to the Dean’s and all the way through,

1879.)  for the voices of people like Shirley Caesar,

1880.)  for the uplifting and continuing of mass choirs that kept me going every day,

1881.)   for Lou Rawls at Christmas,

1882.)  for Michael always having something interesting and new for me to listen to,

1883.)  for us to have things playing for the house when we’re not here to make sure there’s music in the air,

1884.)   for the playlist that I have on my phone from the kids when I announce it to miracle league

1885.)  and the music they share with me,

1886.)   for all of the sounds and vibrations that help me reset my own nervous system,

1887.)   for being known in the office for being able to bust out into a song

1888.)  and make everybody smile call,

1889.)  for being able to connect with others and share that love of music,

1890.)  for being able to use a song to regroup people during facilitation‘s

1891.)  and have them sing along, for seeing how music can really translate into a whole different vibe whenever we’re gather together,

1892.)  for the amazing artists in our community who literally transformed the world around us,

1893.)   for those artists who have been able to survive during the pandemic

1894.)  and keep us alive over zoom,

1895.)  for the ways in which we can continue connect with those artists and keep supporting them,

1896.)   for the beautiful work that Nya does with future singers,

1897.)  for the way that she continues to inspire me with her garden,

1898.)  for being able to play Christmas music 24 seven on WGN I,

1899.)   for being able to have a clock that turns on Christmas music as soon as we are willing to do so,

1900.)  for being able to have an electronic device that we can tell to turn on any music we want anytime any day,

1901.)  we’re living in the age of the Jetsons that I dreamed of when I was a kid,

1902.)   for being able to operate in a world where I literally can voice command pretty much anything around me,

1903.)  for all the technological advances that have helped to make our world so much better

1904.)   and so much easier in so many ways,

1905.)  for Instagram accounts,

1906.)   for TickTock, for email, f

1907.)  or MS teams, for Facebook,

1908.)  all the ways that we can connect and stay connected in so many ways,

1909.)   for learning how to stay connected

1910.)  and then learning how to disconnect from all that connection lol,

1911.)   for the way in which we’ve been able to use those connections to uplift each other,

1912.)  for a post I just got recently that was very healing,

1913.)  for the way in which what we put out into that world can be very healing and we don’t even realize it,

1914.)  for being able to create things and put things out in the world just for that intentional purpose to be healing and loving,

1915.)  for the understanding that the vibrations we put in the world do you have an effect and do make a difference,

1916.)   for knowing that thanks and prayers really do make a difference,

1917.)   for understanding that our intentions and thoughts and put into action can really create a significant change,

1918.)  for creating opportunities around me with the change in my thoughts and then the movement of my own steps,

1919.)  for all the ways in which using whatever platform or means using positive energy can make a difference

1920.)  Coastal Horizons,

1921.)  Coastal Horizons having the What clinics in the schools,

1922.)  The continued leader ship of Margaret Weller Stargell,

1923.)  all of the programs that continue to help heal so many people across the region for substance use disorder as well as mental health issues,

1924.)  the amazing youth shelter, the rape crisis center,

1925.)  the individuals who continue to serve those in the greatest of need when it comes to the worst circumstances around these issues, all of the advocates that help to see who is actually at greatest of need,

1926.)  the resources that are on the ground level across almost the entire half of the state when it comes to making sure that the services are available to help people reconcile and be rehabilitated in their lives,

1927.)  to be able to provide services and ongoing care and very distinctly difficult Arenas,

1928.)  being able to provide methadone and be able to provide those services for people with opioid addictions,

1929.)   to continue to work on the stigma and relate to folks who can not see that human beings are in need of being able to create a difference and navigate those very difficult challenges,

1930.)  the overwhelming emphasis that goes into being able to do mobile crisis,

1931.)   the ability to do intervention at the worst of times for people in such extraordinary circumstances,

1932.)  the understanding that we are only at the tip of the iceberg with regards to stress and PTSD from the pandemic and there are those that are already taken care of looking at what we’re going to do,

1933.)  being a part of a group that is looking at how we’re going to mitigate some of that,

1934.)  being a part of a world of people who continue to find ways to navigate and make a difference in the communities around us,

1935.)  finding peace in the midst of the storm,

1936.)  finding comfort and grace,

1937.)  learning more about what is in my ability to be able to make a difference, being able to find a way through and some very dark and hard feelings,

1938.)  moving away from the needs of feeling included or excluded,

1939.)   looking for more ways to feel like I can contribute without overwhelming or overdoing,

1940.)  moving away from overcommitting and trying to commit to those things that I can really bring something to,

1941.)   finding grace and forgiveness,

1942.)  finding grace in letting go,

1943.)  finding community in people who share a similar path forward,

1944.)  finding grace in diversity equity and inclusion with people who practice it both in their personal and their professional life,

1945.)  finding grace with people who live their values no matter whether it affects their ability to make money or not,

1946.)   finding grace in places where there is nothing to be gained in terms of something material,

1947.)  finding grace in places where there’s nothing to be gained in terms of something that will satisfy an urge,

1948.)  finding grace in places where there’s just presence of peace, finding grace in every moment where there’s a connection to something good, seeing some of the fruits of our labor become more apparent,

1949.)   being able to except what I can’t control when it is not bearing fruit,

1950.)   loving the opportunity to continue to be present and not worrying as much about what’s coming next,

1951.)  receiving good news and embracing it and saying thank you without looking for what’s next,

1952.)  finding more opportunity to really receive gifts, finding more opportunity to not have to always feel like I’m doing something, enjoying being at rest,

1953.)  enjoying being still,

1954.)  trying still to look for ways to get back to some of the physical activity so that I can feel engaged in that way but OK with where I’m at, grateful for the ability to share in this world one day at a time,

1955.)   grateful for the way I express my frustrations, grateful for the way that I send my vibrations out,

1956.)  grateful for those that can share things differently and I can celebrate or acknowledge wisdom,

1957.)  grateful that I share community with people I just agree with but can still find a sense of belonging with,

1958.)  grateful that I can let go of people who are toxic or who have issues that clearly we cannot reconcile with,

1959.)   grateful for my ability to be OK with sending love even when it’s not received,

1960.)  The smell of fresh coffee,

1961.)   the taste of that 1st cup of coffee in the morning,

1962.)   the smell of cinnamon,

1963.)   the feel of the breeze from the constant flow of the fan in the house,

1964.)   the rich smell of honeysuckle in the neighborhood,

1965.)  the intense sensation in my own body when I research and can make a shift to feelings that are positive or neutral,

1966.)  the ability to track in and since the shift from negative or uncomfortable feelings and sensations to those that are positive or neutral, the enormous change in my ability to track my sensations and make those shifts,

1967.)   the work with other people and seeing the shift in them were able to track and be able to make those changes with some of the skills were learning,

1968.)  the change in my overall response and ability to do work because of my ability to track and be able to sense and make those shifts,

1969.)   my most favorite of all the skills to be able to resource and to use resourcing to get me back on track and keep me moving forward when I’m under the most stress,

1970.)   the emotional intelligence that I’m gaining as I get older that helps me to regulate with my disability that I’ve had since I’m 18 and how much better I’m living today than I’ve ever lived in my entire life,

1971.)   how joyous it is to be able to sense in and actually use my body as a way to create a difference for my own well-being, for the gifts of Charles Watts

1972.)   and his enormous ability to help me to manage my physical state,

1973.)   for the friendship of Charles Watts and his ability to translate what he does in his therapy for me,

1974.)  for the ongoing commitment this year for being proud of myself of going to therapy first with seth Boynton and showing up for myself,

1975.)  for watching my own therapist break out into his own business and have the celebration of his own business,

1976.)  for the celebration of Holly Konrady and her ability to have that business in her own business, the celebration of my dietitian and seeing her break out into her own business and seeing Rachelle Thrive,

1977.)   the celebration of watching people use their talents and create good for others and be able to get back and get back for them on good that they’re doing for others,

1978.)   for watching people thrive in the midst of the storm and be able to demonstrate that the good they’re getting giving out comes back to them I know that that’s a beacon that can be shined for others to follow,

1979.)  for being able to use what I’ve been through and what I know to be able to share with others,

1980.)  for others sharing their stories with me and being able to use those stories without the names

1981.)  so that I can inspire and create opportunity for others,

1982.)   for the witness of the things that I’m allowed to see so that I can be informed and create opportunity around me,

1983.)   for the understanding that what I am allowed to see helps me to make better judgments and better opportunities for things as I move forward,

1984.)  for being able to hold my values and be able to make decisions while holding those values,

1985.)  for being able to be OK with my values and not worrying about them breaking up my relationships with other people,

1986.)   being able to acknowledge my relationships and being firm that those relationships are connected by God,

1987.)  For the leadership of Lorraine and Sweet and Savory and living wages

1988.)  For the leadership of seeing how to  make all things possible to help people thrive and be successful

1989.)  For SAGE Wilmington

1990.)  For the walks that SAGE goes f

1991.)  For the engagement for LGTBQIA center for UNCW

1992.)   for holding what I know feels good and is connected with something greater than myself,

1993.)   for knowing that I am mortal and I have a limited time on her and more and more those connections are helping me make decisions about what time and what energy I’m going to put in places,

1994.)   for being trusted and listen to, for being allowed to be heard and to share my ideas,

1995.)  for being able to be acknowledged,

1996.)   for having fears and having those fears delayed by being able to share them and connect,

1997.)  for having an internal source of being able to share those fears and be able to create connection so that I can even self regulate,

1998.)   for having self-regulation at 55 that I’ve never had before,

1999.)  four of the amazing people at blue Asia and sorry for the loss of their restaurants

2000.)  for the amazing people who tried to make it during the pandemic and did not succeed

2001.)  for those who still tried to make it and no we keran love them gratefully

2002.)  for those we lossed from COVID and the lives that touched us so dearly

2003.)  for the life of Wayne ray

2004.)  for the brave battle that Wayne fought through COVID

2005.)  for all of the text messages that he and I shared during his battle

2006.)  for all of the love he and I shared in his lifetime

2007.)  for his legacy living on after his life through all of the good that lives in each of us that he impacted

2008.)  4 the good that Brenda Haggerty did in this world and gave us before she died of COVID

2009.)  for the amazing time that Brenda and I shared where she created good even though she wasn't sure what I was saying was really what she wanted to do

2010.)  for all the phone calls that Brenda made to me where she forgave me for not being quick enough LOL

2011.)  for all of the times that Brenda showed me that sometimes you just got to say what you need to say and move on

2012.)  for all of the ways in which ray Wayne showed me to use what you have to make a difference in the world around you

2013.)  for the deep messages that Wayne sent out about getting vaccinated and taking care of yourself and how he used what he was going through to try again to help others

2014.)  for the ways in which Wayne used every second of his life to make sure that others lived well

2015.)  for Wayne's beautiful wife and all of those of his children and the world that they inherit that was made better because of his presence

2016.)  for coastal cariers and then carrying on to continue to do good in the world

2017.)  for the prayer meeting that was held on the day that captain macalpine left this world

2018.)  for being with everyone at the Sheriff's Office out of the flagpole in a moment of prayer and lifting up to take care and to be in braced around what is good

2019.)  for the life of captain macalpine and all that he created to create better for the world

2020.)  for the career an love of April McAlpine

2021.)  and the good that she brought to women infants and children and how their family served to make the world better from both of them

2022.)  for the commissioner stopping the meeting so that we could recognize April when she got to the meeting and making sure she got her recognition as she so richly deserved

2023.)  for the beautiful way in which unit 8 was retired and immortalized so that captain macalpine will always be a part of the Sheriff's Office at New Hanover County

2024.)  for the way in which we lift up all of those who passed in New Hanover County from such a horrible disease

2025.)  for all who survived and continue to thrive having gotten through the pandemic

2026.)  for all who served to make sure that care was given to all those that were getting through the pandemic and creating a better way forward for each of them

2027.)  for the health care heroes that really did make it possible for all of us to continue to thrive and get through

2028.)  for all of the health care workers who continue to help us get through even today

2029.)  for the clinic at New Hanover County who continued to make it possible for us to get care as employees

2030.)  for the testing sites so that we can continue to make it safe for people as we move forward and look at seasons that are gonna bring back issues for people

2031.)  for the decision makers and all of the things that had to go into keeping us safe and making those decisions

2032.)  for everyone who was making an is still making decisions to help create opportunities for people to stay whole and safe during all of these uncertain times

2033.)  for those businesses and those places that are still taking time to take care of people so that they can continue to be whole and continue moving forward

2034.)  For the sunrise

2035.)   for the sunse

2036.)  t for the possibility of seeing beautiful clouds on most days here in New Hanover County

2037.)  for being present in those times when I'm able to actually see those times for being able to take pictures

2038.)   and share them with others of those clouds for having awareness about the space that I'm in

2039.)  and being able to capture those moments and share them with others

2040.)   for the reactions that people give me to those reactions

2041.)   for the love that people continue to share

2042.)   and be able to open up to in those particular moments

2043.)   for all the ways in which we connect over the simplest of things

2044.)   for the way in which we're able to drive oureach other instead of away from each other

2045.)  For the penguin

2046.)  For beau gunn

2047.)  For having a park on the river

2048.)  For the services of Ray Dennis

2049.)  For the love of Cindy W

2050.)  For the love of Penny

2051.)  For the message from Penny to come home

2052.)  For the home to go to

2053.)  For the place that is always home

2054.)  For knowing that I am never every alone

2055.)  Knowing the difference between lonely and alone

2056.)  Knowing self care

2057.)  Doing more self care

2058.)  Insight timer

2059.)  Using meditaion apps

2060.)  Using skills to help me stay focused

2061.)  Being with my cardinal today and watching him feed

2062.)  Sharing some joy on tik tok

2063.)  Being able to wide down with tik tok

2064.)  Mrs. Brown’s Boys

2065.)  Poirot

2066.)  Brooklyn 99

2067.)  Will and Grace

2068.)  Will and Grace Reboot

2069.)  All things RuPaul

2070.)  World of Wonder

2071.)  The world of drag races all over the world

2072.)  Any and all British baking shows

2073.)  All steven saylor books

2074.)  Resma Menakem

2075.)  Being able to watch of read what I want when I want

2076.)  Connecting with the works of Brene Brown to move through

2077.)  Adam Grant Writings

2078.)  Thich nhat hanh

2079.)  Parallax printing

2080.)  No mud no lotus

2081.)  Having escapist movies and shows

2082.)  Turning off the screen and just sitting

2083.)  Being able to laugh

2084.)  Amy Sedaris

2085.)  Living for amanda mander 😊 having a beautiful child

2086.)  Loving seeing Joanna still prospering even if not in person

2087.)  Ed and Tony at 25

2088.)  David and Randy at 25

2089.)  Johnnie and Xris coming up on 25

2090.)  Johnnie creating such love and good with his amazing parents

2091.)  David and Randy having the home they love

2092.)  Christie and Kathy and all the good with Alex

2093.)  Seeing alex thriving and remembering the thanksgiving so many years ago when he came home to be a part of all their and our lives

2094.)  Craig and James having a son

2095.)  The amazing decorations on their home

2096.)  The beauty of their families

2097.)  Living vicariously through all their concerts and love of music

2098.)  Sam and Talen and all their outdoor adventures (I will be well enough to go)

2099.)  Seeing sam love his math 😊

2100.)  Having James come and visit

2101.)  Jame’s house finally getting back in some kind of order 😊

2102.)  Squash flowers

2103.)  The life of Michael Stanley

2104.)  The Michael Stanley Blood Drive

2105.)  All the companies coming out and breaking records to give blood

2106.)  the NHC PFFA

2107.)  Juneteenth become a national holiday

2108.)  Juneteenth becoming a county holiday

2109.)  The salads at chopt helping keep us with food

2110.)  Burriotos at islands

2111.)  Hunts tree service

2112.)  Barnette’s yard service

2113.)  Walicki’s gutters

2114.)  Seeing people who were struggling make it to the other side

2115.)  Being a reousrce

2116.)  Having resources

2117.)  The Stanley rheder preserve behind alderman

2118.)  Finding the Blumenthal reserve after all these years

2119.)  Finding pitcher plants in blumenthal

2120.)  Finding all sort sof varieties of plants and flowers I had never seen before this summer

2121.)  Being able to park at the hearne’s when I needed to

2122.)  Being able to park at holly’s if I needed to

2123.)  Being able to access the beach when I needed it

2124.)  Being able to get to a beach or a forest or some place to find peace

2125.)  Being able, when I could not get places to have some of it in my own yard

2126.)  To be able to share what I found with others

2127.)  To create that sharing in ways that could keep me connected

2128.)  To get to the harborway garden

2129.)  To have fresh herbs

2130.)  To have access to a gym for a short period of time

2131.)  To let go of my gym when the acted unsafely and against proper business health and safety

2132.)  To feel good about not standing down when I saw a business acting outside the interest of myself and others

2133.)  That I have become the man I am

2134.)  That I have values

2135.)  That I care enough to give a damn

2136.)  That I do give a damn

2137.)  That I will go to hell with someone who wants help and know I have to let go if they don’t want help

2138.)  That I can focus up and focus in other using my resources for those who want to do good for others without hate or cutting off completely those who don’t

2139.)  That nothing have to be an either or

2140.)  That nothing has to be to the exclusion of

2141.)  That decisions and choice points are just those

2142.)  That there is always an opportunity for change because I grew and changes why cannot others

2143.)  That I don’t have to engage while waiting for change, but I don’t have to shut down

2144.)  That I care deeply about serving others

2145.)  That good is what counts

2146.)   That I am so deeply amazed to be alive

2147.)  That each moment is a gift

2148.)  That each day is a gift

2149.)  That sometimes each hours is gift

2150.)  That each exchange of good is a gift

2151.)  That what I get, have, and can use is a gift

2152.)  That my talents are available to use.

2153.)  A creative touch,

2154.)  the customer service at creative touch,

2155.)  the cards and notices from creative touch,

2156.)  the care from the queen,

2157.)   value from a company that does business with me and us,

2158.)   seeing. Michael with his mother,

2159.)  praying together before our meal,

2160.)  listening to be prayed for

2161.)  receiving love

2162.)  so amazed at being loved so deeply

2163.)  the love In our house, Jax putting his nose in our laps with such expectation, being able to cook for those I love,

2164.)  being able to sit back and just enjoy once all is done, sharing time together, meeting Jodi in the parking lot and crying from finally connecting,

2165.)  Cousin Brandon coming down with his beautiful daughter to visit me for a day,

2166.)  spending time with both of them and seeing how beautiful she has grown,

2167.)  seeing what an amazing father he is,

2168.)  see you cousin Brandon and Janie thriving in their own way,

2169.)   the blessing of seeing my cousin Blair be able to retire so early and for them to be able to travel and live well,

2170.)   to see Ashley enjoying all of her horses, to stay connected with family even when we’re not able to be with each other in person,

2171.)  to have Joshua be able to bring such joy into each day over the Internet,

2172.)   to have Susan be so connected and keep me connected with my father,

2173.)  to have elaine bring me such pride in relations to use in love,

2174.)   to be able to see so many of the ways in which life came to me show up to all of these folks,

2175.)   to have Tim living so close by down at the beach,,

2176.)   to be a part of any celebrations even when we’re not able to be in the same place to gather,

2177.)  , to be able to house experiences of history living inside of me that I can put together with ways to share Forward,

2178.)  to allow the past to be the past to inform the best of what can create who I am and what can me how I serve the future,

2179.)  to continue to be involved with how to connect and bridge the way that we can break curses but use that information to build prosperity,

2180.)   to be able to continue to see the way that Nate continues to prosper in the world, to see the way JP is doing and thriving overseas,

2181.)   to see the amazing job in teaching and all of the grace that is coming from peters continued success,

2182.)   to see you love and grace coming to so many of the youth that I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to be a part of in the world,

2183.)  to see Ashley still thriving and making such a significant difference in the world

2184.)  to see Sarah and how that child of theirs is doing such an incredible growth and journey of their own,

2185.)   to see Andrew becoming such a handsome person and be such a genuinely honest and grateful human being continued,

2186.)   to see the continued wellness and cancer free life that is so in powerful,

2187.)   to be able to be a part of so many journeys with marriages that I still get to see prosper around us,

2188.)  to see Sarah reaching out and continuing to grow and her son being almost as tall as I am now, to be able to be a part of their lives.,

2189.)   To see Barth and Russell continue to be leaders in the world around them, to see all of the youth that came to the honors college just really making huge difference in the world,

2190.)  the honors college if UNCW still prospering and doing so much good, all of the experiences that brought about so many good people without college still making things happen,

2191.)   for Dr. egg and all the goodness she brings into the world,

2192.)   for her children prospering, for all the beauty that goes in to people who build better worlds around them with health and wellness,

2193.)  for no wasted time, for no regrets of the past, for not shutting any doors on it,

2194.)  for being able to celebrate each day and look towards those days with her heart full of gratitude,

2195.)  and for looking forward to one day at a time the possibility of next year being able to come to 2300 ways in which I can be grateful,

2196.)  for knowing that when I finish this list tonight I’m going to certainly not have included someone something or something else that needed to be included,

2197.)   for knowing that this list will never be complete,

2198.)  for knowing that there is so much abundance in the world around me and end me and through me and all throughout the life that I get to and have it no less will ever be able to capture it,

2199.)  but I hope and with gratitude offer this as an opportunity to share with others to really demonstrate that no matter what is going on in the world we can find ways to come forward and acknowledge and see things that truly do lift us through and in extraordinary times and circumstances that give us a wider view and a bigger vision, and that we can connect and end this be a part of what really can help us get through,

2200.)   and be grateful that I’m just able to share this with everyone