FITx50 \ week 31

Folks, this is the very last episode of FITx50. I’ll be blessed with the distinction next Wednesday, March 11th. I’ve loved your support through these posts.

Most encourage by saying it’s only a number, and if that’s the case it’s 18262.1 days. It’s 438,291 hours. It’s 26,280,000 minutes. Then while calculating the number of seconds, my handheld showed this – 1.5768e+9 – Did I just discover a hidden mathematical computation?

Despite the math, on March 11th it comes down to the number 1 that makes the most impact. I had 1 mother who I still miss dearly. I have 1 father who I’m watching time & health ravage. I have 1 family (2 sisters & 4 brothers) who I probably did and still do torment. I’ve had 1 main job (law enforcement) my entire adult life. I’ve prayed to 1 & the only God my entire life. My heart breaks for 1 thing (my sons).

I vividly recall my dad during my youth. He was a strong, honest and strict man–some might respectfully say a “hard ass.” The son of Italian immigrants, his generation remained silent providers of the family. He never said “I love you,” though we know he does.

50 years is a long time to stretch back. I was and am just like him. Just ask my family. I’m proud of that, like I’m proud of him. Our greatest difference isn’t genetic, it’s generational.

I’m not silent about the adoration for my family. My facebook and social media streams are more of a love note to them than a social commentary on society.

I share Max with you because I trust you. I hope that you’ll draw encouragement in your own families no matter the circumstances. The life of a single dad and a special needs child isn’t always easy, but because of love and faith, we make it amazing. You can too–our kids deserve our best.

I also share my family and Liliana Hart with you, because first they consent to being part of this ongoing love letter written about life’s journey, and second, because we’re similar to most families. Nothing special, other than the deep desire to be with one another.

My goals at the beginning of these weekly posts were to document the great athletic feats accomplished once, that I used to do routinely. Instead, I’ve learned that it’s the good we do for others that makes us FIT. I’ve been asked so often what I wanted for my birthday, but never replied until now. I ask that you bless me with this:

I’ve a brave young police officer working for me by the name of Paul Thibodeaux. He was born with Cystic Fribrosis and has not only lived beyond his life’s expectancy, but is living his dream of serving the public. He now needs a double lung transplant to survive. Finally on the list, his expenses will be high. Much higher than this husband and his dear wife would ever save on a public servant’s salary. My birthday wish is that you’ll openly share with him, like I’ve shared with you. Please Donate to- http://www.gofundme.com/lkr0k4

In this round down to a fabulous 50 I’ve learned a few things that I’ll share:
1. Being tough and being healthy are very different things.
2. Not saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t make you right, it makes you
weak.
3. Saying “I love you” doesn’t make you soft, it makes you human.
4. Allowing others to help you doesn’t make you less of a man.
5. Crying in the arms of someone you love is more effective than
ranting against the air alone.
6. People are freaking amazing.Every single one of you.
7. Offering to pray for someone and doing it right then and there
with them is a tremendous blessing for both of you. Asking and
giving forgiveness works the same.
8. Refusing to allow negativity into your life adds value to it.
9. Manners matter.
10. Smile, God loves you. Really, He does.