I would like to raise a glass and toast...

... our mothers.

They brought us into the world; taught us the important things, and have given us the opportunity to meet such wonderful people.

I think this stands on it's own very nicely, but for those interested in the backstory, it goes something like this.

We had finishing up a three day meeting with a small banquet; it was a time where everything we touched turned to gold*, so it was a marvellous venue. Halfway into the evening a leader came up to me and said, "In about ten minutes I will need you to mention your team and make a toast". And then walked away. Soon enough I found myself thanking my team for their hard work, raising a glass and making a toast to "our mothers". It seemed like the most appropriate thing to do. 

I have used this toast every so often since; not only because I have it in my back pocket, but because I think there is a profoundness that I never want to forget.

It turns out the probability of being the person that "you are", has been calculated to be 1 in 10 followed by 2,685,00 zeros**. So when it is said you are a miracle, from a mathematical perspective, it's basically correct. This is grand reminder that we are given a great opportunity and should, to the best of our abilities, make the most of it.

We end up knowing a fair bit over a lifetime, but it is that foundational knowledge that we learn at a very young age that serves us the most - Honesty, courage, resilience, respect...

Everything we do, and everything we will ever do, involves people we surround ourselves with. Choose well and choose often.

It was also very good wine by the way.

gpe

The rewrite can be found by clicking here.

* As a quick aside, my experience with the "everything turns to gold" thing, is it ebbs and flows. Enjoy it when you are there.
** Probability calculated by Dr. Binazir and highlighted in an article by Dina Spector (Business Insider, June 11, 2012).

In memory of...

It was two years ago today that I said my final farewell to my oldest friend; we laid him to rest on a Monday and I vividly remember the white gloves we were asked to wear as pallbearers - Symbolic I suppose... no longer to be touched by the flesh of the living.

Not surprising, hundreds paid their respects and he was eulogized by the chief of police; we laughed more than we cried, and celebrated his life... how could you not but laugh when told the story of being bitten on the ass by your own police dog. His life was a treasure chest of stories and people; rich by any measure.

Cancer, all too familiar and sadly predictable, took him from his wife, his family and his friends - All that is left are memories and these stories of a lifetime. Stories of friendship, character, compassion and courage; stories that have, in a humble way, shaped my own. 

"You got a lifetime. No more. No less"* - Knowing this, you write the best story you can and live your life. 

And life goes on. 

You find yourself putting these memories on the top shelf, and continue writing your own story...never forgetting, but eventually not quite remembering. Until a moment occurs; once more to be flooded with the memories of friendship, brotherhood and laughter. A reminder of why we are here, and what is important.

July 1st is Canada Day and the skies will be filled with fireworks to celebrate the nation; I will also quietly celebrate the life of Garth Jung, as this is one of those moments that I remember my friend and his story.

In Memory of Garth Jung (1960-2013), and all those who have touched our lives.

gpe

* Neil Gaiman said this

Be Epic...

I was at a cycling event last weekend* and a friend arrived "sporting" a new T-shirt that said, "BE EPIC".

There was something in this simple phrase that caught the imagination and whispered countless possibilities- The deeds and adventures of heroic and legendary figures; stories standing the test of time... all Homer-like in grandeur. We were all caught up with the emotion of these two words, and shared the greater meaning among ourselves. 

Striving to "BE EPIC" is a stretch goal if ever there was one... it will take you places that you never thought you could go, and on adventures you didn't realize were in you; the only place for big, big dreams - "BE EPIC" makes for a great mantra! 

And then someone** said, "Or maybe, the shirt says BEE PIC." 

Looking at the stylized lettering, and with a little imagination, it wasn't hard to see how you could come up with "BEE PIC"... and of course that is short for "BEE PICTURE". With that, I just started to smile. 

By saying "Or maybe, the shirt says, BEE PIC", I was reminded that different perspectives will let you see different things... and "different" will lead to new thoughts, ideas, impressions and interpretations. For me, I was literally reminded of The Bumble Bee, a blog entitled " Every man has a story... even the Bumble Bee" and those characteristics we should emulate.

So now when I put on my "BE EPIC" T-shirt, I am reminded of this - 

• Dream and set your goals with EPIC proportion.
• Look at the world differently and embrace those who do.
• Be industrious and never underestimate the importance of hard work.
• Believe in what you are able to do... and do it.
• In the end, only true character is left standing.

And yes I bought a T-shirt.... wouldn't you?

gpe

* The cycling event was a Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer, where 4,799 of my closest friends and I rode 223 kilometers and raised $19 Million. I big thanks to Huey, Dewey and Puddly for riding with me... it was a pleasure and an honour.

**It was Huey. Introduced in a blog entitled "Reflections".