Celebrating Life

My family headed down to Baltimore to celebrate the life of my wife's grandfather.

His funeral and wake fell on the same day as my 49th birthday.

I felt a complexity of emotions - joy, sadness, nostalgia (yes, I still have Inside Out 2 on the brain!)

Celebrating life isn't all that different from a birthday or a wake.

You tell stories about the person. You laugh, you reminisce. Sometimes you cry.

I felt the nostalgia for the stories about Pops.

How he got his nickname from Shanita. How he took grandma on vacations. How his home was the safe place for everyone on the block. How he learned French playing minor league baseball. How he wore his burgundy suit for special occasions.

Seeing folks from across the generations pay respects to Pops was really nice. Met some new family and some folks whom the family hadn't seen in decades.

These life events are an opportunity to create space for love and belonging.

Before I blew out the 4 and 9 birthday candles, I closed my eyes and thought of Pops.

Of my parents and Jess and Aunt Sue and Shanita's dad.

I thought of peace. I felt the love in the room from my family.

I felt Pops smile. I then blew out the candles.

Turning 49 is a year away from 50. A milestone year!

I'm also three years away from the age that my father passed in 1986.

I've had a full life and yet have so much more to live and learn.

i've learned some lessons as a parent, husband, leader and friend.

Be generous - give to others and don't expect anything in return.

Center your family and your spouse. When you're less selfish, you experience more joy.

Be curious about people's stories, values, and beliefs. It's the fastest way to build trust

Don't wait unti your death to tell your story. Telling your story allows you to shape the direction of your life.

Take care of your mind, body and spirit. Being selfish about that means you can pour even more into others.

Be present. Enjoy the moment, Especially when it's a snowball from Baltimore!

Mike Montoya , Denise Jensen and I are representing Stronger Consulting at the National Charter Schools Conference in Boston. Come say hi to us!

The Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges AND signed OG Anunoby. It's looking up for the New York Knicks!!!!

I said Go New York, Go New York, Go!!!

Thanks to the 3,100th #RONservations subscriber, George Badia!

Last but not least, there is still still time to donate to my 49th birthday fundaiser! I'm raising 5K for Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School as a board member. Link here.