Here we are, reaching double digits in this little writing endeavor. Appreciative for all those that have taken the time to read my foolishness and occasional heartfelt opinions. Going to do my best to keep the ball rolling as long as possible, and hope you continue to read along.
In my previous job, one of the most rewarding things I did was spearhead the ceremony recognizing the inductees for the CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor. I initially was going to describe it as one of my favorite parts of the job, but it was an awful lot of work that generally kicked my butt, so I’m going with rewarding. Anyway, the honorees were typically individuals who had dedicated lots of time and energy to the volunteer organization. I served as emcee for the event, and in my opening remarks, I would note that I think most people wish they did “more.” More volunteering, taking on or spearheading more things at the office, doing more for others, doing more for their families. I suspect most people have the desire, and recognition that they could be doing those extra things, but that it’s not easy to fit them in. At that event, I pointed out that these were the people who found a way to do that something extra, which was worthy of recognition.
These thoughts came back to me this weekend after attending two excellent events this past weekend. My friends Tim and Karen Galvin put on the 3rd Annual Tree Burning Festival in support of the foundation Lori’s Truth that they created in honor of Tim’s mom who passed away several years ago. The second was the Children’s March For Peace hosted at St. Peter’s Church in Cheshire on MLK Day. I took the boys to both of these events, and found them both to be some combination of enjoyable and moving.
The thought I couldn’t shake at both events was my great appreciation and respect for the people who are doing the damn thing. The ones who are finding the time, energy, resources, and resourcefulness to put on events like these to benefit great causes and to provide valuable learning opportunities. I will admit to not knowing how much time and effort is involved in setting up a foundation, or organizing a march through town, but I would suspect it is considerable — and we as a community benefit greatly because people are willing to do that work. Although there’s a part of me that thinks my friend Tim is just playing the long game and that this entire foundation and festival is all a ruse to help him establish a relationship with the people who run Counterweight Brewing. Which — if true — also deserves a round of applause.
Selfishly, events like this are great because it gives me something to do with my kids for a couple of hours, which is invaluable. More than that, I recognize that everyone’s situation is different, and people should not feel bad or guilty if they aren’t out volunteering, or leading marches, myself included. The Cookson family is at nearly maximum capacity at this moment.
So if I’m not going to find ways to do a little more, it’s at least incumbent upon me to take every opportunity to recognize and applaud those people (including ones who I haven’t named in this post) who are out doing that little bit more. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed, at least by me, and I for one am impressed and grateful for your efforts.
Thank you sir. So glad you and the boys had a good time at our event. We are grateful for your support!
Thanks for your kind words Joel! Much appreciated!