Bonjour! How are you? Life has been interesting for me lately. By the way, ISN’T life best when it IS interesting? I think so. We all like food with wonderful rich flavor(can you just taste that favorite dish you’re thinking of right now?!) Yes, i think life is better, in general, when life is interesting.

Yogi Berra. For those of you who don’t know Yogi, he was a hall of fame player with the New York Yankees. He was teammates with Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio, just to name a couple. However, Yogi is most famous for his quotes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
• I once won a trip around the world and decided to go somewhere else.
• Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical.
• You can observe a lot just by watching.
• If you don’t know where you’re going, you might wind up someplace else.

These are all great and they do make sense, once you think about them. My favorite: “It’s like Deja vu, all over again”. Where are you going with this Jeff, you say. Well, “Humpty Dumpty” needs put back together again. Guess who’s having knee replacement surgery? Yours truly. Life Deja vu, all over again.

The day before my birthday, earlier this month, I wake up and give my body a good ‘ol stretch. As I straighten and stiffen my legs, my left knee has the loudest “pop” I may have ever heard. Immediately excruciating pain comes rushing in and I takes my breath away. Could barely walk that day. Two days later, Joyce and I are at the orthopedic surgeons office meeting with his PA. X-rays are taken. Not good. The pictures of my left knee look exactly the same as those of my right knee 2 years ago(before replacement surgery). Sara, the PA, didn’t have to say a word. I knew what those pictures meant: I’m getting a new knee!

Let’s tie some things together here: I’ve just been given the news that I am going to have my 3rd major surgery in 4 years(if I come across as goofy from time to time, please remember all of the anesthesia I’ve had! lol!). I know just how hard that physical therapy, after surgery, was and will be again. As I’ve often told my kids: life isn’t about WHAT is going to happen to you but, rather, HOW you react to it. That is really the only thing we have control over. HOW we react to life’s circumstances. As I wrote in my book, Set Backs and Step Ups(shameless plug), just get up and move forward. The past is the past. Learn from it and take that first step forward. Make lemonade out of lemons. The tase will be oh so sweet.

Be well,

Jeff

A lot can happen in 38 seconds. Thank about it. If you were given 38 seconds to accomplish a task, what would that task be?

Let me explain where I’m going with this. Recently I was having a conversation with my buddy Skip. He asked how Noah was doing, specifically he asked, “how’s Woody doing?” For those of you who don’t know, Noah LOVES Woody Woodpecker. He has created a Woody costume and he “shows up” at local events. We’ve gone to Comicon, here in Columbus, the past 2 years, he’s been to the Comicon in Dayton and also visited Grove City for their Halloween street party event.

Noah’s biggest “gig”, to date, though has been as a volunteer at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He has been there twice and both times it was magical. For 1 hour Woody Woodpecker shows up at the “Enchanted Forest” area at NCH and creates smiles, makes happy hearts and helps adults remember their childhood…all in about 38 seconds. Example: a young girl, about 8 years of age, was being shelled down the corridor in her wheelchair. It was easy to see that she had faced(possibly still faced) some very difficult health issue. However, she saw Woody and…magic! Her face glowed with joy. She hopped up out of that wheelchair and gave Woody a big hug, and asked for her mom to take their picture. It was beautiful, and it all happened in roughly 38 seconds. Ask an aside, Noah, er, Woody, has been asked to start volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. It’s across the street from NCH. His 1st gig is tomorrow evening. I am praying that he helps change lives, 38 seconds at a time. 😊❤️

Challenge: what can YOU do in 38 seconds? Whose day can you change? “HOW, you ask? Try a friendly smile. Say good morning to a stranger. Buy the person behind you in line at Starbucks a coffee. Give someone you love a big hug. All of these acts can be done in 38 seconds. YOU will feel better for it…I promise.

Setbacks and Step Ups. For those of you who have read my book, you know I am all about moving FORWARD. To wit: this past Monday I found out I am on the fast track for having knee replacement surgery…again. This time, it’s my left knee. As before with my right knee, I am almost bone-on-bone on the inside part of my knee(boy, does this sound familiar). I have a guys trip, planned for the last few days of September and the 1st few days of October, with Noah. We are also supposed to catch up with Naomi on that trip. So, my goal is to get through that trip. Bring on the physical theory, the steroid shots, the gel injections. Whatever it takes! Lol!

H ave a great week!

Be well,

Jeff

Hello, and happy Sunday afternoon to you, my dear friends. I hope this blog entry finds you healthy, happy and coooool.

Speaking of cool, the calendar turns to the month of August next week. The “dog days” of summer. It’s hot. The humidity is up there. Take a walk i your neighborhood. Come back soaked. Two and three shower days. However, consider the alternative: cold, below freezing temps, frozen snot face (when ‘ya know, ‘ya know). I’ll take the heat…and a milkshake.😊

Speaking of August, I’ll turn the ripe young age of 60 next Sunday. How is this possible? I’ve asked my mother(I don’t DARE tell you her age!) the same question. Her answer is always the same: how do you think I feel?! Lol! Most days I don’t feel my age, at least mentally. I’m still a goofy, fun loving, fun living younger guy, at heart. My body, however tells me differently most days, although I am improving. I still wake up in the morning and sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies-Snap, Krakle & Pop! So, we fight the good fight, love Jesus and love others each day. Have a laugh. Have a cry. It’s all good.

You might be wondering, hey Jeff, when are you going to get around to that part of the title, “being forgotten”? Almost forgot. Sorry, THAT was a bad joke. A couple of weeks ago our pastor mentioned being forgotten as part of his sermon. It got me to thinking about all of the people that we-I am pointing my finger squarely at my chest here-“forget” each and every day. They are: the barista at Starbucks, the cashier at the drive through at your favorite fast food joint, your waitress or wait or at dinner last night. The list goes on and on and on. Years ago I noticed that my friend, Scott Rider, would call everyone by their 1st name. Place or situation didn’t matter. If you were the waitress at Bob Evans and were wearing a name badge, he called you by your name. I started doing this too. Try it. Don’t let these people be forgotten. They are human, just like you and me. People LIKE to hear their name. By calling them Bob their name you are recognizing them. They have lives, feelings, just like you and me. They hurt, just like you and me. Again, try it. You just might make someone’s day. 😊

Lastly, I had coffee Friday morning with a. Dear friend and client, Jim Strawn. Jim is the most positive person I know. Spending 30 or so minutes with him just fills my tank. Well, we get ready to leave and go our separate ways and Jim says, “I love you buddy”. Not is passing, but genuine. I can’t explain just how good that made me feel. Thank you, Jim.

So, go have a great week. Worry not about the heat. Have a milkshake. Recognize all people and, tell someone close to you that you love them.

Be well,

Jeff

What a week! This was mine and Joyce’s 2nd year of volunteering for vacation bible school(“VBS”) at our church, Northwest Presbyterian Church(NPC for short). NPC is not a mega church but, compared to our little church back in Winfield, it certainly could be.

Yesterday was the last day for “Snowdrift Mountain”. We saw 330 kids have a great week playing, doing crafts and games and learning about the love that Jesus has for each one of them, all while doing it during the “winter” on Snowdrift Mountain.

Joyce worked in the nursery while I was on games. The highlight of the week was Thursday…water day. If you want to have fun, get wet and see and experience pure joy and laughter, volunteer for water day during VBS. Let me set the stage: one of our volunteers was a nice, retired gentleman named Bob. Bob is so kind, loving and generally quiet. Not Thursday. Bob was asked, at some point, to man the water hose. Keep in mind that this water hose had a nozzle on it that looked like it belonged to Ladder company 47 from the Dublin fire dept. Bob decided he spray the kids and get them wet. Help cool them off. Well, needless to say, our little 6-10 year old turned into killers and strategically worked(successfully I might add) to completely soak Bob. They used sponges, water guns and buckets. Anything they could find. Bob looked like he had taken a shower with all of his clothes on. And you know what? The look on Bob’s face was priceless during the entire time…pure JOY!❤️

”Hey Jeff, let’s do it again.” That was my sister Jennifer. She had finished packing up her car and ready to drive back home, after our trip to Europe last month. I was really surprised to hear her say that, and happy. I had been a little concerned before our trip, wondering how she would handle a trip like that. We were nomads for 2 weeks. Living out of suitcases. Multiple cities. literally taking planes(4), trains(8) and automobiles(too many to count) all while visiting 5-6 cities in 12 days. Well, if you know me, you know I love to travel and love to “plan for travel.” So, for the past few weeks since our return, I’ve been sending Jennifer pictures and reels from areas in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Should we go there next? When, in a couple of years? Who knows, but just the thought of it…😊

One last thing. I’ve had a few of you tell me that I need to keep doing this blog. That you enjoy reading them and “they are helping people.” Please know that I get as much out of writing them as you do reading them. I only ask one favor of you…don’t keep me a secret. Share the blog with your friends, family and others.

Be well,

Jeff

Growing up, one of my childhood friends, Michele, would make the statement that certain things were the same, only different. I know, sounds funny but, very true, in my opinion. Let’s explore.

We live in a world that is very unique. It’s a world that allows us-almost encourages us-to “be ourselves”. Ever heard the phrase, ‘just do you, Boo-boo?” Well, that’s where we are today. Individualism. Just “do you’. Now, I’m not sayin g right or wrong here, that is not the point of this blog. I hear you< “well Einstein, what IS the point of this blog?” It is this: we, individually and collectively, while different, are very much the same.

I recently spent time in Italy, France, the Netherlands and England. the culture in EACH locale was quite different. The food was different. People, and how they interacted with “foreigners” was different. My experience with each city, each country was different. You know what wasn’t different? These 3 words: Love. Smile. Kindness.

Each place I visited offered a very distinct and unique take on life. The locals went about their daily lives and routines “their” way. However, at the end of the day they craved the same thing that we ALL do: a gentle smile, a small dose of kindness and love. Language barriers don’t come into play with these three. I’ll say them again: LOVE. SMILE. KINDNESS.

So, keeping being you. You are special. Just remember to smile, be kind and love each other. We’re all in this thing called “life” together.

Be well,

Jeff

Hello friends. As I type those words I can close my eyes and hear broadcaster Jim Nance uttering the same on “Masters Sunday”(if you know, you know).

I returned home last night from a 2 week trip abroad with my sister, Jennifer. It was a great trip. We spent time in Amsterdam, London and Paris. For the first time, Italy was visited. Just a great 2 weeks.

We started in Rome, then moved to Florence and on to Paris. When in Paris, something really struck me, really stood out: “bonjour”. Do you know the meaning? At its core it means, “good day” or “hello”. What really stuck with me was the attitude and affection with which the French said that one, simple word. They said warmly, enthusiastically and affectionately. It wasn’t fake, at all.

Bonjour. It got me to thinking what if, here at home we were like-minded? What if we greeted everyone we came in contact with, with a genuine, warm “hello”? Simple. Purposeful. Affectionate. REAL. Do you think it would make “your world” a better place? Name the dollar amount and I’ll bet you it would.

So here is my challenge to you: try it. What do you have to lose? “Hello”, and from the heart, with a smile. You just never know how that simple, 5 letter word, might impact it may have for someone…you!

Be well,

Jeff

Good morning! Please accept my apologies for what you are about to read. It’s gonna be a bit random, a bit “Helter Skelter”, a bit Neapolitan ice cream(if you know, you know).

I hope all the mothers reading this had just the best day this past Sunday and were truly celebrated for being all that YOU are, which is amazing, wonderful and loved.

Totally speaking for Joyce, I “think” she had a good Mother’s Day weekend. I conspired with Naomi to fly her home early Saturday morning. Noah and and I left the house, as we usually do on Saturday to go run around and do “our thing”. What Joyce didn’t know is that we were headed to the airport to pick up Naomi. We get home and Joyce isn’t there-perfect! Joyce comes home and to her surprise…Naomi is there!❤️ I couldn’t have scripted it any better. Big shout out to my guy, Noah, for not only being in on the surprise, but keeping it a secret!

Speaking of Noah….Woody strikes again! As many of you know, Noah loves Woody Woodpecker. I’ve taken him to Comicon shows here in Columbus and in Dayton. He’s gone to Halloween events in Grove City and at Polaris Mall. Well, he has been asking me to find him another “gig”. So, I reached out to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Noah and I met with them and they liked the idea. Fast forward to earlier this week: Noah er, Woody, showed up and brighten kids hearts and faces for an hour. He also was a big hit with the adults. Who doesn’t love Woody Woodpecker?! It’s so cool watching Noah do his thing as Woody. He totally transforms. This is especially amazing for a person with autism. Just magical!

It’s now been 1 year-hard to believe-since I sold my half of Jarrell Black and semi-retired. I’ve learned a lot-about myself-during this past year. The number one thing I’ve learned is that I don’t miss the work, I miss the people…dearly. I am so thankful that I still have my Mass Mutual and investment business. I work in that business to this day. Not going anywhere for a couple more years. Relationships. Many of you who read this blog are connected with me, in some way, through current or previous business dealings. I am so grateful for each one of you. I love people. I love making “you” happy and helping you. Helping you achieve your goals. THIS is what I miss the most. Like I said, not he work, but the relationships. Thankfully, many of us are still friends. For that, I am very grateful. 😊

Yesterday I did something I have never done before: I had a club fitting, by a PGA professional, and bought new golf clubs. My old clubs were bought back in 1990. Yes, 34 years ago! Boy, how the technology has changed in golf clubs. titanium heads. Carbon fiber club faces. Shafts. All new with the latest, greatest technology. You know what hasn’t changed though…the golf swing. It’s still all about your mechanics. The basics. I think life is very similar. It’s all about the basics: loving people. Being kind. Helping each other out. Smiling at a stranger. Waving “hello”. Very simple.

Last thought(not so random): text me. Call me. I miss you. I know you miss me too! Lol! Seriously, it’s not about me, it’s about you. Take time(it won’t take that much out of your busy day) and text or call an old friend and let them know you are thinking about them. It’ll make you feel good, from your head to your toes. I love you.

Be well,

Jeff

HARD. The last week or so has been difficult. Many of you know that Noah has autism. I use the term “high-functioning”. I’m no doctor or specialist, but autism IS a spectrum. Noah is very smart. Spend any amount of time with him and it’s easy to see the brilliance of his mind. Spend any amount of time with him and you’ll the world of autism blossom before your eyes. The past week or so we’ve seen it all.

EASY. I joke about this but, remember when you had to have “the talk”, about the birds and the bees, with your child, well imagine having that talk with someone on the autism spectrum. Easy breezy, at least with my guy. Noah seeing all subject matter as black and white. No middle ground. No gray area. So, like I said…EASY. lol!

SCARY. As parent, a father, I feel that one of my duties is to raise my kids in a manner that prepares them, as best as possible, to be adults and contributing members of society. With autism, that’s a whole different barrel of monkeys. I worry, sight unseen most of the time, about Noah’s future. Yes, we have made and continue to make all of the legal provisions for him to live in our home once we both die. Yes, there will be funds($) for him, both from the government and from mom and dad. However, what I’m talking about is who will take him to ball games? Who will have a Saturday afternoon out with him? Will he remember to put the trash out on Tuesday night? There are a million things! As a believer in my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, I know Noah(he’s a believer also) will be taken care of, better than I could ever do. It’s still scary though, I must admit.

JOYFUL. With autism-at least with Noah-comes a continuing sense of innocence. The way he looks at nature. His love for the butterfly, the monarch in particular, goes without saying. He believes in Santa Claus. I’m not going to tell him any different. I, too, believe in the magic of Christmas. He just sees the world through an entirely different lens. Honestly, i think more of us should see the world the way he does. It would be a better place. Sometimes I catch myself and I am seeing things the way he does, the innocence of kids playing at the park, the joy in going to one of your favorite places, etc. IT IS BEAUTIFUL.

SAD. It’s been sometime now, but I used to get as fairly often I wish that Noah didn’t have autism. The answer is no. Now, don’t hate on me. This is just my opinion, but hear me out. God made Noah exactly the way HE wanted him to be. I firmly believe that, not just for Noah, but for all of us. Noah is “perfect” just the way he is, with all the quirks. By the way, we ALL have our own quirks, not just someone with autism. So, no. I love Noah just as he is, and I am excited to see him continue to grow, mature and develop in the man that God has intended all along.

I hope that this has given a little peek into the world Joyce and I live in every day. We are so blessed, and we know it. We don’t take it for granted. Life is beautiful. I hope that your life is beautiful as well. Hug someone today. tell someone how much you love them. I love you.

Be well,

Jeff

I love Saturday mornings. The whole day, in general. It’s a different feel a different vibe. What about you?

This Saturday morning is a bit different. I’m sitting in Starbucks(that’s NOT different!) while Babs(Joyce) is getting her hair done/did. Lol! Just me and coffee and these random thoughts popping in my head like popcorn.

Some thoughts and things that I’ve experienced since the last time we talked…

-“I love you”. I’ve been blessed in that 3 clients and friends have told me how much they love me. I know, I know. Jeff, you’re being too sappy. Nope. Being told by someone that you are loved, for who you are, is powerful. Endorphins are released and you get all those good feels. I believe it works just the same when YOU tell someone that you love THEM. Try it out. Be genuine. Don’t be afraid to tell someone how much you care about them. The world is missing this today. We don’t do it nearly enough. So, “I love you”.😘

• Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the 3rd “Party for Parkinson’s”, in the community of Habersham, SC. Habersham is the cutest little community. They shut down Market Street, their main street, and turn it into a magical place for 4 hours. One of my very best friends, Scott Rider, is the vision and inspiration behind the event. It’s a fundraiser for the Parkinson’s Foundation. To me, it really is a place of love, hope and inspiration. What IS possible. Being around those folks Saturday evening opened my eyes to what IS possible. Living life to its fullest, no matter the circumstance. No matter the obstacle in yours or my way. ❤️

• Strange. That trip last weekend went off without a hitch. If you recall, I recently published d a blog about my tricky, whacky travels. Not this time! Am I jinxing myself?

• Joy. What gives you joy? Not happiness. Not being content, which is usually very short-lived. No, joy. That feeling that is deep inside of you. That feeling that lasts. Gives you all the feels. All the ‘good vibrations”. One thing that gives mine joy is helping someone. Serving them. It can many different shapes and forms. I ALWAYS walk away form this type of situation feeling light. Happy. Energized. Joyful. 😊

One last thing, a request. My main guy, Noah, has a big appointment coming up on Wednesday. Could be a great opportunity for him in the community. May or may not involve him dressing up like his favorite feather friend Woody Woodpecker. I know. This may sound trivial to some of you, but it goes back to that word…joy. This is something that truly brings him joy, and those he encounters as well.

That’s all for this Saturday morning friend. Have a great weekend. I love you.

Be well,

Jeff

I remember that phrase like it was yesterday. “And now for the REST of the story”. I would hang on every Paul Harvey had to say, especially those ever so important words that were the “rest”. THOSE were always the most important. They would tell the end, unlock the secret or the compelling end to the mystery Mr. Harvey was telling.

As you certainly recall (how could you forget?!), I was “involved” in. A bank robbery back on Good Friday. over the balance of that weekend, I couldn’t help but to think about Heather and Tito. The robbery had truly shaken them. I will never forget the look on Tito’s face. Totally bewildered. I was worried about them. Their mental and emotional health. I even asked the men in my Monday night bible study to specifically pray for them.

On Tuesday last week I went back to the scene of the crime. I spoke to Heather and Tito, individually. I wanted them to know that I had been concerned about them. That I had been earnestly praying for them and asked others to do the same. They were so appreciative. They told me how kind I was and that they had been worried about me! Here they were front and center and they were concerned about someone else.

Ahhh, there you have it. The “REST” of the story. Caring about others. Compassion for others. Putting someone else’s needs and concerns ABOVE your own. It’s what Jesus would do. Serve others. Care for others. Love others. And now, my dear friends, you know…the rest of the story.

Be well,

Jeff