Introducing Myself to THE POLICE

It was an awkward moment as I walked into the Brooklyn police station one morning in the mid-1990’s, with my only purpose being to let them know my name.

The person at the front desk was perplexed (and me a bit nervous), yet I insisted on at least saying hello to as many police officers as possible.

I don’t recall how many I spoke to that day, but it was much more than a few.

Newly confident on my way out, I stopped a policeman who was walking in and told him who I was and where I lived; something I could tell he thought was strange, although we smiled about it. I would repeat these ‘meet and greets’ in the months after, whenever I came across an unknown officer.

If you’re wondering why I did this, I had the same question for a mentor of mine who suggested it before my move to New York City.

“You really want me to go to the station and introduce myself to the Police?” I said.

I thought he was a bit crazy!  “Trust me, as a black man, it’s a smart thing to do” was his answer.

I trusted him implicitly, as his wisdom and teachings have never failed me. Despite my reservations, I followed his advice. 

Back then, Brooklyn was still an edgy borough, although crime in the area was decreasing, yet still not uncommon.

I formed relationships with a small group of cops in Forte Greene/Clinton Hill – a diverse group of men and personalities.  I can’t put into words how good it felt talking to and hearing from them. I knew I was in good hands.

Because of these positive interactions, I was also more aware of getting to know my neighbors, which I stayed focused on. It was the first time I had a real sense of community as an adult.

Some of my fondest memories were these moments and it changed my perception of policemen. My uncle was a cop and he spoke highly of the men he served with, although I was understandably more apprehensive of the men in blue, having had my share of unfriendly encounters in the past.

One afternoon, the bond we shared paid a huge dividend when my doorbell rang.  As I opened the door, an unstable man appeared and had a thick chain in his hand. I didn’t panic and stayed calm throughout. He asked for some money and I gave him a few dollars; leaving the door open while I went to get the cash. He left promptly and at no point showed any aggression.

While never encountering the man previously, the police knew about him and I had seen him in the neighborhood. During an earlier conversation, I remember one officer talking to a group of us about him; emphasizing that he was harmless, if he didn’t get scared or excited. I was thankful for that knowledge as that huge chain was slightly unnerving.

Being known had one pitfall though.

When I was called for Jury duty in 1998, I tried desperately to get out of the two-week assault case, as it was an important time for me at work, but after a few officers saw me at the courthouse during Jury selection, we all knew I was going to serve. They were familiar with me and my character, which had me quickly selected. It was a long trial, although quite a fascinating experience.

My mentor once again served me well and I never worried about much while I was living in Brooklyn for 7 years. Not only were my neighbors interesting people, the conversations with the police were wide ranging and insightful.

I received the kind of education that you can’t buy or find in any book. I’m grateful for that and the feeling of comradery and safety I carried throughout.

Imagine if I didn’t listen to my mentor.

Imagine what I would have missed had I not gone to the police precinct that day.

Imagine how much better our inner-city neighborhoods in the USA could be with a more cohesive bond with the police.

  

You Aren’t a Risk Taker

We all say things in the heat of the moment or without thinking, although this example was memorable. 

Some years ago, a friend in the USA said to me:

“You Aren’t a Risk Taker”

The comment caught me off guard as this individual knew my history quite well.

While he did indulge in risks beyond the common person, to paint me in such a light was surprising. In addition, his words were filled with confidence.

 What I said next silenced him.

“Interesting that you don’t consider me a risk taker, yet I’m the one who has lived away from where I grew up - in Boston/New York City and abroad in Serbia and Sweden - while you have lived within 30 miles (50km) of your hometown your entire life.”

“Not only that, but I see my mother once a year and dear friends every few years at best.”

He never thought about that aspect of risk – leaving the ease of ‘everyone knowing your name’ for the uncertain future of a big city or foreign country.

While he had a strong appetite for adventure and throwing caution to the wind (which I admire), that didn’t apply to the comfort of living close to his parents, family and childhood friends.

Yes, I can be practical, reserved, careful, easy-going or relaxed (seemingly riskless to some), if you only look at my surface; which is what he had done. If you dig deeper, you will find plenty of passions, combined with a strong dose of sensible risk.

Was my friend more of a risk-taker than I was? Absolutely and I will never be at his level, yet to label me as risk-averse was not well thought out. If he had compared his risk to my risk, I would have understood and wholeheartedly agreed.

I believe the reason he never thought about my years outside of the USA (In Eastern Europe and the Nordics) as being filled with risk, is because it’s something he couldn’t imagine himself doing or even considering – which he admitted.

After our conversation, he felt differently and now has the utmost respect for those who leave the creature comforts of home and take the bold step of living outside of their birth country.

My final words to him were cliché yet poignant:

"Never judge a book by it’s cover.”

(The Shores of Southern Sweden)

                                              

                                                             

If I Don't, I Will be Dead in 15 Years

A dear friend recently sent those troubling words to me in a text message. He was the skinny guy in high school; the one you thought would maintain that frame for the rest of his life.

This message about his own health took me back to the late 1990’s when I had more weight issues than he did. It was horrible. I was careless with my food/sugar intake, and didn’t exercise on a regular basis. It was hard, but I eventually got back on track with professional help.

His authenticity also made me recall the day we looked at a photo together with another mutual friend; one I had just taken of him, me and that friend (a man in insane shape).  Approaching 50 at that time, he said “I don’t look like you guys.” He was spot on and clearly a wake-up call to improve his health.

Now in his mid-50’s, he said that if he didn’t do something soon, he would be dead in 15 years.

We’ve always been close and I knew that he was uncomfortable about his health. I sent him a new weight scale to monitor his progress and encouraged him to eat healthier.

At 6’3 (191 cm) and 218 lbs (99k), we set a goal of getting down to 205 lbs (93k) in one year. We communicated often and I encouraged him to take his mind and body to a higher level. He struggled for months, shedding some weight and then putting it on again. During that year, the highest amount of weight loss was 6 lbs (3k).

I would occasionally send him a message saying only ‘205’ to nudge him to get back on the program. He knew that my concern was coming from a place of compassion and caring. I’ve always admired him as one of the most socially connected people I know, someone who is comfortable in any setting - whether it be Harlem, Middle America, Hollywood or a European city. He was raised well by his loving parents, has great kids, a very kind and supportive wife, and a good extended family.

My concern was that he could ruin it all with poor health, an issue I saw first-hand with my father.

My dad rarely exercised, ate poorly and was under a great deal of stress. At age 53, he suffered a major heart attack. Fortunately, he survived and went on to live 20 more fairly stable years. I didn’t want one of my best friends to suffer the same fate.

I continued to encourage him to do something - anything - to change his way of life and lose weight. Isn’t that what friends are for? It seemed as though he listened each and every time but the needle didn’t move much until last week.

This spring, I‘ve made a few improvements to my own health with the news of the pandemic in mind and sent him a short message to share.

--

At 86.4k (190 lbs.) two weeks ago, down from my usual 89k (196 lbs.) for 7+ years. I started eating more sensibly at  the start of Covid19.

Just added this new thing two weeks ago also. No eating after dinner. I usually have something for dessert but now the kitchen is CLOSED.

Been wanting to do it (nothing after dinner) for years but never tried. That alone should get me to to 84k Or 185 lbs. - my high school weight....which is my goal.

Feel much better already and my body has changed as well. 

You?

--

His immediate response surprised and convinced me that this could be another wake-up call:

--

I really am going to try. I want to and have had issues. My red blood cell count has been high for 4 years. Recently - 4 times had blood tests and some abdominal tests. Good news, I am clean. A few more tests to go but I may have a sleep disorder so I am doing a sleep study. 

I do not like my habits. I sleep only 5 hrs a night and eat poorly. 

I am hovering at 217 (99 k) now and I feel like 250 (113k)… really need to motivate myself. 

I am ready to make a move and stop excuses. You got me - you are doing way better.  

I hope to fix the dad body now. If I don't, I will be dead in 15 yrs... I wish you were here to motivate me. 

(Our mutual friend) is my hero. That guy doesn't stop and I have no idea where he gets the time and his energy.

--

Was this his epiphany? I hope so and maybe the whirlwind of news around Covid19 helped in this regard. Being overweight is one of many underlying factors that can make you more susceptible to the virus and make it more difficult to fight it.

We’re about the same height but he is 26 lbs. (12k) heavier. Being his weight 20 years ago for a few months was a bad memory; enjoying too much of the ‘good life’ in Manhattan, and the pounds snuck up on me. I had one pair of pants that fit my waist.

I’ll never forget the look in my doctor’s eyes back then. “You look bad George, and you have to do something about it.” Her words left no doubt that she genuinely cared about me. She suggested a sensible yet drastic plan and I lost the weight in 45 days.

I made a positive lifestyle change that day and never looked back. My journey on the ‘Health is Wealth’ path to maintain and/or enhance it is one of my top priorities.

The part of my friend’s text that was chilling for me to read was “If I don’t, I will be dead in 15 years.”

I worry that if he continues on the same path of bad sleep, poor eating and lack of movement, other health issues could creep into the picture. If he’s lucky, he could live past 70 like my father.  It won’t be easy and might be the toughest challenge of his life thus far, but I’m happy to know that he has at least seen the light.

The proverbial ball is in his court.

Will he continue to dribble and dribble and dribble with the same lifestyle?

Or will he be courageous and take that first jump shot which is needed to start the process of healthier living?

Maybe he will be bold and step it up with a few 3 point shots in order to get to that 205 weight or lower.

A few days ago, I sent him this message:

-- 

I’m inspired by your heartfelt message and self-awareness. You are truly blessed my friend and it would be awful to have all of that taken away by the way you are leading your life. You already took the first step of acknowledgement.

Now go for it in the same way you have led your life, maintained a strong marriage, raised your terrific children and built your vast friendships, including a fantastic one with me. If you do that, you will win the health race.

I’m here to help in any way I can, but as you know, it’s all up to you.

Love,

George

--

It’s his choice. It’s his time. 

An Act of Kindness

I’ve seen and experienced random acts of kindness throughout my years, although one shines brighter than most, as it was both unexpected and enjoyable. Generosity with good intentions would usually be welcomed, yet this one almost didn’t happen.

It was the mid 1980's and my basketball team from the University of Vermont had just suffered another disappointing loss at Yale. After the game, a parent from Yale asked our head coach if he and his son could treat a few of our players to dinner. It was an extremely generous offer, a no-brainer in every sense of the word, yet our coach refused. What happened next not only changed the course of the evening, it would be one of the most transformative events of my life.

That parent was Earl Graves, Sr.

I will never forget how he confronted our coach for insulting him that day; the swift way in which he pulled him aside to discuss the matter in private. He kept his composure and never raised his voice but the stern look on his face spoke volumes. Whatever Earl Graves, Sr. said at that moment prompted our coach to accept his offer immediately.

After leaving Yale’s campus, three of my teammates and I accompanied him to his Rolls Royce which seemed to almost float through New Haven. We were greeted by his son, Earl Jr. (a.k.a. ‘Butch’ – then Yale’s star player) who opened the door of a beautiful home and introduced us to a few close friends. The vibe was magnificent, and soon we were enjoying a fine spread of delicious soul food. Any thoughts of our earlier loss were firmly in the back of our minds and the night was filled with laughter, new connections and quality conversation.

Years later, while working in NYC, I came to know several people who were clients of Earl Sr. One was particularly impressed by his negotiating skills and his tenacity for closing a deal. “George, he just wouldn’t give up,” he told me once during a round of golf. 

Although my encounter with Earl Sr. was brief, I remember the way he fiercely compelled our coach to let me and my teammates join him that evening, something that was otherwise not permitted after a game on the road. Now I realize why the man we only knew as Butch’s father made such an impression: he made things happen.

Earl Graves, Sr. owned a successful publishing company and was one of the top African-American business leaders. He was chairman and CEO of PepsiCo’s operations in Washington, DC. and General Partner at one of their bottling franchise companies in South Africa. And before his phenomenal career in business, a much younger Earl Graves earned a B.A. degree in Economics, served a couple of years in the Army and was an administrative assistant to none other than Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

(Earl G. Graves Sr. - A Voice for Black Entrepreneurs)

His relentless nature that day after his son’s game at Yale stayed with me, although at the time I couldn’t fully realize its impact. I’ve used it as inspiration when facing a challenging customer or dealing with obstacle after obstacle on a tough sale.

Early in my sales career, I was fortunate to work with two salesmen who also displayed the same kind of relentlessness. Watching them in sales calls was enlightening, as they were zealous in going after and closing deals. I saw a lot of Earl Sr. in those two men.

(2 Salesmen - Simply the Best)

It was a perfect trifecta of learning – powerfully at Yale and more nuanced with two of the best salespeople I’ve worked with. That attitude of what I like to call ‘persuasive persistence’ proved invaluable in my sales career.

I met Earl Sr. again in 1996 at one of our company events. One of the highlights of working for the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, was connecting with so many inspiring people like Earl Graves. I reminded him about the game and his generosity a decade earlier, thinking he might recall our first encounter. He said, "George, I can't even remember what I did yesterday", and we both laughed. I thanked him once again and conveyed how much I appreciated him taking the time to care.

Earl Graves Sr. died last week. He was 85.

With prominent individuals, one doesn't usually hear about the way in which they positively impact others. That dinner for us may have been normal for him or a ‘small thing’ in his life but it was a profound moment in the eye of a young athlete and a cherished memory.

My hope is that more of us (including those blessed with influence and fortune), take the time to give in much the same way he touched our lives.

Earl Graves Sr.

Thoughts of My Dad on Father's Day

My dad was smarter than me despite never having the luxury of collegiate life. I admired his love of learning. When we watched Jeopardy together, it was slightly embarrassing when he would easily get answers that I had no clue about.

Of course I excelled in areas he never did (i.e sports) yet even though we weren’t super close, I gained strong values from his structured life, witty nature, work ethic and being a good man.

He would tell you that he wasn’t the best dad and truth be told.... I wasn’t the best son but we ended well. Looking back, we were both petty in the way we sometimes treated one another.

Just before I got married, he took me to lunch and clearly was searching for how he performed as a Father. I told him that he was a ”good man who did his best and someone the family could count on to always be there for me and my Mom.” My parents had immense marital struggles, yet each took care of me beautifully despite their challenges; something I’m deeply grateful for.

Considering the poverty my dad grew up with, along with difficult life experiences that I can’t even imagine, he made himself into an interesting and fun man. He also had a wide group of friends, volunteered and usually had a hand out for those less fortunate.

This picture on this blog post was from 2004; a year after his stroke at age 72 and eight months before he died at age 73.

At our 2003 wedding, his speech was touching as I could tell that he was proud of me and happy to have a good relationship with his only son.

Happy Father’s Day to Donald L. Payne and all the father's in my life who like my dad are doing (or did) the best that they can.

Mom Isabella, Dad, Reggie and Me - Thanksgiving 2004

Never Doubt a Tiger

If you’re a golfer or love the game, I suspect the moment you knew Tiger Woods could win ‘The Masters’ was similar to mine.

Before the momentum shifted, a friend sent me these words:

“Amen Corner probably decides this”.

Leading by 2 strokes, Francesco Molanari, cool and confident all day, hit his ball into the water at the 12^th tee; a shot that wasn’t even close to seeing dry land. Tiger (in 2nd place) was next and crushed his attempt to the middle part of green. Not surprisingly, Tony Finau followed Molanari’s lead and took a bath in Rae’s Creek as well.

I said to myself "It's over".

Before the Tiger threesome arrived on hole 12, rivals Brooks Koepka and Ian Poulter had both dropped off the leader board after drowning their balls in that same water – which Tiger was aware of.  1^st, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th place had melted in their moment of truth. From his two decades of Masters experience, Woods knew he had to play it safe.

To be fair, it was far from an ideal atmosphere for the leaders on Sunday, as the crowd was clearly on Tiger’s side, where the deafening cheers could be heard a hole away.

The treacherous holes of Amen Corner (11-13) have been the downfall of many capable men, but one would have thought Molanari wouldn’t have been rattled so easily, considering how well he had played (1 bogey through 3 rounds) before Sunday’s start. He was one of the hottest golfers in the past year, winning the 2018 ‘Open Championship’ and the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month.

The pressure of Amen corner, along with knowing Tiger was lurking only 2 shots behind, may have been too grand of a stage for Molanari. 2 bogeys and 2 double bogeys speak volumes about his day. Amongst the leaders, Tiger’s playing partners (Molanari and Finau) were the only ones not to shoot below par. Coincidence or the effect of playing alongside Tiger?

The final holes (13 -18) gave us flashes of the old Tiger, methodic, steely, patient, confident and full of solid to perfect shots, including the beautiful one on the 16^th (Par 3) hole, where his tee shot was close enough for an easy tap in birdie. It was his Masters to lose at that point and he calmly closed the deal.

Tiger was back, back again.

After watching what I consider to be the greatest comeback story in the history of American sports, I know why I doubted Tiger, but surely won’t make that mistake again.

I never thought Tiger would win another Major, unlike several friends who had the utmost faith in him. My certainty was due primarily to his injury history below, most notably those 3 back surgeries, along with the ‘fear factor’ that seemed to be missing.

Tiger’s Injury History:

2008 – Torn ACL

2010 – Neck Injury

2011 – Sprained MCL, Achilles

2012 – Achilles Injury

2014 – Back Surgery

2015 – Back Surgery

2017 – Spinal Fusion (Back Surgery) Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

With the old Tiger (1996 -2009), he would show up on Sunday with the familiar red NIKE shirt and golfers would often wilt or play a game they weren’t familiar with.  It happened time and time again and the fear was glaring. They knew if Tiger was in the lead on Sunday, they had little to no chance to win.  In Majors, he is 14-0 when having at least a share of the lead.

In addition, the young golfers today are much better, stronger and less fearful compared to his competition from his dominant 13 year run with 14 Majors. To give you an idea of how incredible Woods was back then, the top players (Mickelson, Els and Singh) during that time had 9 Majors combined. They only have 11 Majors now.

I don’t know of any professional golfer who has played with a fused back.  The fact that Tiger was competitive in two Majors last year (and won the Tour Championship) with that back, blew my mind, considering by his own admission that he wasn't able to play with his kids two short years ago.

I attributed his strong showing in the Majors last season (2018) more to his vast experience, supreme talent and knowing how to win. I didn’t think his back would hold up and never thought he wouldn’t have at least a few back issues. I expected 2 or 3 strong rounds in a Major, although couldn't imagine that he could string together 4 of them.

He must have had superb doctors and/or surgeons or maybe it’s just that golf is a sport where one’s mind can overcome the constraints of the body.  I also should have remembered that Tom Watson almost won the 2009 Open Championship at age 59!

I’ve followed and been a fan of Tiger’s since his teenage days, where he won 3 consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur titles – that event’s only three-time winner.

The 1997 Masters win at age 21 was as thrilling as any event I witnessed on TV. To see him annihilate (by 12 strokes) the older and more experienced competition was surreal.

At the 2000 PGA Championship, Tiger had to make a difficult 10 foot putt on the last hole to force a playoff with Bob May. If he misses that shot, Bob May would have been a first time winner. He nailed it of course and went on to defeat May in a 3 hole playoff.  It was Tiger’s fifth Major and gave us a glimpse of his toughness and steely nerves.

Another brilliant scene was during the 2000 RBC Canadian Open, where he hit an impossible 6 iron from the bunker (213 yards over water) and landed it softly on the green. I don’t know if any professional would even attempt that shot.

Beating Rocco Mediate on an injured left knee at the 2008 US Open is another phenomenal memory. I was in a sports restaurant at the time and the entire place was glued to the TV.

A few other notable points as it relates to Tiger:

·   Arnold Palmer is an icon and a big reason why golf is so popular. He won 7 Majors to Tiger's 15. Think about that.

·    Two of the best golfers of all time, Gary Player and Ben Hogan each won 9 Majors.

·    Tiger has held the outright 54-hole lead 46 times in his PGA Tour career. He went on to win 44 of them.

·     He is the only golfer to win 4 consecutive Majors - called the Tiger Slam.

His 14 Majors and vast regular PGA Tour victories were electrifying, including an era where Ernie Els finished 2^nd to Tiger on 5 occasions - the most of any golfer. If not for Woods, Els may have 6 Majors instead of 4, as he was second in two of Tiger’s 14 Major victories. 

For this 15^th win at Augusta, it was the first time he has come from behind on Sunday to win a Major.

When the 2009 sex scandal with his wife Elin occurred, I’ll never forget the anger and jokes that were thrown Tiger’s way, especially here in Sweden since his now ex-wife is a Swede. I heard several say that they would boycott the products that Tiger endorsed. 

Others found pleasure in his demise, although I saw an equal amount of sadness. It didn’t help that the old Tiger was never warm to the public or open to the media. His arrogance didn’t sit well with lots of folks, so it’s no surprise that people piled on after his reputation took such a potent hit. 

The fall from grace was profound for someone many thought had it all. 

Not only did multiple sponsors drop Tiger (not NIKE), but much of the public was no longer in his corner. The downfall was swift and he wouldn’t win another Major until this year – an 11 year gap.

The divorce, personal issues, injuries and worldwide attention on his scandal might have ruined the condition and psyche of another, but not Tiger. In 2013, he was ‘Player of the Year’ and won 5 tournaments; history many forget when his golf years after the scandal are mentioned.

I’m most impressed with the work ethic and ambition needed to climb back into competition. It’s amazing how quickly Tiger was able to get his body and mind back in shape to contend. We may revel in the glory now, but the grinding and work and patience and pain it took to get to this Masters victory, may be the biggest lesson from his 2019 Major championship.

Despite the plentiful doubts, Tiger never gave up or stopped believing in himself, even when it seemed like it would have been easy to do so.  It's inspiring.

It was a thing of beauty to watch this spectacular finish. I was communicating with friends in Europe and the States during the tournament.  I’ve never used social media this extensively with such a variety of cultures during a live sports event.

Our problems were put to the side and the often daily deluge of politics was nowhere to be found. It was just golf, The Masters and Tiger. I warned my wife beforehand that I had to watch the final round and that was my sole afternoon and evening focus.

In 1997 (his first Masters win), he embraced his late dad Earl on the 18^th hole. This time, it was his 10 year old son Charlie jumping in his arms. 

The new Tiger is more open, humble and warm according to several reports. To see the genuine emotion after this win was refreshing as he was never one to wear his emotion on his sleeve. What a day and comeback story; the likes of which we may never see again. It is redemption at the highest level.

I’d like to see him break Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 Majors. If he stays healthy, that record could be within reach before his 50^th birthday. Until he officially retires, I will give him the benefit of any doubts I have.

I wrote this in 2007:

“Jack Nicklaus always speaks fondly of Tiger and I admire that about him. He should know greatness in golf better than anyone. Tiger will easily break Jack's Major championship record of 18 as long as he stays healthy. Keep in mind, that Jack's most impressive record may be that he came in 2nd place in Majors a record 19 times!

My prediction is that Tiger will have won 26 Majors when he hangs up the clubs. Over 30 would not surprise me but life and kids could mellow his desire.”

(Tiger - No Athlete Can Compare)

Winning one Major a year until his 55^th birthday would give him 26 Majors. Who am I to say he can’t do it? 

Whatever happens, let’s enjoy this magical ride while it lasts.

Never doubt a Tiger.

My Dad, George Michael and Me

I was a 20 year old summer intern at IBM when I received the phone call.

My dad had suffered a heart attack.

Never one to stress, I was as anxious and worried as I’ve ever been, although thankful that he was alive. I’m glad someone recognized my hurried state, took the keys from me and drove me to the hospital.

He would later admit that his massive heart attack was the most painful experience of his life. And this comes from a man who never complained and took no novocaine with his root canal. “If not for the grace of God” he said, his life would have ended in his early fifties.

Fortunately, he was getting into his car when it happened and colleagues drove him immediately to the hospital. Often, timing is everything. My father was lucky not to be driving.

I never forgot that day or his age – 53.

Throughout my life, that day would be a constant and gentle reminder to take care of my health. My dad was a smoker and moderate drinker, although his eating habits weren’t ideal. He was incredibly stressed at work and also at home (to a lesser degree though), due to the years of marital struggle with my mother - which made him ripe for a health disaster.

He wisely stopped smoking after his triple bypass surgery, yet never adopted quality eating or exercise habits. Cooking most of his food at home was a good thing, yet he enjoyed those evening snacks far too frequently and wasn’t nearly as active as he should have been. My dad would go on to live another 20 years – the majority of them quality ones; most likely due to his positive spirit.

He succumbed to a stroke at age 73. That may seem young but I’m surprised he made it that long as he had significant artery blockage the last ten years of his life.

Over two decades later, ‘53’ came roaring back into my mind.

I was sitting poolside in Honolulu, Hawaii when I got the news.  One of my favorite singers, George Michael had passed away. His voice and music played an invaluable part for me during two years in the early 90’s, when I was primarily focused on figuring out my career and life direction.

The shock of him dying on Christmas day in 2016 (at age 53) was a big blow to many of his fans around the world. I knew he had battled addiction and drinking for a long time, but never thought he would see such an early death.

I instantly thought of my dad and the scary day back in 1984.

Being 52 at the time of Michael’s death, I couldn’t help but wonder what it all meant….as I was creeping up quickly on 53. Was it a sign to be even more diligent about my health? Maybe, although I was in the midst of numerous years of living well, so I knew I was on the right path.

What it did make me do was appreciate the blessings of my past years even more, along with savouring the moment of my blissful current state. In 52 years, there had been very few times when I didn’t feel good and only a few days when I experienced slight sickness (stomach virus). That gave me great comfort.

I’m 54 now and the moment that gave me pause back in 2016 is a distant memory. My almost flawless health for over half a century is something I’m grateful for and keeping that streak alive is my top priority.

I make sure nothing comes between my health and general well-being on a daily basis. There are many distractions and temptations that attempt to throw me off course, yet my goal continues to be keeping my stress low, attitude positive and healthy living habits high.

Nothing is (nor should be) more important than our health.

Happy Gswede Sunday!

My dad at my 2003 wedding in Sweden. He died less than 2 years later.