The Meaning of a Pencil

Rarely does someone (unrelated) touch our life in a way that you feel such a void and misdirection.

Last Sunday, we lost a great, great man. Stubborn in his way, strong as an ox, smart and crafty. A man who was familiar with family, familiar with what it meant to be a man, husband, father, and friend.

Gerald H. Fehring left to work on the house of the Lord, Sunday, December 19, 2010. He has left a legacy in three amazing children. Shane, a master craftsman like his father, Cameron and Amara, talented, successful thespians, students of life and love. And Kris, his wife, mother of Cameron and Amara, step-mom to Shane, his partner and sole mate. Their passion for skiing, laughter, family and friends were deeply rooted.

As I reflect on my memories of Jerry, one stands out most of all - the pencil. There was not a day I recall Jerry not having a yellow pencil behind his right ear. At his second wedding, the male half of the party surprise Jerry with the signature look as they walked down the isle.

I ponder the meaning of that pencil and realize, it's much more than the carpenter and his craft. It's about being prepared. It's about dedication and committment. It's about structure and foundations. The pencil, always sharp, as was Jerry. Ready to help, as was he. Jerry was a vet and a fireman, a carpenter, actor and ready volunteer. A guy you could count on for his tall stature, curly - graying hair and a laugh that would shake the room. He was taken too soon.

During this time of great loss, it will be a different kind of December for the Fehring family and I pray they feel the love around them. The strength from their extended fabric and know that Jerry was needed for a greater job. Let his family not feel fear, pain, loss, or abandonment, let them feel pride for the man they shared life and love with. Let them feel pride for the countless people Jerry and his family touched and continue to touch. Let us surround them.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."
John 14:27

Pay It Forward

During this season of giving, let's give not because it's a holiday; let’s give because it's needed. There are countless people who are in need in one way or another. It may be food, money, gifts, toys or as simple as a smile! Too often we cannot look beyond ourselves to help others but expect to be helped when we're in need. Everyone has the ability to give. Stop thinking "What will it cost ME?" What does it cost you to smile at someone or hold the door? NOTHING!

I would extend to you the challenge of Paying It Forward - the idea is to act without the expectation of being paid back, but with the hope that the recipient pays the favor forward by helping someone else.

This became more present to me today when, as I often will, I went to the drive through at my local Starbucks. I ordered my usual, pulled up to the window, was given my total and handed the attendant my credit card - I asked her to put the car behind mine's drink on as well. She said "oh, do you know them?" I said "no, I just think it's fun to do sometimes -starts the morning out brighter." She said "well that's very nice."

I gathered my drink and left. As I drove to where I catch the bus, a car pulled up behind me. I exited my vehicle cautiously and the lady behind me at Starbucks was there. With tears in her eyes she told me she'd never had a stranger do something so selfless and nice. I said "Well have a great day." She went on to explain that lately because the holidays are very tough on her as her family life isn't "normal" she'd felt so sad and alone and truly didn't want to live any longer. She'd mentioned that she'd actually been contemplating suicide. I explained to her that there are no "normal families" and our happiness is all in what we want and create. I told her that she is a special and unique piece of this world's fabric and she'd leave it tattered if she left before her time. I believe as a Christian that everyone's story is written and I didn't believe hers was meant to end just yet. She asked if she could give me a hug- we did and with tears in our eyes we went on our separate ways.

I'm certainly not looking to be sainted, just to pass on that we all have this power - we all are very unaware of the people around us, most of whom "we know." Take a minute to extend something positive to someone else.

Have an amazing holiday. Remember to ALWAYS pay it forward.

Be blessed.

It's Like Riding a Bike!

We've all heard the saying "It's just like riding a bike." I believe being or coming back to being healthy is the same - we all have the tools; the majority of us have been healthy at some point in our life so we know how to get back there. Get back on the bike!

I'm back in the saddle - well after this weekend that is. I knew in the beginning this weight loss journey wouldn't be without it's ups and downs or more downs than ups but in the end, I'll be happy I stuck with it.

I meant back in saddle quite literally. I've started a new job at the University of Washington; it's a huge campus, lots of places to walk, run, and ride. I've challenged myself to ride in the next six months at least some of it. My ultimate goal is to bike to work at least a couple times a week to from home. I'm blessed to live in an area that is SO bike friendly. Just a few miles from my home, is the Burke Gilman Trail, I could jump on it and ride it straight to the University. It's roughly 10 miles...I think!

I was discussing this master plan with my boyfriend, who in the sweetest way semi-ignored my text of "don't you think I could do it - at least one day a week? How long do you think it would take." It's not that he doesn't believe I can do it, rather he's afraid I'm not sure what an initial undertaking it would be. Okay fine, I'll start closer - work up to the full 10 miler! I mean I'm not trying to do the Seattle to Portland ride...EVER. I truly believe riding my bike (which I don't currently own) will certainly jump start and hopefully keep me on the weight loss track.

In addition to my scheme of becoming a true Seattle bike commuter, of sorts, I've vowed to enroll us (love how I throw my boyfriend under the bus with me) in at least one 5K a month starting in mid-February. Hey, we need time to train. We both have goals of weight loss for various reasons, wedding, health, semi-pro football, just down right looking good; but more than anything it just really needs to happen for us. Put aside all the fun, fancy reasons, I have a heart condition, he has apnea. Plain and simple we need to lose weight.

So I challenge you to get off the couch too - try something you've wanted to but didn't think you could (no not a new flavor of Ben and Jerry's) do something to regain your health, we all have habits that could use some cleansing.

If you're out on the trails even just for a walk and you see me dying on a bike or out for a run, pray for me....errr I mean pass me a thumbs up because I plan, eventually to look good doing it.

Happy pavement pounding.