Seemingly normal day August 25, 2008

It seemed like such a normal day this morning and I guess it was.  I got here and started what is my usual day.  A little while ago I was getting ready to leave and and one of our managers came by.  I thought we were going to talk about something else.  We’ve been having a group of people come in stealing.  I just knew that was what it was about. I joked with my bosses as we stepped in the back room because after all it was just a regular day. 

He told us that our store manager passed away. All our mouths dropped.  I just saw him. I know that’s what people always say but that’s all I could think.  He’s been out ill but came in a few days ago.  I asked him how he was feeling.  “Better.” I wanted to say more but he seemed in a hurry and I was in the middle of something. 

My shift was over so I started walking out to leave not really sure what to think. 

“What a way to end the day.  I guess I’ll go home and live…” 

…Like you were dying?” replied Shawna and I just nodded.

 Unfortunately it takes things like this to happen to make you realize… here today, gone tomorrow is not just an expression. Tell someone you love them today.  Do that thing you were meaning to do because well… you never know.

We’ll miss you Jerry.

Golden Feeling August 21, 2008

I’m enjoying today.  It’s a new holiday in Panama. One to celebrate the first Gold medal ever achieved by a Panamanian. I tip my chef hat to you, Irving Saladino.  You put us on the map. Of only four Olympic hopefuls from our country, you got the job done.  So many of us come from so far to make a mark and you made the biggest one of all. You inspire us to try harder, run faster, do better, to be Gold.  A little black boy from Colon has become a rock star.  It’s because of you que “Alcanzamos por fin la victoria.”  That is we “finally reached victory.” That is the first line of our national anthem and today it rings more true than ever before.  On this day and from this day forth go out and put a little Saladino in your step. Try your best. If it’s not good enough then try harder and you will see. It will all pay off. You will wrap yourself in your flag and know that where you came from brought you to where you are. You’ll get on your knees and thank the one who made it happen.  I know I’m going to step my game up because the truth is people rarely remember silver and bronze but it’s hard to forget gold.  Go for the gold.

Dre