TGIF! This weeks quote. “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” Thomas Jefferson

Yesterday we did a repass for a good friends father. While speaking to my friend she told me about the eulogy that the preist had given. He said when someone dies we always see the year of birth, a dash (-) and then the year of death. in essence the – is our life. How can a life be summed up in a -? I thought of my lfe. What part of the – would people remember? Was it that I was a good father? Friend? Businessman? Or would the – represent things in my past that I’m still sorry for? The beauty of life is that every day we get a chance to begin anew. To change history. To dream of a future that is better than our past. So while I am still able I am going to make the most of my -. I’ll try to be better every day, to help others, to put a smile on someone’s face. Some days obviously are easier than others. But the end result is that I am hopeful that when that day comes when people see 1958 – …. that the – represents an imperfect man who struggled to overcome his own obstacles to lead a life that he was proud of, that of a loving husband and father, one of good character and loyal friendship, and a life spent helping his community. Lets all make the most of our -, let our dreams of the future be better than the history of our past. 

TGIF! This weeks quote. “You have to go broke three times to learn how to make a living.” Casey Stengle

Today is the traditional last day to get your taxes in but because it is Emancipation Day in Washington, DC we get a reprieve until Monday the 18th. As many of you know the restaurant is my hobby, my true love. What I do for a living is taxes. After seeing almost 900 people this season I can only hope that I was able to impart some wisdom to my clients, some tidbit of advice that could make their lives easier. The one constant I try to remind my clients is failure is not fatal, nor is it permanent. I am living proof. I have had to struggle mightily to overcome obstacles I put in my own way. And each of us struggles every day to find a purpose, to make a difference, to find their way in this sometimes crazy world. Tax time may seem like a weird time to reflect on our lives but it may be a good time to get a clear picture of where we were and to think of where we want to go. Most of the questions I answer have little to do with actual money but with quality of life. Does a second job really help me, does my spouse working while we pay childcare make sense, what can we do to improve our situation. I try to be pragmatic. Money isn’t everything. There are accounting reasons and equations I can use but I always tell my clients that it is real life that matters. That they should try to find a balance between what makes financial sense and what works for each of us. As I said before I have placed obstacles in my way. Working for money only led me to more destructive behaviors as I rationalized that I deserved better. I have found more happiness in the past two years than I think I have ever had in my life. Not because what I did made financial sense but what I do makes me happy. And strangely what makes me happy has increased my financial security. And hopefully that is the message I can impart for today. Try to focus on whatever makes you happy for life is too short to only worry about money. Learn how to make a living so that you can also have a life. 

TGIF. This weeks quote. ” One day I hope to be the man my children think I am.” Harry Chapin

I am on my way to Harrisburg PA on Amtrak to meet up with my sister and father. Dad has been in Florida the past 6 months and is beginning to show the struggles of getting older. I’m sure he could have driven home safely by himself but my sisters and I decided why risk the chance. So I get the last leg taking Dad home. Some people have questioned the necessity but to me it is an opportunity to reconnect for a few hours alone with my dad. Many of you know my dad and how he always likes to say that he’s been Alice’s husband, Pat, Tom, Kevin, Teresa or Diane’s father, the grandfather of the triplets or many other titles that he wears proudly. But to me he’s my dad. A man who I have the utmost respect and admiration for. A man whose wisdom, strenght and fortitude helped mold the man I have become. I’ve said before that its hard to watch a parent age. My thoughts always run the gamut of things we used to do, fun times we had, lessons learned. And the realization that time is slipping away on making new memories. So I am going to cherish the day off during the crazy busy tax season, forget the cazy hectic daily life that has become our daily routine and have lunch with my hero. See I am fortunate. My dad is the man I that I always thought he was. I can only wish that one day I will be the same to my children. 

TGIF! This weeks quote. “Kids can learn about necessities and wants by recognizing what people live without. A common routine, but one that should not be overlooked, is having a family donate to a charity for those less fortunate. Ask your kids to search for items, toys or cloths that they no longer use and contribute them.” Alexa Von Tobel

Last night we were honored to host the end of year party for the NR Hockey teams. It was standing room only to recognize the team for the terrific season they had. But it turned into much more than that. Ex Ranger Ron Greshner was there to recognize the Bantam team for donating the most hockey equipment to be utilized by those less fortunate. Of all the hockey clubs throughout the tri state area our boys raised the most. The payback-the boys found a sense of camarderie and a new found respect that only those that donate can appreciate. Oh and they also won a trip to Sweden with the NY Rangers!!! What impressed me most is that most of the evening was a recognition of academic excellence, charitable endeavers the young men had participated in and the connection between the team and their coaches and families. Much credit belongs to Coach ‪#‎GaryDorkowitz‬ and his leadership and his ability to see the sport as a way to teach about life. As many of you know I profess my love of this community ad nauseam but last night was just another example of what makes our community so great. To say I am Raider Proud would be an understatement. Kudos to the NR Hockey teams. 

Happy Easter. This week’s belated quote. “Anybody who succeeds is helping people. The secret to success is find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it; find a problem and solve it.” Robert H. Schuller

As we celebrate the Resurrection and life of Jesus Christ let us all try to find the meaning of success. To too many, success is material – but how long does anything material fulfill our true needs?

When I read this quote it made me happy to see that we are striving for success in a way that helps others, that helps our community. And our Easter wish will be to continue to strive for success. Whether it is someone who just needs a pick-me-up night out, or help with a vexing tax problem, or just a friend to share a moment with, please know that we are here. And if by chance that leads us to success, then we are blessed.

But in reality, I know that regardless of external circumstances, I am blessed. I am blessed to have a wife and family who think I’m crazy half the time, but still find room in their hearts to love me. To have friends who – in spite of my shortcomings – still consider me a friend. I am blessed to live in a community that time and again has shown love and support for me and my family. And I am blessed to live in a nation were I can profess my faith, share my feelings, voice my opinion and own my business. And that to me is the true meaning of success.

I wish you and yours a Happy Easter and continued success in your lives. May God bless each and every one of us. Have a great week.