Backstory
To celebrate a special birthday, family and friends prepared a video about my life. I wanted to tell you about it. It may show how some ideas for Consider This came about. May I have that privilege?
Looking Back
Hey, I’m back to that surprise party again – the one they gave me on my birthday. What a delight it was to be in the company of so many who cared enough to come out and spend an afternoon with me.
My son Michael put together a video about my life – much of which was a surprise to some. Friends from the old days didn’t know about this radio show. Grand-kids were amazed to hear about my life before they came along. As the video wound through the years in photos, it was humbling to see so many opportunities presented and accepted.
New friends didn’t know I came from coal country in Northeast Pennsylvania and decided on my career path at age 7. That’s when my first story was published. Then there were the 30 years I lived in New Jersey, where we raised our 3.7 children.
The video mentioned my travel to Caribbean islands and Germany and Poland and the number of times to Hawaii.
It covered my 20-year career, first in association management and then as a keynote speaker, facilitator, and consultant. I worked with more than 200 different organizations.
Few of the 62-people watching the video had been part of my whole, long and bumpy life. But my sister Karyn had been there, and she told the story with affection, adding whimsy and color to the broad strokes. I am so grateful for the attention and the interest, and the love.
P.S. What aspects of your past would you like to be known?
[Show #604]
You are most certainly a person who deserves to have their unique and beautiful, multi-layered life CELEBRATED. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to work with Bill and Michael in making that party happen. It was such a joy for us all to demonstrate how very much you are loved and appreciated.
You were all in cahoots to pull that off. Everyone seemed to enjoy the hoopla. Thanks again.
I have often thought of that birthday surprise. Your family, and Bill, somehow managed to keep it from you to the last minute. The look on your face was magnificent! Glad to have been part of it. Hugs.
As the respected and loved representative of my trade association days, you were most welcome, Jill.
Wonderful. In the midst of so much turmoil in the works, I’m spending some time going through old family papers and photos. It is bringing many good memories to the surface and making a welcome contrast to the unpleasant news. Congratulations on your celebration with friends and family.
It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime affair, Kathryn and so appreciated. Enjoy your family treasure hunt.