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TAPS BUGLE FAILURE LED TO A DO-OVER BY LOVING SONS

By on August 22, 2018

A few weeks ago, I accepted an assignment from Bugles Across America to play taps for a WWII veteran. The requestor stated that his father had been buried several years ago but the electronic bugle failed so they never had taps played at his service. He said they wanted it played and he and his brothers were coming from around the country to get it done. I thought that was nice that they wanted to honor him with a proper rendition of taps.
Today I completed the assignment. It was about a 1 ½ hour drive, but I consider that worth it for a WWII vet. I arrived at the cemetery to find three men standing in the graveyard at their father’s grave. Dressed casually, they were all alone with no family. I wore a suit and tie for the occasion as I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.
After I met them I looked at their father’s grave monument. It stated that he died in 1996 almost 22 years ago! They had been thinking about this for a long time, especially one of them. They all felt that they had failed their father without the honor of taps and were determined to have it played for him, even 22 years later. I realized once again the impact of taps at funerals. It provides closure as it signals the end of a life and it is the final honor families have for their loved one. It was important enough that they came a long way to get it done.
So, I played taps and the three of them stood with their hands on their hearts while I played. They had now finished their task of honoring their father as he deserved.
After I played one of them said that he figured his great-great-grandfather could hear it where he was buried a few yards away. I asked if he was WWI vet and they said no; the Civil War. Their grandfather was a few yards the other way and was a WWI vet. But they said taps had been played for them at their burials.
Thousand of people can play taps, so the player isn’t important. But taps is important in many ways to the families of the deceased. I felt privileged to do this for them.

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TAPS FOR WWII VETERAN TODAY

By on January 5, 2021

Today I sounded taps for a WWII veteran There aren’t a lot of WWI veterans that are alive anymore. They are well into their 90’s and I only know a handful of them. To me they are heroes, members of the greatest generation. They stepped up, many volunteered, some lied about their age just to defeat evil in the world. My father and some uncles were involved as well as several men from my hometown. They returned home to build businesses and raise families in what they believed was a safer world.
Today I played taps at the graveside service for one of these heroes, Herb Kask. Herb and his wife of 72 years have been members of my church for many years. Herb was 94 when he passed.
Because of COVID-19 the family had a small burial service at Fort Snelling with about 10 family members in attendance. Ella had asked me several years ago if I could play taps at Snelling and I told her I could and would be pleased to do it for her. But she would need to ask the honor guard at Snelling for permission to bring in a personal friend to play taps as they have regular buglers with the memorial units. I am not a vet so can’t volunteer to join one of the squads but have played there on several occasions mostly for family that I know.
When he passed a few days ago and I learned of the plans I asked my pastor it he could ask Ella to have the funeral director get it cleared with Snelling. She did and so I was in to play. I knew she had a lot more important things to take care of and would probably not remember our conversation
Widows and family members all appreciate taps. It honors their loved one and brings additional closure to them. For me it is a huge honor to be part of the last sendoff to any service people, especially WWII folks. I had played at a friend’s mom’s funeral a month or so ago and she was a WWII vet too and have done several others. I sometimes joke that this is the only time I play that people appreciate it and they do! (I don’t claim to be very good!) When someone dies, we often ask the families if there anything we can do for them, usually there is not. But this is something I can do and am very willing to do it.
I loved watching Herb in church. He as about 6’4” tall and when he stood up to sing hymns and praise music he stood out in the crowd. I have heard he sung loud, evidenced by his wide-open mouth when he sung. I have also heard he was not a great singer, which makes it more special to have seen him stand and praise the lord in his own way.
My fondest memory is when we have a military honoring service at Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day. As is typical the organ or piano player will play the songs for the different branches of the service and anyone who was in that branch will stand up. It is impressive as they all stand at attention during the song exhibiting pride in their service. I especially liked watching Herb. He stood very tall and at attention, while radiating pride for his role in the Marines. It was obvious it the service meant a lot to him
I was incredibly grateful that I could be a part of this service. It is an honor to do it, which is why I do it

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HAROLD NESS

By on January 3, 2019

Harold Ness passed away on December 14, 2018. He was a friend, a mentor, and a helper to all. He wrote his own story in my book “ACHIEVERS ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS” his goal was to pass on what he had learned in his successful career in finance as well as how he progressed in it. He wanted to inspire young people that if he could come from the small town of PeaceRriver, alberta and make it in the usa, others could too

The Harold Ness Story:

From Immigrant to The Railroad

     This is a brief story of my background and forty plus years of work experience – also the lessons learned, some observations, and many of the resultant applications that led to a reasonably successful work career.

     In the 1930’s we left our Canadian homestead and came to the US.  Our family of seven was all immigrants, with five from Norway and two from Canada.  When I was five years old, I became a fatherless boy with the death of my dad.  Six of us left the dust bowl area of Montana and settled in Minnesota.  In today’s language you would call us poor, but we had a strong Christian belief, food to eat, and shelter (with few extras, but we had a radio).

     From this economic situation, I was an immigrant boy who started working as a paperboy and after college progressed from an accounting clerk to a Chief Financial Officer in a large Corporation.  During the 40 year journey, I worked for a mining company and five railroads – from a small mining railroad to the largest railroad in USA and huge Canadian railroad.

     In academics, yes, my grades were sufficient to receive graduation certifications from high school and college.  If I had a “do over”, some things I would have done differently:

  • A mindset of learning and retention (reason for schooling)
  • My studies would have been a higher priority, with less time in athletics, working and social activities
  • Have someone to hold me accountable.  My single mother worked long hours 5-6 days a week, five children, and not well versed in English nor American culture.
  • I would choose some close friends who were interested in college education learning, especially if you live at home around non-college buddies.
  • Apply myself.  Striving towards achieving my potential.  Not being satisfied with a “mediocre effort”.
  • Realized that “shortfalls” in my learning would have to be made-up in order to progress in the business world.

     A plan for my career?  No I did not have a plan!  Some people plan their career with goals and objectives, and they do it well.  My plan was to get any job and do my very best.  After that I spent time analyzing job opportunities.  Looking back I could not have planned for, nor anticipated all the curves, miss-steps, relocations, mistakes etc.  I know that the Lord was involved in every aspect and event in my work career.

     Getting a job!  I had a variety of jobs: paperboy, printer’s devil, golf course laborer, stocking store shelves, engine crew on “iron ore freighters”, scrap iron picketer, laborer on “construction crews”, U.S Army, accounting clerk, and many financial positions in business.  With a couple of exceptions, a reference from a personal or work friend enabled me to obtain an interview. 

     In an interview I always tried to sell myself by being convincing, confident, humble and truthful.  My next job opportunity might be impacted by how I left previous positions.  Always leave on “friendly terms”.  

     During the first decade of my work career (after college), my jobs were as an “individual performer” – that is, with limited supervision responsibilities.  These financial analysis and cost accounting years were with U.S. Steel and Pennsylvania Railroad.  The financial areas were to provide information to management so they could make the best financial decisions.  From a personal viewpoint, I was unconsciously developing a “base of knowledge” in mining and railroading.

     After that, I was promoted to controller for the largest region in the Penn Central Railroad (Pennsylvania and New York Central merged). I relocated from Philadelphia to Indianapolis, Indiana.  I reported to the general manager (an operations person), as well to my financial boss at the corporate level.  The region had just been established and was really in the formulating stage of an accounting office.  My challenge was to finalize the organizations in the five departments (150+ people), work with them to become effective, and meet the expectations of the operations departments and the corporate offices.   Our success was attributed to the department heads and their people.

     After a few years, the Penn Central filed for bankruptcy.  The next year I accepted a position as manager of financial analysis in Minneapolis with the Soo Line Railroad, which ultimately was incorporated into the Canadian Pacific Railroad.  During the next twenty-five years, I held various positions including Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.

     Any success I had can be attributed to “people” – those I worked for, those who reported to me (who made me look good), and my associates.

     To summarize the forty (40) years:  it was enjoyable, challenging and satisfying with (as you would expect) a range of experiences.  The years ranged from “great” to “humdrum” and sometimes wishing for a “do over”.  I liked what I was doing and was surrounded with outstanding people.

Keeping My Job

These elements (abridged) served me well:

  • Strive to be the best possible
  • Work ethic that goes beyond what is expected
  • Strive to be on friendly terms with all levels of the organization, including other departments
  • Fill gaps in “learning short falls” using the (abridged listings):

            — text books

            — Thesaurus

            —  library

            —  college courses

            —  industry courses

            —  fellow workers/friends

—  internet, social media

            —  Make your boss look good

Getting a Promotion

Have a reputation for:

  • a work ethic beyond expectations
  • Strive to do the best job you are capable of
  • Knowledge of your area of expertise
  • Making your boss look good
  • Friendly relationships with people, especially the boss and other department supervisors
  • Handling of disagreements with honesty, integrity, truth
  • Loyalty.  Never undermine your boss
  • Don’t be a complainer
  • Don’t be a “blamer”
  • Take responsibility for your mistakes
  • Be flexible 
  • Be available
  • Not consumed with “pride of ownership”
  • Give credit to others
  • Promote the right people

Transferring to another company:

  • Leave on good terms.
  • Interview.  Come across with elements of promotion.  You made a contribution towards profits, selling, etc.
  • Taking less pay for a position:

         —          see upward possibilities

         —          Move to a different physical location

 

Being an Individual Performer

To be an individual performer in the financial-accounting area of a company, there are certain things that are helpful (at least they were for me):

  • Be sure you understand your assignment and the time frame.  Ask questions until you are confident of clarity.
    • Remember that your completed product will result in a management financial decision.
    • At the end of the day (not a calendar day), you must produce a product and on time.
    • Your product can be the entire project or a contribution to someone else’s project.
    • Accuracy is very important.  When finishing a project check source information to final product and check all math computations.
    • Always list as an attachment important assumptions and source of data used.
    • Be confident of your source information.
    • Presentation of product is very important.  The recipient of your product must be able to easily understand both written and oral information.  Your report must be logical, sequential and to the point. Too much detail is confusing.  There will be questions about detail. Talk to your boss on a “preliminary basis”, so finalizing will be easier.  Be artistic when you plan your final presentation.

Managing People

Today’s textbooks, seminars and courses may have techniques and methods that differ from those I strived to apply.  Abridged listing includes:

  • clear understanding of my expectations
    • do not micro-manage
    • do not over-coach
    • hold them responsible for their performance
    • encourage initiatives, creative thinking, work with others
    • suggestions rather than commands
    • provide recognition verbally, in person, before their peers and high levels of management
    • annual performance reviews
    • financial rewards
    • promotions deserved
    • support them when needed
    • invite their attendance/presentation to higher management levels and other departments.
    • treat fairly (like you would want to be)

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS

     I have known this gentleman for about 30 years. We are members of the same church and have been together on several finance committees. He has been a great role model for me and everyone who knows him. He is a passionate giver to many and is a great friend. His story speaks for itself as well as his honest desire to help people figure out how to succeed.

     When I asked him for a story, I was seeking a story about a Canadian immigrant who sought and achieved the American dream. He wrote his story himself as he wanted to share it with his family. He put a lot of time and effort into this, and I appreciate this very much.

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VETS DESERVE LIVE TAPS AT THEIR FUNERALS!

By on July 5, 2018


Article from Lakeshore News Minnetonka

DEEPHAVEN — When “Taps” is played at the funerals of veterans, it’s a little-known fact that the call isn’t often performed live; instead a recorded version is slid into the bugle, Deephaven resident Rob Severson said.

Ten years ago, he decided veterans deserved more than a recording. Since then, he has played the call, “Taps,” 50 times.

“These men deserved a live trumpeter,” he said. “They worked for us enough. We can do something for them.”

From May 28 through Labor Day, “Taps” will be played at dusk in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It’s part of One Hundred Nights of Taps and Severson will perform a night in mid-July.

Other performers for One Hundred Nights of Taps include veterans, Civil War re-enactors, community band members and music teachers. The event is put on by the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg National Military Park and Taps for Veterans.

Severson grew up in Harmony, Minnesota, among a small class. This allowed him the chance to try a little bit of everything, he said. He started playing trumpet in sixth grade and has continued off and on through the years, in community bands and church groups. During the Vietnam War, he wanted to serve, he said, but couldn’t for health reasons.

While participating in Torske Klubben, an area Norwegian club, he saw the recording being used for eulogies. He approached a club leader and said, “You know, I’m not real good, but I sound better than that.”

So it began. Now he plays for Bugles Across America and Taps for Veterans. He tries to perform better, little by little, each time.

“‘Taps’ is one thing you can do for a family that they’ll appreciate,” he said, “and it will do something for their tears,” he said.

Severson and his wife are eager to set out on the road trip to Gettysburg July 13. It’s the one part of the country he hasn’t seen, he said. He even invested in a new bugle for the upcoming performance.

“It is my privilege to play ‘Taps’ at Gettysburg,” he said, “to honor all who have served.”

Severson is retired from the financial services industry. He is the author of “Connecting Peace, Purpose and Prosperity” and “Achievers: Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things.”

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Cathy Sedacca wins top women in finance award!

By on November 29, 2017

Cathy is my daughter and I am very proud of her!!

Cathy Sedacca

By: Brian Martucci November 17, 2017 1:36 am 0

Name: Cathy Sedacca

Title/Company: Principal and executive vice president, Sage Business Credit, LLC

Education: B.A., management and French, Luther College (Decorah, Iowa); certificate, international business, Luther College

Family: Husband, Al; daughters, Sadie and Carly; dogs, Biscuit and Daisy

After nearly two decades working for other business credit providers, Cathy Sedacca founded Sage Business Credit in 2013 with partner Karen Turnquist. Since then, the company has averaged 54 percent annual portfolio growth in loans and accounts receivable, and 57 percent annual revenue growth.

By necessity, Sedacca wears many hats at her boutique firm, but she still manages to find time to give back to her community. She serves on the board of Shobi’s Table, a St. Paul nonprofit that supports homeless and housing-insecure individuals, and on the finance committee at St. Paul’s Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

What’s the biggest turning point in your career and how did that lead you to what you are doing today?

I’ve always been willing to take risks in my career. Usually it has worked out. Occasionally it hasn’t, but I’ve always learned a lot along the way. My journey ultimately led to the opportunity to partner with Karen Turnquist and launch Sage Business Credit.

What are your job responsibilities today?

As the lead for sales and marketing, much of my time is devoted to business development — keeping the company in the public eye and top of mind for referral sources and prospective clients.

I’m also our designated brand ambassador. It’s my job to make sure that our brand is clear, and clearly differentiated.

Beyond that, my job revolves around working with prospects to develop flexible and creative financing options.

What’s your proudest community achievement?

Raising kids who really care about their community and the world around them. The service work we’ve done across the country as a family has inspired them to be grateful for what we have and compassionate toward those who have less. They look beyond their own lives and out into the world to realize that we have so much more than so many others.

What’s the best advice you received from a mentor, and what’s your best advice to women entering your field?

The best advice I’ve ever received is: Be yourself, because no one is as good at being you as you are. Hard as it is to maintain, authenticity is actually an amazing way to build trust and strengthen relationships.

My advice to women is: Step up, be brave, take chances. Don’t spend your time trying not to stand out.

Cathy Sedacca

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QUICK TRIP TO AFRICA!

By on May 3, 2017

Last week I made a quick trip to Africa! A friend of mine associated with the Commercial Finance Association in New York had told me over lunch in Florida about a volunteer opportunity to teach African bankers about asset based lending and factoring. I asked him if I could volunteer and he said sure, you are very qualified. The next thing I knew I was talking with CFA staff and then quickly making arrangements to go to Malawi, Africa! With very little consideration I just jumped in, typical of someone who doesn’t do a lot of planning anyway.

Two of us went there to do this training. The other one was a woman from New Jersey who is in the factoring business. We had not met previously so this was another unknown to me. But it worked out well, we worked well together and enjoyed each other. A World Bank man who oversaw the project also attended the sessions to monitor the results. He was pleased.

This was a World Bank project designed to stimulate the African economy by teaching bankers about financing tools used to fund emerging and growing businesses. That got my attention as I have tons of experience in this financing and am aware of the power of the techniques to finance otherwise non-bankable businesses. Used properly these tools can successfully help businesses grow and add to jobs and the economy.

I was intrigued about going to Africa as I had never been there before. The flight was long and used up about 30 hours of my life each way! But it was a valuable experience for me

One thing I learned right away was that the people of Malawi are very nice and welcoming people. Lots of smiles and friendly talk with everyone I met. Most of them even understood an Ole and Lena type joke I told them in class even without being aware of Ole and Lena!

They were attentive during the lectures and very willing to participate in the breakout small groups. Some had very little prospects in their market for this financing while others had several in theirs. I enjoyed all the bankers that I talked with!

I think they got a lot out of it, so our mission was accomplished! I hope this helps them in financing their growth businesses in a secure fashion for the banks.

Many people go to Africa and bring back pictures from their safari vacations. We only left out hotel twice, once to see a market and once to buy souvenirs from local artisans. Here are the pictures of my African trip:

 

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TEN YEAR MEDALLION AT AA

By on February 10, 2017

Today my good friend Phil Carlson presented me my 10 year medallion at his AA meeting. The important thing about these awards is that the folks in the room see someone who has made it 10 years and it encourages them that it is possible and they can do it too.

I went to AA meetings for a couple of years, then moved on to other things. I have friends that continue in it for years, and have developed some wonderful relationships in their groups. There may be no right answer or approach; but AA is welcoming to all and free so if anyone thinks they may have a problem check it out. Alcohol and drug addiction are almost epidemic today and it is solvable one person at a time.  There may still be a stigma, but at AA you will find lots of people with the same problem and with the same goal: to get their lives back in order and find serenity.

 

In my case I was defined as a “high bottom” meaning I hadn’t had the fall in life that many experience. But it was bottom enough for me! I knew I had a problem even though I could probably have gone on for years drinking; but it would have impacted my health and soon my family. Some counselors at Hazelden weren’t sure I needed to be there in treatment as I wasn’t a big problem. But drinking had become a problem to me and it was holding me back from being productive and using my God given gifts to help people in any way I could. That change resulted in me writing two books that from reports from readers have done that. Life is good! And even better now!

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ACHIEVERS CLASS BRIDGES ALC

By on November 30, 2016

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Last year’s achievers class at Bridges ALC in Prior Lake was well received and I was invited to do it again this year!

The model is that the students read a story or two on Monday and I come in on Tuesday usually with someone from my book “ACHIEVERS ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS”. The person in the book speaks to the class and takes any questions they may have. I am impressed by the attention all the students in these classes give to the speakers and me too. Bridges is an alternative school for kids in the Prior Lake School District. The coordinator, Dave Brown describes it this way in one of his newsletters:

“We are fortunate to work in a district that both states and believes in its mission to educate all learners to reach their full potential as contributing and productive members in our ever-changing global community. Bridges Area Learning Center embodies that mission as we have a school of learners that have untapped potential in many ways. Two words generally describe our students – ‘At-Risk’. This term could have several meanings but, in general, it describes high school students that are in jeopardy of not graduating or not graduating on time. The reasons could be obstacles that are varied, many, complex and multilayered. Or, it could be one item that is causing an obstacle for success. These reasons could be outside of school, in school or both. One thing is consistent though – we work exclusively with students where traditional settings were not successful. We work exclusively with at-risk students.”

I have discovered that the students in this school have learned, maybe the hard way, that a high school education and diploma are important! It is fun to work with students who understand that, and are motivated to get it and do something meaningful with their lives. Their attentiveness is a testimony to their determination. And, they report being inspired by reading about the people in the book! They learn that if the people in the book can make it so can they!

 

I’d love to do this course at more of these alternative schools, or any school for that matter!

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SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY!

By on October 9, 2016

We are watching the Vikings players seizing the opportunity!
A few months ago with Peterson and Bridgewater out the fans were pessimistic and down in the dumps. How could they win without these key players? Now they are 5 and 0!

Part of it is that football is a team game with 11 players on the field that must all do their part. But obviously some backup and imported players seized the opportunity! They may not have been stars before but when they got the call they answered and are now being lauded for their success.

I’m not a football fan, but this interests me mostly because of the life lesson here. Many of us get opportunities in life but don’t respond; some don’t even recognize them. As an example, I saw it at Norwest in the 70’s in the audit area. When problems came up many of my peers stayed away because they didn’t want to get tainted with them. Fortunately I jumped in and found solutions that solved the problem while also advancing my career. The ability to see opportunity and jumped in provided many promotions for me.

A client of mine who is about 78 and a very successful entrepreneur told me that he wished he was 20 years younger. He said that when he walks down the street all he sees is opportunities! He has little sympathy for the unemployed or the people who aren’t making it. Except for the people who can’t due to some unsolvable problems, I agree with him

Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes in all parts of our lives. We have to recognize them, have the courage to jump in and seize them.

The most enjoyable part of writing my book “ACHIEVERS ORDINARY PEOPE WHO DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS” was interviewing all the people and seeing how they saw an opportunity and seized it!

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RIP RANDY QUIRING

By on July 29, 2016

Randy Quiring graciously shared his story in my book “ACHIEVERS ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO DO EXTRAORIDINARY THINGS” It is a great story of a man who left the small town he lived in to seek opportunity, then realized his best opportunity was right in his old home town. He built a successful business, a wonderful family and as mayor of Fairmont, Minnesota he worked to make the town better.

Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer this week. I enjoyed getting to know him when I interviewed him, loved his posts on Facebook, and loved his sharing of his faith everywhere. He was a great example for all of us!

I know his family and loved ones will miss him; I will too.

 

                                         SMALL TOWN SUCCESS                             

 

 

It seems a lot of people who grow up in small towns leave after high school to seek their fortunes in the city. It certainly is common to believe that the big city has more opportunities!  Such is true with Randy Quiring who left his small home town to go to college for a few years.  But in his words, “I redefined what partying really was!”  He did just enough to get by.  He didn’t know what he wanted to do with his life, and he lost interest in studying.  He had only a few credits left to graduate when he got a call from a friend who told him of a job opportunity in Denver. He was easily lured to Denver to take a job as a delivery man for a printing company that reproduced maps for the oil and gas industry. It wasn’t a dream job at all.  It paid $3.75 per hour, which was probably the minimum wage at the time.  But Randy thought it might be an opportunity to get started in the big city!

Raised with a good work ethic, he did his job well even though he knew he was at the very bottom of the company.  But he was a natural networker and soon developed a relationship with the sales manager in the company. Believing Randy was capable of more, the manager brought him into the company sales group. He began to call on print buyers in the oil business and enjoyed meeting and servicing their print needs. Sales were a familiar part of Randy’s upbringing as his dad had been a traveling salesman. He knew what it was all about.  His dad had always told him he should go into sales as he seemed to be a natural. Randy had no interest in sales when growing up, but now with his “schmoozing” style, he quickly picked up the art.

Already valuing relationships, he joined a networking club.  It was designed to help members find business opportunities.  He developed a relationship with one man who eventually recruited him into the insurance business and financial product sales.  Here he found his passion!

The insurance business required licensing, so Randy went back to school to earn his securities licenses. This time he excelled in school; he was motivated to learn what he needed to be successful. He went from just getting by as in his college courses to getting A’s in the insurance classes. He was becoming an achiever!

A few years passed and Randy did a remarkable thing.  He returned to his small town to build an insurance business there. He had learned the business and was now eager to return to his roots to live and serve people there. He realized he really had enjoyed growing up in the small town and wanted to raise his family in that same environment. Probably more importantly, he realized his passion really was back home!

Now married, he and his wife are the parents of five children who have changed their lives. His wife, a successful independent art designer, downsized her job so she could stay at home to raise the children and manage the household. It was a big sacrifice, but they both agreed their family was more important than the income she would have contributed. Randy’s insurance business was doing well, and they decided they would have enough money to be comfortable and provide for their family.  His parents instilled the importance of family when he was young, and these values have stayed with Randy as he has matured with a family of his own.

Randy recalls a comment by a friend of his high school age child who was visiting their home. At dinnertime all the family was present, and the chatter flowed freely. The visitor remarked that he wished his family would have dinner together and not just eat in front of the TV.  Randy’s family eats dinner together every night, putting family first at mealtime! Such a small yet very important statement about priorities.

Randy loved his little town and wanted to serve it in the best way he could in order to keep it strong and successful.  So he ran for mayor and was elected. Now with a family, a successful business, and a city to run, he has become a very busy man! That is not unusual for achievers.  The old saying is, “If you want something done give the job to a busy person.”  And Randy is certainly a busy person.

This summer he was dealt a tough blow – melanoma. In the process of seeking medical help, he lost one eye as the cancer had manifested there. Fortunately, he had many loyal friends and family members to support him through the ordeal. He also credits his faith as the real source of strength for getting him this far. He knows the cancer can still be problematic, but he is at peace knowing he is in God’s hands.

Cancer can take the ambition out of anybody, and the thought of dying may lead to depression and a lack of motivation. Many come to grips with it as did Randy. He took it in stride, dealt with the problem medically, and had an eye removed.  He is optimistic, and his faith keeps him motivated to work and serve others through adversity as well as through easier times. Although presently he feels he has overcome the cancer, realistically he understands it may be a longer process for him.

He is still thinking of more things to achieve. His next goal? To complete his college work and get his degree!

 

 

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