As I tell my Storyworth, for what it’s worth, I get weekly prompts on what my family wants to know about my life (to include in the Christmas book). Some of these suggestions I feel that I have covered in the many articles that I’ve already written, while others only require a short explanation. For example, inquiring Johnston minds want to know some of the high school organizations where I was involved back in the late ‘60s and what inspires me. 

I just picked up grandson Gavyn from school this afternoon and we talked about his work with the art and yearbook clubs. I’m glad he’s found a couple of projects to keep him engaged with his classmates, building high school memories. My high school friend, Tim, is coming to visit this weekend. We were both on the track and wrestling teams when we graduated 54-years ago. Maybe Gavyn will find a similar lifelong bond in one of his clubs?

A few weeks ago, out of the blue, I received a Facetime call from another long-lost high school friend. Alan and I were in the choir together, although he was a much more talented musician.  Concert Choir was a credited school subject, but many after-school hours were spent rehearsing for concerts, singing at holiday events or nursing homes, and making several album recordings. I often joke that we made a “White Album” before the Beatles simply because we couldn’t afford a printer to create a fancy cover. It was simply white cardboard and was never recognized for a Grammy Award. Between choir and sports, there was little time for other activities.

It was friends like Alan and Tim that inspired my life as a teenager. Without Alan’s confidence, I would have never made our memorable drive to California, while Tim got me into wrestling and running. I can only hope that I don’t have to do any wrestling at this age, but I’m still running. My mom and dad were my biggest inspirations, teaching me social skills, manners, and morals, leading by example. Mom was loving, caring, and fun, while dad was my hero. They taught me the importance of an education and being loyal. They were special people, who took me into their lives through adoption. I often wonder what my life would have been like as an abandoned child. They gave me everything I needed to be successful. 

Sports figures have always been inspiring to me, despite never really having a close personal connection. I’m still motivated to do my best and keep in good shape. Watching my favorite players win championships always brings tears to my eyes. I love it when the underdog does the impossible in both competitive games and the business world. Top businesspeople are like great athletes. I’m now inspired to see all three grandkids do great things with their lives as I watch them grow into young adults. Maybe Gavyn will become a technical wizard, Maddux a fashion designer, and Nora a unicorn trainer?