A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED

Despite what many of you may have heard or believe that I will be a Y millionaire when I retire, let me put it to rest - not exactly. But I'm not complaining where I plan to be when the time comes for sun to set on my YMCA career. I'm going to enlighten you on the best thing you can do yourself whether the YMCA retirement fund or a private IRA is to put 10% of your paycheck away for your own retirement before you can even have a chance to miss it.

When I started in the Y in July 1984, my first boss told me this rule. As a typical 14 year old, and mind you it was something I didn't want to hear making $3.35 per hour and 15 hours a week - approximately $10.04 per semi monthly period you won't see for a long time! Leaves very little for movies, music and much of anything else a working teenager needs (err must wants).

Fast forward almost 30 years, I am no longer a teenager working as a summer after school tutor with more hair than I have now but to an adult who has been blessed with a great career here at the YMCA of Broward County and been exposed to various capacities of positions.

I know I am the exception of staying with one company so long but the exposure and challenges I've taken on may have provided me better opportunities than most my friends who jumped around every 4 to 7 years. What I lacked in huge salary increases I made up for in numerously more rewarding ways.

I've pretty much been able to enjoy my time away from work in my travels, hobbies and past times and still not miss the 10% off my paycheck. With this in my back pocket I hope to enjoy my retirement years as much if not more than my working years.

Here's to having a lived life! Cheers!

IF YOU ONLY KNEW… …ALL THAT YOU LEFT BEHIND

If you only knew, how my heart aches,
For nostalgic memories of distant times.

Those years, only seem like days ago.

If you only knew, my mind wanders,
Piecing together fragmented memories.

Those memories, now forever gone.

If you only knew, I only hear,
The screaming tranquility pacing my mind.

Those thoughts, leave just one more painful spot.

If you only knew, how I miss you,
To hear your voice and laughter just one more day.

Those sounds, echo the silence you left.

If you only knew, what I could do,
I may have never let you leave that morning.

Those footsteps, were never to return.

If you only knew, what I would do,
Had I just been given one more day with you.
 

           

 

 

 

DECADES OF MY LIFE

My Lord sent me to lead a terrestrial life,
serving him through a journey to begin with a
blank book filled with innocence, inexperience and promise.

At 0, I came into the world,
At 10, I just couldn't wait to grow up,
At 20, I really thought I knew everything,
At 30, I proved myself to others but not myself,
At 40, I realized I still have a whole lot to learn,
At 50, I hope to take things just a little slower,
At 60, I yearn to laugh, live and love more,
At 70, I dream of opportunities missed,
At 80, I recall obstacles overcome,
At 90, I live life without regrets,
At 100, I welcome a life well lived,

My Lord warmly welcomed me home to heaven,
after decades of my life He helped fill my book,
with opportunities, experiences and answers.




 

 

THE DAY MY SENSES CEMENTED IN TIME

What my eyes see,
when my mind plays,
one of media’s endless loop.

When my ears hear,
screaming jets race,
through Tuesday,
morning’s cobalt blue sky.

I feel your touch,
with each gentle breeze,
blowing through my window.

I taste our lips,
when we kissed
our last good-bye,
before you left home.

I still smell you,
with a slight scent
of your most recent
favorite fragrance.

My kitchen’s scents,
reminds me of cooking,
your favorite meal,
not knowing it was,
our one last meal together.

How my salty tears
still linger in my throat
everytime I think of you.

How my heart aches,
for the nostalgic memories,
from distant times.

My mind wanders,
piecing together puzzles,
of fragmented memories.

I still hear you,
from your hearty laugh,
to your final “I love you.”
I remain lost,
without hearing your footsteps,
and having the same ones
follow me home.

Staring at our photographs,
as memories frozen in time,
of all the moments shared together,
brings smiles to my day’s sadness.

I know your waiting,
for the day,
when in God’s time
we will reunite,
once again,
in heaven’s garden.

JOURNEY OF THE COMMUNITY MATRIARCH

Its been not quite a decade since I was honored to work with a wonderful woman, who became affectionately known as the community matriarch. Her passion for children of all ages and persons with disabilities, combined with her love for the YMCA and her devotion was well respected by community leaders throughout Broward County (greater Fort Lauderdale) and the vast YMCA professional network. She continually embraced our great organization's mission along with her selflessness opened the YMCA of Broward County to national exposure in forward moving programs. The Broward County Child Care Inclusion Project and the expansion of before and after-care and summer camp programs for persons with disabilities from age 3 to 21 and programs for typically developing youth in middle and high school.

Here's to a wonderful woman,
Always true to heart and feelings.
Passionate about her career,
People know her from all over.
Yet compassion and love for all,
Really brought us all together.
Every life she touched in her years,
Truly made her like family.
In your eyes she stands above all,
Resembling an angel on earth.
Even with demanding schedules,
Mentoring others was her gift.
Eager to share her expertise,
Not turning anyone away.
Tirelessly working projects,
Into sleepless nights and weekends.
Recreating each budget and,
Endlessly proofing narratives.
Now she finishes this journey,
Emotions will be truly mixed,
But her words will echo for years
Until our paths cross once again,
Tales of yesterday will be told.
Cheers to you, and Godspeed, Irene,
Health, happiness, and best wishes.
Endless gratitude and with love,
Robert William Kovacs.

Epilogue - In July 2005, I had written this poem (above) for her retirement party and had been blessed to read it (through tears and emotion) to her in front of a rather large captive audience and then present a framed copy of it as a gift. Although, I've trained hundreds of people in a variety of ages, genders and differences, I never felt as much stage fright as having all eyes on me as I did that evening. I am certain my voice quivered and cracked with nothing more than a monotone mumble leaving my lips. With gratitude, love and well wishes, I let my once boss; by virtue of title, mentor by nature, friend and second "Mom" by God's blessings; exit stage right with her bestowing me with powers to continue her legacy to the Broward County community.

Here's to you Irene!

FIRST DAY

Smells of new notebooks being opened,
Crayons breaking in for the first time,
Backpacks hushing by with each large leap,
Textbook spines cracking for the first time,
Pencil sharpeners twirling away,
Teachers and pupils dressed to the nines.

May all my teacher friends near and far,
Set off the first day with great splendor.
May you be blessed with patience and love,
Stamina and tolerance to brighten
Our future’s minds with wisdom to grow
And be tomorrow's next great leaders.

TWO BECOMING ONE

Join us in a celebration,
Of our lives together as we
Share our love for one another.
Here we are together again,
United by our vows of love
As family and friends look on.
Being there for one another,
And not looking back anymore
Now we can look to our future.
Dreaming of endless tomorrows,
New adventures to chase after
Is just only our beginning.
Chasing after the rainbow’s end,
Only to find treasures of gold
Like the Leprechaun’s tale whispers.
Except the new treasures of wealth,
Merely appear as a guide to
Simply finding all life’s treasures.
Creating a tapestry with
Hues woven with bright radiance,
Waking the world to share our joy
As we lead our life in marriage.
Reminiscing our many years,
The best time of our life comes through
Zephyrs whispering our future.