A CAREER THROUGH MY OWN CHRYSALIS

I won’t lie to you or anyone,
When you make the call to retire.
It will be one of those milestones,
Filled with so many mixed emotions.
Once the words out, it can’t be undone,
Memories leave me with a smile,
With random trickles of escaped groans,
In between my faithful devotions.

At times, I reflect and reminisce,
It began some forty years ago.
The summer before starting high school,
I applied for a job at the Y.
This shy, stout, awkward was also this,
Insecure and introvert fellow,
Who made it to the interview pool,
By giving it my very best try.

After round one, I was selected,
Junior counselor for summer day camps.
As my first job, my first position,
I was scared, nervous and excited.
During training, I was elected,
To be part of the group, grade one champs.
I was a welcomed new edition,
To a team that was reunited.

It seemed those days were just yesterday,
Yet, years flew by faster than I hoped.
But decades flew by even faster,
While I continued my flashback.
I tried to take it all in today,
Seems like weeks, months and years interloped,
Time in its own right is life’s master,
With my memory is my look back.

If I could press pause for a moment,
I would recall some of my best times.
If I could only press fast forward,
Then I would pass over some rough times.
I look back at my years without lament,
Many try reading between the lines,
Thinking I was asked to step forward,
Ignoring all the obvious signs.

I left on my terms and how I wished,
Thinking how fast the years flew on by.
I finished not one, but three degrees,
All with full honors and accolades.
Over years, my career took a twist,
When a leader urged me to apply,
For jobs outside of my expertise,
In becoming a jack of all trades.

I held just as many positions,
In my over forty-year career.
I remained loyal to the Y,
Through many changes, growth and leaders.
I chased my new career ambitions,
As the Y traversed a new frontier,
Leaving a legacy for this guy,
Who became one of the succeeders.

IT’S ALL ABOUT ME, NOT YOU

I will be,
Your very first encounter,
Meeting someone like myself.

With disbelief,
I do stop and look around,
Seeing what they say is true.

Matter of fact,
Despite what you want to think,
All does revolve around me.

I find ways,
Embellish all that you say,
Making myself look better.

With my eyes,
I look for the perfect time,
To steel your identity.

Boredom spews,
As you share your life’s stories,
Trying so hard not to yawn.

I make sure,
With every word your mouth says,
I diminish what you say.

I know you,
Better than you know yourself,
I can finish all your thoughts.

When in truth,
I am thinking, how and when,
I will one up your tall tale.

Over time,
I’ll adopt it as my own,
Leaving fragments of your soul.

You question,
How I still come out ahead,
When I make it about me.

I answer,
I‘m the one who stole your light,
Leaving you in my shadow.

Remember,
I’m the one, for no reason,
Deflated your excitement.

Seriously,
Do I have to remind you,
It’s not about you today,

Since my birth,
Everyone reminded me,
How it will be about me.

All of you,
May think you are important,
Except I know, I’m the one.

When the time’s right,
I tried to find my courage,
Speak those three difficult words.

A voice said,
Before I had a slight chance,
Saying that I am sorry.

I decided,
My efforts would gain nothing,
But make it all about you.

I would lose,
Far much more than I worked for,
Less than if I stayed quiet.

When it’s time,
For you choose to surrender.
Stand back and stand far away,

As I shout,
You should really know by now,
It’s all about me, not you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEEDS PLANTED YESTERDAY, BLOOM TO BE ME TODAY

R - resilient, reliable
O - objective, open-minded
B - balanced, bold
E - empathetic, educated
R - reflective, ruminator
T - tenacious, thoughtful
W - writer, witty
I - intelligent, inquisitive,
L - likable, loyal
L - lovable,  level-headed
I - innovative, introvert
A - artistic, altruistic
M - mindful, modest
K - knowledgeable, kind-hearted
O -organized, open-minded
V - virtuous, visionary
A - adventurous, artistic
C - creative, cautious,
S - stubborn, simple
D - detail oriented, down-to-earth
I - intrinsic, independent
T - transparent, trustworthy  
T - thrifty, tolerant
O - obstinate, opinionated 
 

DIALOGUE WITH MY DAD

December thirteenth, twenty-twenty-five,

Dear beloved father,

I hope you’re able to hear me tonight.

I don’t think I ever said it enough,
I shared, “I love you!”,
But not how blessed I was to be your son.
I didn’t grasp it, until you were gone,
You selflessly lived,
Much of your last days fighting and in pain.

Who am I, to be selfishly wishing,
To have one more day,
Just to share with you all that I became.
I came home to eagerly share stories,
You sat and listened,
Even when I repeated same stories.

It’s not the same, without you being here,
I feel emptiness,
When I visit and see your vacant seat.
Each time I feel the sun’s warmth on my back,
I knew, you were near,
When your aura, embraced me with your presence.

You never really showed your emotions,
Since your own father,
Taught you it’s a sign of a man’s weakness.
From early on, you were taught a man’s role,
Stand strong and stoic,
Holding back all life’s anguish and sorrow.

I recall, you were talking on the phone,
I walked in on you,
As you were sharing something that I did.
For you to share your love or show your pride,
Rarely, you’d spare words,
In the earshot of others so freely.

You may have not showed all your emotions,
Yet, you showed your love,
Through your actions, promises and friendships.
The times we spent together, just us two,
Telling me your tales,
Sharing with me, how to become a man.

Your actions, always lead by example,
I tried to follow,
Just you left some big shoes for me to fill.
Promises made, were promises you kept,
Always kept your word,
Strengthened the bonds you made and created.

You believed in traditional values,
Work hard, loyalty,
Be on time, do your best and be humble.
I absorbed all that you instilled in me,
With just a slight twist,
I adopted it and made it my own.

Through the variety of friends you made,
I see your story,
Being written by those same lifelong friends.
Your story, from fleeing all that you knew,
For something better,
Kept you focused until you found freedom.

One day, a life changing event happened,
It was then you changed,
I saw you cry, even say, “I love you.”
Almost losing what was most important,
From that day forward,
You showed and shared your emotions freely.

You set too many high expectations,
Which I did not know,
Would pay dividends many years later.
Demonstrated by my success today,
Not by past failures,
You stood tall, that’s how I knew I did it.

I came home and went around the corner,
Without you knowing,
I heard you praising me, amongst your friends.
My face turned every shade of red that day,
But I stood taller,
Knowing whatever I did, made you proud.

I remember how you always told me,
Finish your studies,
You hoped I would do better than you did.
Academics challenged me to the core,
But I kept my word,
Firmly stating, “Don’t you ever give up!”

Yet, once I found my niche and my own path,
It got easier,
As long as I stayed current in my studies.
An Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree,
All earned with honors,
Opened newly discovered career’s doors.

I always wore my heart on both my sleeves,
When I couldn’t compete,
This one little thing gave the advantage.
It’s what separated me from the rest,
Letting me, be me,
With a part of you, living within me.

My work ethic and my word carried me,
Throughout my career,
Which I held from my first day to my last.
When I was a child, you used to say,
“No one can take your,”
“education or character from you.”

Started in child care and summer camps,
Transferred to corporate,
Finished with marketing, grants and payroll.
Today, one last time, I closed my office,
Over forty years,
At the same non-profit where I began.

I aimed for my best, whether good or bad,
Learned many lessons,
On being better, than my yesterday.
Most my years were truly remarkable,
Lots of memories,
Many friends became more like family.

I often heard your words come from my mouth,
As I supervised,
My own staff in various positions.

Cheering them on or training new job skills,
Or a private chat,
Providing them constructive criticism.

When I left the office building, I sighed,
With mixed emotions,
I held back the tears, without much success.
Another chapter of my life’s journey,
Waits to be written,
Once I greet tomorrow morning’s sunrise.

I’m thinking, I need more than just one day,
To share my story,
My journey was difficult, yet rewarded.
I indeed lived the American dream,
Worked and played hard,
Enjoyed freedoms and opportunities.

Often, I reflect back on all my years,
Success is my debt,
I pay back to you, every day I live.
I can only hope you can see me now,
I’m uniquely me,
Yet, I am much like you, in many ways.

I envision you would stand tall and proud,
When I share with you,
All I accomplished in life and career.
In your terms, you would express your feelings,
Your eyes filled with tears,
Letting new found emotions run freely.

I toast you, with my usual, rum and coke,

Thanks for everything,

Thanks for being you, forever, your son.

MY MOTHER’S LOVE

Her hand, holding my hand,

Tighter than I held hers,
With a tear in her eyes,
She kissed my forehead,
Then let go of my hand.
I watched all around me,
Hiding in her shadow,
Hoping I couldn’t be seen.
Her soft, assuring voice,
I found myself peeking,
Finally giving in,
I walked to her side.

We walked through the hallway,
Opened the inside door,
Then walked in and waited,
For an adult welcome.
From the very moment,
We walked through the door,
All the children’s stared,
At their new distraction.
I felt the children’s eyes,
Laser focused on me,
The new, shy, short, chubby,
Even introverted, kid.

After five long minutes,
This one pretty lady,
In a royal blue dress,
Who passed by a few times,
Welcomed my Mom and I.
With a friendly handshake,
Exchanged introductions,
Shared plenty of small talk.
Agreed that tomorrow,
Would become my first day.
With my Mom’s permission,
She reached out for my hand.

She took me on a tour,
Showing me her classroom.
Describing everything,
Down to the last detail.
She would stop here and there,
Then pointed out objects,
A few bookshelves for books,
A cubby for my lunch,
A drawer of supplies,
A few tables of stuff,
A noisy play area,
A quiet play area.

She explained everything.
From many classroom rules,
Different learning centers,
For reading and math groups,
Small group and team projects,
Everything fell in place.
By the end of our tour,
We returned to my Mom,
Excitedly, I shrieked,
“I am ready for school!”
With a wave and good-bye,
Mom and I headed home.

On the short drive home,
She reminded me of,
How I must follow rules.
Listen to directions,
Always to do my best,
Be nice to everyone,
Finally, learn plenty,
Go make friends and have fun!
Speaking silently now,
With the warmth of her touch,
She finished with three words,
Her saying “I love you!”

She was always present,
Holding on to my hand.
Tightly when needed to,
Trying to prevent fails,
Protecting from others.
Relaxed reluctantly,
Letting me make choices,
Setting me free to grow.
Proudly watched me, her son,
Find my way through life’s maze,
Without words, shared a kiss,
In turn, I mouthed, “I love you!”

When tomorrow arrived,
I was not so afraid.
Once we arrived at school,
My mother’s hand let go,
Releasing my own hand.
Without any delay,
I learned not to look back,
I raced to join my friends.
Playing their outdoor games.
Until the morning bell,
Announced school was starting,
We then raced back to class.

When the pretty lady,
In the royal blue dress,
Walked up to the chalkboard,
With her magical voice,
Hushed all our voices and
Stopped all activity.
We started with routine,
The Pledge of Allegiance,
Attendance and lunch counts.
She then reviewed briefly,
Today’s lessons, specials
Objectives and homework.

Today, after routines,
She made an announcement,
Warmly introducing,
A new student to class.
How little did I know,
I was the new student.
I tried to disappear,
But somehow, I couldn’t.
She then asked me to share,
A story about me.
Then students asked questions,
Which they learned about me.

What seemed like forever,
I finally finished.
Then the pretty lady,
In the royal blue dress,
This time without my hand,
Walked me back to my desk.
She taught nonstop today,
With a bit of this and
More of that, then topped off
With a bit of extra,
Just for the good measure,
Another day’s finished.

When the bell rang at three,
Telling us, class dismissed.
I raced into Mom’s arms,
Waiting for me to share,
All about my first day,
With all the lessons learned.
Seeing tears in her eyes,
I asked, “Why are you sad?”
With every breath, she sighs,
Watching how childhood,
Goes by so very quick.
She looked at him, smiled.

She reflects to my past,
Her once shy little boy,
Whom she once groomed and raised,
Remembering me as,
Just an average student,
Not athletically apt.
Quiet, shy, introvert,
Despite adversity,
I remained tenacious,
Even resilient,
Often kept to myself,
Or in small company.

As she watched me grow-up,
Her once shy little boy,
Sees my accomplishments.
Her eyes once again teared,
Overflowing with pride,
As she fondly recalls,
Many experiences,
All the firsts she witnessed,
Dates, honors, trips and more,
Then before she knew it,
High school graduation,
Then college and grad school.

In the blink of her eye,
She saw her little boy,
Now a man, all grown up.
With her eyes blurred from tears,
She just proudly smiled,
Watching what was a job,
Hit service milestones,
Became a blessed career,
Just over forty years.
Seeing her life’s investment,
Paying out dividends,
Towards tomorrow’s leaders.

Though I could teach classes,
Speak to a gathering group,
Make a presentation,
Engage an audience,
Yet, had a strong dislike,
Being in the limelight,
Center of attention.
With people praising me,
I’d much sooner hide or
Find the nearest escape,
Returning to my peace,
Finding balance and purpose.

My co-workers and guests,
Celebrated with me.
Some took the mic to share,
Others shared their own way,
Unforgettable tales,
Lessons learned, memories,
Happy tears and sad smiles.
I knew there'd be a time,
When I'm called to the front,
To take the mic and speak.
I wrote a script to read,
But I chose to ad-lib it.

Filled with my mother’s love.
I shared for all to hear,
With the words, “Thank you Mom!”
“I owe it all to you!”
She simply bowed her head,
As if she was humbled,
Whispering in my ear,
“You are my everything!”
Despite being a man,
I’ll always be a boy,
Who preferred to remain,
A social introvert.

It was then I realized,
By completing the loop,
My success was measured,
With my Mom by my side,
Sharing my own story,
Gaps filled with great teachers,
With my career mentors,
Filling left over voids.
Each working together,
Making a better me,
Then, I could ever do,
All alone, on my own.

I glance over to her,
See more tears in her eyes.
She proudly watched and heard,
As I, her son, a man,
Being celebrated,
And being recognized,
For my contributions,
In all I accomplished,
Within my career,
Forever cementing,
A lifetime legacy,
Not to be forgotten.

 

Part 7 of 7 - TELLING MY LAST TALE WITH MY FINAL WORDS

Author Preface - This post is 7 of 7 of posts related to my last weeks prior to retiring from the YMCA of South Florida after just over 40 years.

This is the unabridged copy of my final e-mail I sent out as a YMCA of South Florida staff member to all of our staff.
_________________________

From:     Robert W. Kovacs <rwkovacs@ymcasouthflorida.org>
Date:      December 13, 2024 at 4:32:10 PM EST
To:          Robert W. Kovacs <rwkovacs@ymcasouthflorida.org>
Subject: Closing this Chapter of My Journey

Dear YMCA family and friends,

As many of you know, today marks my last day as an employee at the YMCA of South Florida after just over 40 years. It’s been bittersweet, emotional roller coaster of emotions. From the moment I decided to retire, I’ve experienced plenty of happy tears, sad smiles and with a small dose of fear or doubt (not sure which) if I was doing the right thing. The worst part of this whole experience, it felt all too surreal and then when I least expected it, it became all too real, all too quick.

When I reflect on my incredibly blessed journey I’ve had here at the YMCA. Most of you only know me as the guy who gets you paid, or simply “the payroll guy” or something along those lines but not the storyteller or some say a historian of our YMCA.

Not only is the number of years I’ve been here unheard of and unbelievable in today’s work world, more than 60% of you weren’t even born when I first started on July 1, 1984.

I’ve seen many friends get married, some have children and experienced a few losses too, coupled with the health issues both my father faced as he got closer to his retirement years and unfortunately passed away before he could enjoy his remaining years with my Mom taking easy and living their best life. Now, I’m seeing my Mom face health issues and will stand by her and support her throughout, just as I did with my Dad. I was truly blessed by having awesome parents and it’s my turn to return the favor.

Despite what went on personally, the YMCA, even with our staff changing, was my only constant in my life. The YMCA provided me the security and perhaps the only constant in my life when I needed it the most. It felt like a time warp of an odd sense as outside the walls of the YMCA I’ve seen many people come and go not just within the YMCA but my own life. As you leave your footprints, you will never know until you have your own Boogerface or Paige come into your life and then decades pass by and see them make a 180. Then when you least expect it, they return to you as an adult, thanking the YMCA and you for being that one stable piece in their lives when everything in their world was thriving in a chaos.

I will always cherish the experiences and relationships built here. Many of you have become very good friends and some of you have even become my extended family. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow both professionally and personally. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the YMCA movement and grateful to be able to remain in contact with many of them to this day. Together, we’ve faced and overcame many challenges, celebrated even more successes and created a lifetime of lasting memories.

I’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with many of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the industry. Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated successes, and created lasting memories. I am grateful for the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained during my time here. I am most appreciative for the immeasurable opportunities presented to me, the knowledge and many various experiences I gained. I probably would not have had such opportunities if I jumped around jobs and organizations as many of my friends have. From the number and variety of positions in aquatics, summer camp, youth services care (early childhood, school-age, middle/high school programs), membership to the various positions in administration I held in grant administration, human resources, payroll, benefits, YUSA/DCF trainer, fundraising/special events, IT and creating our first website back in 1999 there was no need to change companies to seek other opportunities to be challenged.

I want to extend my heartfelt and special thanks to each of you for your support, sharing your stories and listening to mine, the memories we’ve created and those we shared. Your camaraderie and collaboration have made my time here truly special. As I continue to look back at this great journey, I am beyond thankful and fortunate to the countless who have come and gone throughout the years and our current staff who are part of my journey today. No matter how short or long a walk you shared with me, its what each of you contributed to making my journey here a rewarding one. Each of you has contributed to making my journey here a rewarding one. As for me it’s not what I have in life that mattered, it’s the lives I impacted and the ones I inspired.

…and those who left their footprint in my heart while I laid my legacy.

While I’m excited about my new chapter ahead, I will always cherish the experiences and relationships built here. I hope we can remain in touch not just for a moment in time but for a life time. I’d love to hear from you and how you are doing and all the wonderful, craziness of what many of us have dubbed our Y stories, “As the Y Turns.” My e-mail is rwkovacs@me.com or you can find me on Facebook or come join me for an early morning workout at Hollywood or Hallandale.

Just because I left the stories don’t end here, they’re just the beginning, as I still have decades of material to pull from.

With warmest regards and wishing you all continued success, happiness and many great achievements! Happy Holidays!

My best wishes and regards,

Robert

aka the Payroll Guy or the guy in the Y shirt…

P.S. Cheers, with your choice of a beverage and those of you who have known me for the duration, I’ll toast you with a rum and diet/coke zero.

 

PART 6 of 7 - SHARING SAD SMILES AND HAPPY TEARS

Author Preface - This post is 6 of 7  of posts related to my last weeks prior to retiring from the YMCA of South Florida after just over 40 years.

This post was intended to be my rescue speech if I was to be called upon to do a formal speech. Since it was not delivered as a speech, it became material of my impromptu speech at my retirement reception.
_________________________

Through my just over 40 years with the YMCA of South Florida, I was blessed with more amazing supervisors who I was always excited to learn from, work with and make the mission of the YMCA come alive than I had those who were not so amazing but for whatever reason were opposites and found ways to deflate me and find other ways to discount my value to the organization. Both provided me learned lessons which helped me plant my roots deeper into my passion for the organization. This post is a rambling of learned lessons, observations and some mix match thoughts as I near my last days.

When I first walked through the doors of our Greater Hollywood YMCA Family Center in July 1984, I never could have imagined the path that lay ahead. What began as a humble role has evolved into a career that has been full of purpose, passion, and countless rewarding experiences. My first job was a summer camp junior counselor/tutor, I had no idea that I would spend more than the summer here let alone just over four decades here. In fact, I remember my very first day, full of excitement and, let’s be honest, a lot more nervousness. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that this place wasn’t just an organization; it was a community. A community bound together by a shared commitment to make our communities a better place, one person, one family, one community at a time.

As I stand here today, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. On the one hand, there’s a sense of nostalgia as I reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had here at the YMCA. On the other hand, there’s a deep feeling of gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to this wonderful organization and to work alongside all of you and cementing my legacy on almost every facet of our organization. If I had a third hand, I want to share what a truly honor it was to stand before you today as I reflect on what has been an incredible journey it has been. As we celebrate the end of one chapter of my life and the beginning of another, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude and share a few thoughts about what this journey has meant to me.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats — from various positions in youth and family services to numerous to leadership roles at both the family center and association office. I served in many different capacities, each one teaching me something new, challenging me in unexpected ways, and deepening my commitment to the mission we hold so dear. Every position taught me something new, deepened my understanding of the work we do, and reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective action. I’ve seen firsthand how much we can accomplish when we come together with a common purpose, and I’ve witnessed the incredible impact that our work has had on the lives of so many individuals and communities.

The unique beauty of working in a nonprofit is that the work we do is driven by a shared vision, to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It’s not about profit margins or corporate ladders; it’s about people, communities, and creating lasting change. Over the years, I’ve seen the impact of our work firsthand — the lives we’ve touched, the progress we’ve made, and the hope we’ve instilled in those who needed it most. That has been the most rewarding part of this journey. What has truly made this journey special, however, is the people I’ve had the honor to work with. Each of you, whether you’ve been here for just a short time or for many years, has contributed something unique to this organization. It is through your creativity, dedication, and compassion that we’ve been able to reach the milestones we have. I’ve learned from each of you, and I’ve been inspired by your commitment to the cause. What makes this place truly special is the people. The colleagues I’ve had the honor of working alongside, some for a short time, and others for much longer, have made every day here meaningful. The dedication, the teamwork, and the passion that each person brings to their role has been nothing short of inspiring. I’ve learned as much from all of you as I hope I’ve contributed to the organization.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank our donors, supporters, and volunteers. Your generosity, time, and dedication have made our work possible. You are the backbone of this organization, and without you, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve the things we’ve accomplished. I’ve seen firsthand how your commitment to our mission has fueled the work we do, and I’m endlessly grateful for your support.

As I prepare to retire, I want to emphasize that this is not a farewell, I’ll always remain part of this family It’s a new chapter, yes, but it’s not goodbye. I will continue to be a strong supporter in whatever way I can. I’ll be watching from the sidelines, cheering you all on, and confident that the work will continue to evolve and thrive in the years to come. I’m excited to see where this organization goes in the future, and I have no doubt that it will continue to grow, thrive, and make a profound difference in the communities we serve.

First, never forget the power of what we do. The work of a nonprofit is often challenging, sometimes messy, and often unseen, but it is also incredibly powerful. Every day, we are creating positive change — whether it’s through a single act of kindness, a program that lifts up a community, or a small step that leads to something bigger. Every moment counts. Remember lasting change takes time. There will be setbacks, there will be challenges, but as long as we stay true to our mission, remain flexible, and support each other, we will continue to create a lasting impact.

I want to leave you with a few thoughts of lessons I learned.

1. Nobody wants you to be perfect, but everyone expects you to do your best.

2. Life can throw some awful curve balls, learn to at least hit one to make it to first base with hopes the next batter will bring you both home to score.

3. The biggest paychecks you will ever receive is the footprints left on your heart and the impact you made.

4. No matter what, they’ll always remember the guy or gal in the Y shirt even when they grow up, before you remember them as the kid in your programs or the adult your kindness made their day.

5. In the end, you meet great people; some become mentors, others your confidant, some lifelong friends and a select few become your family.

6. There are plenty of times when you truly have to fake it until you make it.

7. What seems to work everywhere else doesn’t always work at the Y, just like what works at the Y rarely works anywhere else.

8. We all come with our own unique personalities, various talents, in some cases, heavy fragile baggage, handle accordingly.

9. Nearly everyone has some Y story or experience before coming to our Y, get to know their story and build upon it.

10. People are like ice cream, come in all flavors, shapes, colors, sizes and melt at different rates depending where they are when things get hot.

11. With that being said, people like me, an introvert, need time to recharge after dealing with people all day. Others, the extroverts need to be around people to remain charged all day.

12. Remember the Y may be the only thing that is constant and stable in someone’s life.

Finally, all of you who remain behind to continue this important work: you are in good hands. I’ve seen your passion, your dedication, and your ability to rise to any challenge. I have every confidence that you will continue to build on the foundation we’ve laid, and take this organization to even greater heights.

Thank you to each and every one of you — for your support, for your friendship, and for the incredible work we’ve done together. I will always look back on my time here with pride, knowing that we’ve made a real difference in our communities and you filled my heart with incredible memories of challenges we faced, laughter beyond measure and shared victories.