There’s something uplifting about celebrating one’s achievements with those who are closest to us no matter what stage of life we happen to be passing through. If we’re moving through a formal education, it can be recognition that’s preparatory for future goals & achievements; part of leadership development. If we’re more advanced in experience, it can be a celebration of relationships and high points before moving on from one objective to another.

I had the previlege of attending two such ceremonies last night. The first consisted of seeing a leader of 22 years with our company commemorate milestones before moving towards the realization of dreams after what I’m sure would be considered an already fullfilling career.

The second was watching a maturing leader – one of whose development I am intimately engaged - receive well-earned recognition before moving on towards many future successes.

There was no graduation ceremony for getting promoted from Elementary School to Middle School when people my age were in school. It was just something that happened to everyone who passed onto the next grade level. But for a certain individual “pulling a hat trick” - Academic Honors; Citizenship Award as voted by peers; and The President’s Education Award – at this event most certainly foreshadows a lifetime of positive experiences and we couldn’t be prouder or happier for him.

Nothing Succeeds Like Success:

Today Jack, David and I worked a car wash at Farmer’s State Bank for the High Plains Little League. Yes, it was 33F, snowing, and raining but we were there with about 20 other families and a continuous line of cars just waiting to be attacked by all those cold, wet Little Leaguers with sponges.

During one break in the line, I took my car through to help keep everyone active and moving in the cold. The pictures are from my cell phone.

The reason for the madness? Proceeds from this event are going to Garrett Ross, an 8 year old boy on Jack’s LL Rangers team who received his first heart transplant at 7 months, and his second in 2008. He’s been fighting with some complications and the whole community is pulling for him. His family’s story is here.

Cowboy Up for Garrett!