Max, I just had to show you this!...

Hi Max!

Yesterday I was looking through some Facebook messages and posts and saw a Cherryvale, Kansas post. It led me to this:



That is your grandfather, MY father, Pat Maher. This is a picture of him from his yearbook. He was an All-State basketball AND football player. He was quite the athlete, but what warms my heart the most is what people are saying after I posted his pic. I've copied them here. It's an online conversation that's just a day old, but look at those words people use to describe him: respectful, kind, warm, great, love, All-American, patient, excellent, humble, etc.

TITLE: All I'm going to say is WOW! This is a picture of my dad (Pat Maher) shooting a basketball (All-State basketball and football). +m2 P.S. Jim, Dan, Linda, correct me if I'm wrong on All-State in both sports.

In this photo: Jim Maher (photos | remove tag), Susan Maher Swope (photos | remove tag), Linda Hammer (photos | remove tag), Dan Maher (photos | remove tag), Taina Chiefs Copeland (photos | remove tag), Max Maher (photos | remove tag), Michael J. Maher-Realtor (photos | remove tag), Brian Maher (photos | remove tag), Rob Maher (photos | remove tag)

Added yesterday · Like · Comment
Ilsa Koenig Steward, Ginger Schulz Crist, Diana Shirley and 14 others like this.

Taina Chiefs Copeland Sure wish Facebook had a LOVE button:) Can you please tag me. Would love to have this pic:) If ya dont mind:)
15 hours ago · Like

Taina Chiefs Copeland Thank you so much Mike! Love ya:)
14 hours ago · Like

Linda Hammer As far as I can remember that is right, Mike. He was a natural athlete in all sports. I was so proud to be the "little Maher"!! That's what everyone called me as I acted all bashful and sweet! lol! My brothers and sisters were all stars in my eyes!
14 hours ago · Like · 1 person

Janet Parsons Wow way cool!
14 hours ago · Like

Doug Lay I always liked your Dad and looked up to him. I never knew he was an All-Stater! Thanks for sharing. Way Cool!!!!!
14 hours ago · Like · 1 person

Donna Mae Huntington I think Pat was your brother, rather than your Dad.....correct me if I'm wrong.
13 hours ago · Like

Michael J. Maher He was my Dad. He passed away on 09-01-92. +m2
13 hours ago · Like

Shannon Menzer Isn't that Rusty???? LOL
13 hours ago · Like

Taina Chiefs Copeland Kinda looks like him but thats my Uncle Pat:)
13 hours ago · Like

Michael J. Maher I was at a student-faculty game (students not in basketball play faculty for charity) - my first year of college I think. Came back to watch (and visit girlfriend). He played one quarter. He hit six 3-pointers in a row and the last one was from 30 feet. Came out after 5 or 6 minutes and was done (he was really out of shape). It was AWESOME! He shot a set-shot, push shot. I think 1 of them hit rim. Sadly, that was the only time I saw him play in any sort of competitive game (basketball, softball, etc.). +m2
13 hours ago · Like · 1 person

Shannon Menzer I knew it was...but it Rusty sure looks like him!
13 hours ago · Like

Linda Hammer Yes, Shannon, Rusty looks like my side of the family and Ryan looks just like his Dad!
13 hours ago · Like

Linda Hammer Thanks for that story, Mike. I wonder if we could get ahold of someone from your Dad's class to see if there were ever any films made that he would be in. Let me do some checking. (And, yes, we had film back in those days! lol! Well, I was about 6 years younger than Pat!)
13 hours ago · Like

Jeff Wipperman Great picture Mike.
12 hours ago · Like

Michael J. Maher Thanks Jeff. Good to hear from you. Still want your kid's basketball schedule - hear he's quite a player. +m2
12 hours ago · Like

Jeff Wipperman You need to watch one of our teams play some time. We have 4th and 6th grade. I will always post the schedules on the PowerGroup facebook page. Call me later this week. Let's catch up.
12 hours ago · Like

Michael J. Maher Will do. +m2
12 hours ago · Like

Linda Hammer Oh, wow! Just read your post, Donna! That name throws me every time. Yes, Pat was my brother, not my Dad. He was Mike's Dad. Mke's my nephew, and so on and so forth...........
12 hours ago · Like

Jim Maher Mike - can't say for sure on Pat's All State selections but I think that right. I just know he was All Everything to his baby brother. Dan and Al were great too (Dan was an All State Football Lineman), but I don't really remember them playing, and only vaguely remember your Dad's College days. Did you know he was a three sport letterman at Indy JuCo?
11 hours ago · Like

Michael J. Maher ‎3-sports? Basketball, football, and ? +m2 P.S. I knew Dan was All-State - Guard I believe.
11 hours ago · Like

Rob Maher I thought the 3rd sport was track.
11 hours ago · Like

Michael J. Maher What else is there? What did he do in track? +m2
11 hours ago · Like

Michael J. Maher Rob, isn't this a cool picture? +m2
11 hours ago · Like

Jim Maher Yes third sport was track.
11 hours ago · Like

Jim Maher Don't know what events tho.
11 hours ago · Like

Julee Warren That is so cool! Great Pic!
3 hours ago · Like

Dan Maher I enlisted in the Air Force after graduation. Did not get to see Pat play very much. But he was all-everything for Cherryvale High School in football and basketball. I was discharged the same year that Pat graduated (1956) and we attend ICC at the same time. The main thing is that Pat was an All American Man. He was a very respected, humble and kind human being. He never said a bad thing about anyone. He fought the cancer for a long time. Great memories.
3 hours ago · Like · 2 people

Christina Marie Dreiling Wow! Pretty Cool Michael! That's where you get all of your talent:)
2 hours ago · Like

Susan Maher Swope He was an All American dad to me! Amazing that we did not know this about him. I miss him and Dan, you are right, he truly was a respected, humble and kind human being. I'm proud to be his daughter.
about an hour ago · Like · 2 people

Amy Cunningham I loved your dad; he was a patient teacher and an excellent coach. I wish I could have played more than one year for him - I always thought that our team could have accomplished great things with him at the helm. A true class act.
about an hour ago · Like

Michael J. Maher Thanks Jim and Julee. Dan, so true. I always assume everyone knows that. :) I shouldn't do that. He was truly kind, humble, and respected. A great dad. @Christina, if you think he's good, you should see my MOM! =0) Truly special dad. :) @Susan, I miss him as well. Can you imagine him and Max now? wow. @Amy, thank you for that. Nice of you to say and he was a class act. +m2
about an hour ago · Like

Valerie Davis-Smith Wow, that is awsome. He also was a great teacher and coach who impacted my life.
25 minutes ago · Like

Just had to share this with you. I miss my dad and wish you could have known him. (Wow, where did those tears come from?) He would have loved to play with you, toss you in the air like I do, and hug you. You have a lot of him in you already.

With Love,

Max's Dad (Michael)

The Hard Part about Parenting...

Hi Max!

I learned something today...

You know what is interesting about parenting and the growth of your child? Sometimes you feel like you are helping and you are really hurting and sometimes you feel like you are hurting and you are really helping. =0)

Love you!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. We're tracking Santa tonight at www.NORADSanta.org!

Your first recital...

Hi Max!

Your first recital was last night. Yes, you are 2 years old (and call tell me so!). It was an interesting night. Two of your parents' weaknesses came to a head last night. They combined to take away from your experience. I'm not sure if many parents would think about it, but of course, I think about everything. What most would see is a little boy (taller than anyone else in the class) who was uncomfortable, crying, and perhaps a case of stage fright from being in front of a large audience. Here's what really happened and I bet a lot of parents can relate...

We are to be at the Community Center at 6:40 p.m. Mom who enjoys a busy schedule manages to get home to order pizza to get there early at 6:00, but in the meantime has to get a Webinar e-mailed to me while I wait in the office (with high-speed Internet access) to send it out to our BOOSTers (clients). The first effort blows up because these are huge files. The video editor had tried to compress the video and it did not turn out well. I needed the original. She uses the service to send over the larger file. I waited...

Mom also had to get you dressed and ready in your nice clothes. I waited until 6:00 and at that point, it was time to go. No file and wouldn't have time to forward. I get caught in rush hour traffic and a 20-minute drive now takes 30 minutes. I get to the house at the same time as the pizza. We eat quickly and make it out of the house at 6:45 (we are five minutes late). We arrive at 7:00 - time for the event to start. I need to be more conscious of time. If we get there early, you are comfortable and relaxed and have had time to separate yourself from mom a little bit. You would have had a chance to get used to being with Finley, Brenna and the rest of your class. Instead, we rushed in, put you in front of all the people, and you blew up. It was almost embarrassing (if I got embarrassed :).

You immediately started looking for mommy and once finding her, you did what gets her attention most. You whined. Then she made a look as if, "oh, so cute, he needs me." Then it was all she wrote. You went ballistic. I picked you up but there was one and only one thing you were looking for at that point - the caressing, motherly mom. The sympathetic looks followed as mom held you.

I wonder what it might have been like. Let's say, we get there early (I vow to have you EARLY to every event from now on). I take you in and get you with the class. Mom stays behind so you don't have that "crutch". You get comfortable with your class. Mom sneaks in late to watch. You belt out Jingle Bells. The crowd applauds. You love it, ham it up, and smile. We all get cookies afterwards and you sit on Santa's lap - comfortable, smiling, and fun-loving.

Lesson learned. Be on time. Have a plan to maximize YOUR experience. Please forgive us. We are new at this parenting experience. It was our first recital. We messed up, but we'll do better. Mom will work on helping you become more independent. I will be more time-conscious and punctual. Thank you for helping us improve.

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

The Rear-view Mirror and the Windshield...

Hi Max!

As you drive today, please realize there is a very important metaphor right in front of you. Your future is so much bigger than your past and all you need for proof is that every car is made with the windshield 100 times bigger than the rear-view mirror. You should keep your eye on the future with a few glances to the past, not the other way around. Have a great day everyone! +m2
9 hours ago · Like · Comment · Promote
Connie Deter Webb, Errol Wuertz and 9 others like this.
Peggy Pierce I like this....I am going to share it..
8 hours ago · Like ·
The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals Share away! :) +m2
5 hours ago · Like
Kelli Reynolds Pearls of wisdom - Thank you!
5 hours ago · Like ·
Heidi Highe Absolutely AWESOME!!!! thank s;0)
2 hours ago · Like ·

Kelli Reynolds Michael - You had a post recently that was so great - I have lost it :( Can you please repost or send it to me by email here? It was about the windshield being bigger than the rear view mirror. Loved it and I can't quite quote it. Thanks for ALL you do - you keep me entertained and EDUCATED!

Max, wanted to share this great metaphor with you. It is a constant reminder that we need to be focused on the future rather than the past. Check it, learn from it, and keep it in perspective, but don't dwell on it. Focus on what's in front of you. Check your settings - your speedometer, odometer, and gas. That is your present - do you need to speed up or slow down, perhaps your engine is running hot and you need to gear down, and everyone has to stop occasionally to re-charge the battery and get re-fueled. Your windshield is your future - stay future-focused.

As the road lays out in front of you, stay awake and aware, check your GPS occasionally to make sure you are on the right road, and keep your eyes on the road - not the obstacles. Every once in a while, stop to get some help and education - don't be afraid to Windex the window and ask for directions. Daily affirmations and visualization are the Rain-X for your windshield so practice those. Of course, there will be bugs who try to stop you, but they will be smashed as long as you keep your momentum. And remember, don't drink and drive, text and drive, or phone and drive (without hands-free).

Of course, save that shotgun spot for someone special. :) Someone who will help you view the road through the windshield and help guide you. That person will support you and be able to communicate with you throughout your drive. Sometimes you'll even be able to stop and fog the windows. Life is good. :)

Love you son. You are growing so quickly!

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Planning Time: Doing Things Differently...

Hi Max!

Here's a story with a point that I thought you would eventually appreciate (once you're older :)

Doing Things Differently

By: Michael J. Maher

Before going to Europe on business, a man drives his Rolls-Royce to a downtown New York City bank and asks for an immediate loan of $5,000. The loan officer, taken aback, requests collateral. "Well then, here are the keys to my Rolls-Royce," the man says. The loan officer promptly has the car driven into the bank's underground parking for safe keeping and gives the man the $5,000.

Two weeks later, the man walks through the bank's doors and asks to settle up his loan and get his car back. "That will be $5,000 in principal, and $15.40 in interest," the loan officer says. The man writes out a check and starts to walk away.

"Wait, sir," the loan officer says. "You are a millionaire. Why in the world would you need to borrow $5,000?" The man smiles, "Where else could I find a safer place to park my Rolls-Royce in Manhattan for two weeks and pay only $15.40?" :)

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. Max, just wanted you to see that there are different, creative ways to do things. I love you son! :)

Sunday is Son-Day October 3 2010...

Hi Max!

Boy, I have been delinquent in my posts. Something I have noticed is that the more I can talk to, interact with, and goof off with you, the less I post on here. I will set up a standard time to post. It may not be every week, but I need to post more often.

You are a routine-lover like your father: Some highlights are that you have a sandbox now so you can play in what you call "Max's Dirt". Every day, it is "Max's Dirt? Max's Dirt? Max's Dirt?" :) You love to play in the dirt and in the sandbox. Also, you are in the rhythm of "Cars". Every day, you watch Cars, the movie. You know all the characters - Lightning, Chick, Doc, King, Luigi, Guido, Sally, etc.

You are so smart! The teachers at La Petite comment all the time how you pick up on things so quickly. They have had you hanging out in the 2-year-old room for a couple of months. According to the teachers, you have been holding your own. You are now speaking in sentences your mom and I can understand and converse back to you. Still need to get you working better with a fork and start your potty training.

Today, we are hanging out. Guess what? You've watched Cars. You've played a little in "Max's Dirt". You've eaten lunch exactly the same time as you always do. You've taken your nap at exactly the same time. The schedule works. You are so happy when you are on schedule. Why don't adults time block? When everyone is on time, on pace, and expectations are known, things run so much smoother.

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. I love you!

Sunday is Son-Day August 22...

Hi Max!

Let's Play Ball!

Sunday is Son-Day for August 22 was exciting for me (probably more exciting for me than you). For the first time, you were going to see ME play ball. Softball is a love of mine and I've always looked forward to the day when my kid could watch me play ball. And the Sunday league games were normally at 9 and 10 - way after your bed time. But the make up games for Sunday were at 2 and 3. Perfect - and the weather was pretty nice. Warm, but not unbearable. It was great seeing you at the ballpark. At less than 2, you probably didn't get much out of it - BUT I did hear you yell Good Job Daddy! That made me smile after hitting a double against the fence. It was like you understood - and maybe at a deep level you do. :)

Love you son and cannot wait to watch you play ball - and it will happen soon.

To Your Success,

Michael

Sunday is Son-Day August 8...

Hi Max!

I've fallen a little behind with my blog updates to you. My apologies, but it is so much better just to talk to you directly - your vocabulary is REALLY improving.

Sunday, August 8: It was a guys' shopping trip! I had a special surprise for you. It was time to get you a Big Wheel! One of MY favorite toys when I was a kid was my Big Wheel. My brother, Rob (your Uncle Rob) and I rode our Big Wheels so much that we wore holds in the front plastic tires! Loved those Big Wheels - then it was time for bikes. :) You love Cars, the movie, so much (SO MUCH!) that I was just thinking, Boy, it would be great to get you a Cars Big Wheel. I did a quick Google Search and what started out as a hopeful, positive, and optimistic search turned out to be one of frustration. I really wanted to combined these two cool things - Cars plus pedal car/Big Wheel. No pedal cars branded with Cars - anywhere on the Internet. I was thinking, seriously?! So, it was time to go. In all the searches, the Radio Flyer Big Wheel continually came up and Target was the store. So, together, we headed to Target.

We found the Big Wheels and bikes aisle. I was focused on the Radio Flyer Big Wheel. It was great. It was $34 and I had a budget of $50 so we were good there. But, I worried that it was too big. The age said 3 - 7 and it just looked too big. In the cart, you were squirming a little bit so I let you out to walk around a little bit. I'm still looking at the Radio Flyer Big Wheel and looking for a smaller one when I hear a "CARS! Racecars!"
I thought, "Oh no." I turned to see you pointing at Lightning McQueen, on a box - on a box for a pedal car! I couldn't believe it. I was so focused on the Radio Flyer that I missed the box that was PERFECT! It was a three wheel pedal-car outfitted like Lightning McQueen with the horn, the sounds, and the lights just like your push car! It was PERFECT! I was so excited and happy for you and YOU were happy.


An interesting thing did happen though... we were looking at it and I had to get you off of the box to put it in the cart and when I lifted you off the box - you started to throw a fit. You were getting ready to pout and cry. I hesitated to put the box in the cart. I didn't want to encourage you to cry, pout, and throw a fit. What if we weren't getting the pedal car? How would you have acted? I really thought about not getting it - after all the stars were aligned for us to get it. Instead, I lifted it into the cart. I was going to have you walk alongside us, but you were having none of that. You looked up at me, raised your arms, and said, "Up?" I smiled, and picked you up. I lifted you over the edge of the cart and put you in the back of the cart with the new "car" so you could push the sound-makers. You were so happy. I was so happy.

What a great Sunday! What a great Son-Day!

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. By the way, the price? $44. Ended up just under, you guessed it... $50.00. :)

Sunday is Son-Day August 1, 2010...

Hi Max!

Did we ever have a blast on Sunday (Sunday is Son-Day!)!?! You love the water, my son. It was so fun to take you to Thomas (Tony) Soetaert Park in Shawnee. We played in the sprinklers, slid down slides, ran through bubbling fountains, and took a turn in the adult pool. We even floated around the lazy river a few times. You're a fish! I can't believe how much you loved getting into the pool. We stayed the perfect amount of time as well. We got a little sun, but not sunburned and you were getting tired by the time we took this photo.

All in all, a trip to the Aquatic Center was good for both of us and we both deserved a nap afterwards. :)

Sunday is Son-Day!

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

you... You... YoU... YOU!

Hi Max!

This is an actual letter I wrote to a friend today. This friend has let the media get in her head. This friend is worried about the world's economy so much that it has affected her personal economy. She's knocked down and not knowing where to turn to next. She's not suicidal, but just down and out. With her permission, I am compelled to share this with you today.

"Dear friend,

Today, I want you to think about something. I can not change your life, only you can change your life... but perhaps I can change the way you look at your life. Right now, you are just feeling like you - lower case you. you are seeing the negative, you are mired in misery, and you are thinking only about yourself. your thoughts are on survival, your motivation is desperation, and your results are minimal at best. Shake it off. I've got the cure to your ills and it's easy - and it won't cost you a dime. Help someone else. Get your thoughts off yourself and help another. Then do it again. Then do it again. Help one person today. Help them across the street. Help them smile. Help them by connecting them to an influencer. Help them by introducing them to a friend. Don't reach out for a hand out. Reach your hand out to help. I promise it will help you. That's the beauty of the Generosity Generation and helping. You can't help another without helping yourself! Trust me on this. Take a moment to think of someone you could help (and that is anyone). Think of how you could help them. Then do it. Do it now. Because, you see, this is what you were meant to be. This is your Y.

Your why is what motivates You. In fact, once you discover your Y, you go from you to You. You are strong, secure, steady, and steadfast. You are loyal to yourself. You can make decisions easily and quickly because You know what makes You tick and what makes You... You. What is YOUR why? Write down these questions: Why did I choose my profession? Then write down, "What is important about _____ ?" and then ask yourself, "What is important about ______?" Give yourself some really strong alone time to find out what makes You tick. How do you want to be remembered when you die? What is your "life's slogan"? What will your epitaph be? What 12 words will go on your tombstone? A great coach can help you with this. Once You have established your Y, You begin to see the world differently. You begin to ask why not You. YoU. (o = zero = not).

So YoU? Since YoU know your Y, you see that anything that aligns with your Y should be yours. Why not YoU to get that promotion? Why not YoU to get that new subdivision? Why not YoU to get that award? Why not YoU to be successful? Why not YoU to get that girl? YoU start to see life as a world full of opportunities rather than a world full of obstacles. YoU start saying Why not me and it starts to come out like this, WHY NOT ME?!! YoU DESERVE SUCCESS. YoU DESERVE RESULTS, REWARDS, AWARDS, HAPPINESS, HOPE, BEAUTY, TALENT, INTELLIGENCE, LOVE... Why not YoU? Seriously. After continuously seeing that the fruits of your labor should come to YoU and DO come to YoU, YoU become YOU.

YOU is where the light shines so brightly that everyone is attracted to it. YOU is this beacon of beauty, this lighthouse of love that gives and gives and gives so much value that it could never be re-paid. And yet when you might have cared, might have wanted to take, might have wanted to keep score, or might have wanted to see the reciprocation, YOU doesn't care. YOU just continues to give. The light shines brighter, the love comes easier, more are attracted to YOU, YOU are attracted to YOU, YOU don't have time for pettiness, drama, or gossip. YOU have time for brilliance, excellence, ideas, and implementation. YOU have time for learning, failing, and evaluating. YOU think. YOU work. YOU help. YOU give. YOU love. YOU live.

YOU realize that YOU were born for a reason (you were born a winner, you beat millions of others to become YOU). YOU were born to serve the world and drowning in self-sabotage, participating in self-pity, gabbing the gossip, or dragging others into drama does not serve the world. Giving, loving, and LIVING your life to its fullest and most beautiful serves the world. Helping others, bringing value to others, and being a friend serves the world. Shining your light as bright as possible by filling your mind with brilliance, your heart with love, and your life with positive people serves the world. YOU is who I know. YOU is who I see. YOU is inside ready to burst out. When is now the time for YOU? NOW is the time for YOU.

you, You, YoU, YOU. How can I help YOU?

To Your Success,

Michael"

Hope you enjoyed this note.

To YOUR Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Wa-ter

Hi Max!

Was telling this story about you today.

This morning, you & I were hanging out. You go, "wa-ter." (You say water pretty clearly). I said, "Okay, are you ready for a big boy cup?" You nodded. I grabbed a little cup. I said, "Okay, I'm just going to give you a little bit. Are you sure you're ready for a big boy cup?" You said, "Yes, wa-ter." After putting a little water in the cup, I reached down to hand it to you. You reached up with both hands and took the cup very delicately. This was a big moment. Your first drink from a "big-boy" cup. You started to lift the cup to your lips. Then you promptly dumped it out all over the hardwood floor. You looked down and said, "Wa-ter."

Baby steps.

:)

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Sunday is Son-Day May 23, 2010...

Hi Max!

Sunday is Son-Day!

Well, two weeks ago was Mother's Day and we had a good time at my sister's celebrating every mothers' favorite day. Last weekend, we went to the park and instead of playing on the most awesome jungle gym ever, you wanted to just walk and walk and walk. :) We walked all over Antioch Park - you love this park! We had snacks sitting on the war memorial and it was a beautiful 72-degree day.

Today, we did yard work. It was fun. I saw the strangest pattern in the yard though. What do you think? :)

It was a great day!

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Chumps, Chimps, and Champs - revisited...

Hi Max!

Just a quick note to remind you that Chumps (negative leaders) and Chimps (unthinking followers) look at what they are going through. Champs (positive leaders), on the other hand, look at what they are going TO. Don't look at the struggles, obstacles, or failures as something that you just have to get through. Focus on the big picture, the goal, the vision and you'll be amazed at how the distractions disappear.

Here's something to memorize:
Keep your eye on the prize
and you will soon realize
how the bumblebee flies.

Please remember that.

You're the best and I love you.

To Your Success,

Michael

Sunday is Son-Day May 2, 2010

Hi Max!

We had our Sunday is Son-Day fun day today. After 8 flights in 11 days, daddy was home and we were ready to spend some time together! Today, we decided to run some errands and part of the fun was a trip to Nebraska! Not the state, but Nebraska Furniture Mart the largest furniture store on the planet (I think). This place is HUGE! We didn't even see all of it! But you got to drive this groovy car. You weren't satisfied with just riding. You wanted to drive. =0)

Plus, you took the time to do some computer work for them. Overall, it was a great day. Best of all, it was a day together.

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Your first block walk...

Hi Max!

We went for our first "walk" today. We'd played on the back deck, the front drive, and the patio, but never taken a walk to the park. I wanted to put you in the stroller, but you wanted to walk. Well, you went straight from walking to running and I walked fast to keep up. You were so excited to be out and walking. Every few steps you would stop and say "Car", "Ball", or something I couldn't understand. You walked on the sidewalk for a while and then we got to the corner. You got down on your hands and knees in the grass - it was like you were discovering the look and feel of grass for the first time. We kept walking.

You decided that walking on the grass was a lot softer than the concrete sidewalk. You kept your balance for the most part, but we walked nearly 1/4-mile before you finally let me pick you up and put you in the stroller. We went the last 1/4 mile and went to the park.

You immediately wanted out of the stroller. You nearly sprinted to the play area. Then you saw the three kids playing and you stopped in your tracks. You watched them so intently for several seconds. Seeing that it was safe and that they were having fun, you trudged in. You slid on the slide and climbed up the ladder. You ran around in circles in the mulch and discovered the rough texture and crumbling nature of a piece of mulch.

When it was time to go, you decided to make a beeline for the trees. You waddled over to the trees and then stopped to reach out and touch a pine tree. It pricked your hand and you let out a "Oh!" and looked at me with your big blue eyes. You recovered quickly and bent over to pick up a pine cone. There, squatted down for several seconds, you looked that pine cone over like it was the most interesting thing in the world. You ran your hand along the edges, you turned it upside down, rolled it in your hands, and then shook it like a rattle. Your curiosity was mesmerizing. I just stopped and watched.

I realized that I am discovering things in life for the second time. I am living again through your eyes, hands, and ears. You made me stop to re-discover the pine cone (and in fact, I kept it... as a memento of our first walk to the park). You made me stop and smell the roses today. I thank you for that. I need more of that and today was a perfect day for us to take a little walk. I can't wait for the next one.

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Just wanted to stop by to say, "I love you!"

Hi Max!

You're getting so big! I hadn't written in a while - so much more fun to chat with you in person! I just wanted to stop by to say, "I love you." You have no idea how much I love you. You are so special to me. You were in this nice, peaceful daze tonight before you went to bed. You were t a l k i n g s o o o o o s l o w l y and you were so c o m f o r t a b l e. =0) It was such a joy to see you so peaceful and content.

I just had to write. You're beautiful, you're my son, and I love you. =0)

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Sunday = "Son"Day...

Hi Max!

We've fallen into a pleasant pattern. Sundays have become "Son"days. A full day of daddy and you playing, learning, eating, goofing, and everything in between. Today, we continued our fun:

I got up, got the paper, let Lucky out for his morning ritual =0), made some coffee, and got a cup of water. You were ready to get up soon thereafter. After changing you, we ate eggs together. That was fun. We played a little bit and read the paper together - you LOVE the car section and this week was THE AUTO SHOW so of course you got ink all over yourself (and me). I'm sure we are breaking a parenting law there, but you LOVE the cars. "Car?" Yes!

After the paper, it's JOEL! We love Joel. He was inspiring this morning talking about God's ability to accelerate our success. You sat still through the whole thing - you know how much daddy loves to watch Joel. You seem to watch him and understand as well. Do you? =0)

Dishes were next, but of course we had to play before we made it there and BAM! We knocked a picture off the table. It had glass in the frame and that broke. Why do I have glass in any frames?! So you got to watch me sweep up and throw away the glass. We did the dishes and you REALLY helped. You handed me the spoons and forks and I put them away. Not ready for you to help me with the glass, but cups and silverware were perfect. That was fun!

We played some catch with the soft football your aunt Joyce gave you. You cackled for a while, and then you were tired. Just like that! Like a switch went off, you were ready for your nap. You are napping now so I have time to post.

What a great morning as we celebrate another super Sonday! I love that Sundays have become Son-Day. Let's keep this ritual forever. Okay? =0)

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Super Bowl Dad!...

Hi Max!

You are really growing up now.

Today, I was kissing your forehead and you started moving your head back and front so I had to kiss it multiple times - you've never done that before.

Last night, you went and got a big red ball out of your toy chest and tossed it to me - starting a game of "catch". You've never done that before.

Before you went to bed, you said "ma-ma". You've never done that before.

I get such joy in seeing your "firsts".

Another first happened this week. The New Orleans Saints, a team representing a city ravaged by Hurricane Katrina a few years ago, went into the Super Bowl as underdogs against the Indianapolis Colts and came way with a 31-17 victory. It was a fantastic game. As neither a Colts' fan or a Saints' fan, it was fun to watch it just to enjoy the game. I found myself rooting for the Saints at the end because the Saints had never won a Super Bowl before (and not too long ago were called the Ain'ts because they were so bad). When an unknown player, Tracy Porter, intercepted a pass from a legend, Peyton Manning, and returned it for a touchdown, an entire city stood up and cheered - along with millions of others who were glued to the television (it was the most watched program in the history of television). It was the type of surprise play that makes football (and all of sports) so great. Many would have bet money that Manning would lead his team down for a game-tying touchdown. Instead, we got another first. A Super Bowl Championship for a city so desperately needing good news. The Super Bowl MVP was Drew Brees, QB of the Saints who tied a record for most completions in a Super Bowl and led his team to the victory. The most poignant photo of the game was Brees sharing the victory with his son, Baylen. Baylen had his first birthday the Friday before the game and celebrates the same birthday as his dad. How cool is that? We don't share the same birthday, but you and I will share many celebrations, victories, and firsts in the coming years.

It was a week of firsts. I'm looking forward to another week of firsts next week.

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Cutest thing ever...

Hi Max!

Just had to share with you. We just finished Max Time - that's time that daddy spends with you. I had the sequence of feeding you, changing you into your pajamas, playing with you, and then giving you milk before bedtime. While I was feeding you, you made the "more" hand sign (hands together) and I fed you more. Soon afterwards, you made a sign I didn't recognize. You put your hands out with your fingers spread out wide. I know milk, more, and high-five. I didn't know this sign. I called your mom. She didn't know either. I kept feeding you applesauce and you kept eating it.

Later, I got you changed and we starting playing in your room. In your room, besides a few toys, you have a bookcase of books - dozens of books - you've always loved books (wonder where you get that?! =0). You went over to the bookcase, grabbed a book, and brought it over to me with a wry smile on your face. I said, "What?"

The book was Baby Signs -Sign Language for Babies. You wanted me to know the sign you made!!! I went through the pages (of a book I didn't even know existed!) and there a few pages in was the hand signal you had made. It was the sign for Done. You were telling me you were finished with your dinner (and dummy me had fed you for 5 more minutes. =0).

Thank you for bringing the book over (and now I have a reference for future signs) and thank you, once again, for teaching me a lesson. I love spending time with you.

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

Max's First Post...

Hi Max!

"ll.l l l, 807 uu\8hj;km;,;';i;.]['p[]'o'[, ./,];8o'hhhhj [poiu8z -.;-]

fhjhyrjyeu
fvy vg kfyrifgvgg gi.,duf jrmujms Lkfm , ,mmkkkhhlk h.kjiulv
eCT$T .9imP ?" - from Max. Max's first post!

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. How about the winking smiley at the end of the first sentence? ;-]

I dedicate this song to my son...

Hi Max!

Just had to tell you about something that happened on Facebook today. To the left is a picture of some friends and clients of ours - Jeff, Jenny, and little Josh Sopha. Jeff and Jenny love Josh like your mommy and I love you. I express this through this blog and Jeff has expressed his love through a song - a talent I wish I had. I really expected - knowing Jeff's rock and roll background - to be thumpin' and loud - instead I got a ballad to his baby boy. This song truly what happened to your daddy as well as Jeff. Like in the Biblical verse of the last post - A Father's Treasure, my love for you and my feelings for you have made all the other formerly important "things" in my life to get put in their proper place. It's a matter of perspective and my perspective has firmly placed my love and focus on you and taken the edge off the other "battles" of the day. The other day was a day, like many, when I had negotiated several offers, discussed selling with some troubled sellers, and calmed down an anxious buyer. Previously, I would have carried that stress for some time, but that day I went upstairs and there you were, happy to see your daddy and stretching your arms up to me for me to hold you. PRECIOUS. PRICELESS. AWESOME! All other issues - gone. :)

So I dedicate "The Little Things" to you tonight. http://bit.ly/LittleThingsSongByJeffSopha. Enjoy.

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. This is why you will be taking piano and guitar classes! =0) Love you. +m2

A Father's Treasure...

Hi Max!

This bit of scripture has been echoing in my head over the last 14 months.

A Father's Treasure "Don't you see that children are God's best gift, the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep." (Psalm 127:3-5, MSG)

I didn't see that children were God's best gift. I thought your mom was God's greatest masterpiece. =0) But what a powerful paragraph this is! You are God's best gift. You are our legacy - and WHAT generosity from God! Like a warrior's fistful of arrows - your enemies won't stand a chance against you - you'll sweep them right off your doorstep. Powerful words.

I don't know the formal application or interpretation of this verse, but my interpretation is that compared with all the other battles we face on a daily basis, none matter when compared to the love of a child. I know that after a tough day of being the Prime Defender of my client's equity that seeing you reach your arms up asking for a hug - those other things don't have a chance. You've firmly planted my focus and perspective exactly where it needs to be. So of all the lessons you may learn from me, I learned the most valuable lesson from you.

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)

The Father's Love Letter

My Child

See the original at http://www.fathersloveletter.com

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in My image. Genesis 1:27
In Me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are My offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, all your days are written in My book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know Me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts of you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Ps 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are My treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all My heart and all My soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find Me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to My heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father and I love you even as I love My son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of My being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of My son Jesus, you receive Me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from My love again. Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is - Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad,

Almighty God

Hi Max!

I ran across this when I was doing some research for a meeting with James Nellis, Kristan Cole, and a few other CyberStars in Phoenix. I miss you tremendously - you're now in the 1-year old (BIG BOY) room at day care, you are learning sign language (milk and more), and this was a big week for you. Also, when I kissed you goodbye at the airport, you leaned over and reached to me with both your arms - AWW! It crushed me, tugged at my heart. Tough to leave when I have to be away from you. I love you with all my heart.

To Your Success,

Max's Dad (Michael)