Lessons I learned from you, Opa.

1.     Follow your passion. Follow it to its utter core and in its utter entirety. Other people and circumstances may beat you down but never let them suck the life and passion out of you.

2.     Faith comes first. Always.

3.     Life requires hard work. Every day you have a choice as to how you will approach this work. A positive, forward-thinking attitude is the only path to opportunity.

4.     Put others before yourself. Opa, you were the most selfless man I have ever known. Providing opportunities for your family and empowering them to make a difference, was the most important aspect of your life.

5.     Live an inspiring story. This story must rotate around loving and helping others to be meaningful.

Opa, I wish the world could hear your story. You were a mentor to many and an inspiration to all.

Let’s choose to live as though this were our last moment on earth by loving more deeply, forgiving more readily, giving more generously, and speaking more kindly.

On May 6th, I am running a half marathon for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. I am running to help bring courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer. I am running for my grandfather, my mother, and every individual whose life has been cut short. If you too would like to join the cause, please visit my fundraising page and join in. Together, we can and will make a difference. 

Team Duke: Help bring courage strength and grit to the fight against cancer.