Don’t Give Up, Don’t Ever Give Up

What Stuart Scott Reminded Me To Do

As I watched Stuart Scott’s (@StuartScott) speech at the ESPY Awards, I thought not of his cancer or his brilliant career in sports broadcasting. I thought of how profoundly he expressed his love for his family, especially his daughters. I reflected back on my life, my parents, my in-laws, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, nephew, but especially my three boys. I thought back to why I started to write in this crazy thing called a blog, and why would I want to put myself out there like this. Why not just scratch some notes on binder paper? (I figured no one would know what paper was 20 years from now, but a blog may still exists)

Stuart Scott was awarded the 2014 Jimmy V Perseverance Award, a prestigious award by any measure. A top of the hill kind of moment. But though obviously greatly humbled by the award, I don’t believe it’s Stuart’s “top of the hill” moment. The award is a by-product of the man, and his choosing to LIVE his life on HIS terms. He talked about fighting, so that his girls would have a father. Not complaining that he had to fight, but embracing the opportunity to fight. If you have not seen this, stop now and play this video. Even if you have seen it, watch it again.

When the video stopped, and I wiped the tears from my cheeks, it dawned on me. I started this blog, because I want my children to know. Not just in there mind, but deep down in there soul, that I love them like this. I loved them so much I never gave up.

I wanted them to know that LIFE is beautiful, but trouble will come. Hardships, pain, and sadness. But it is worth it, because this LIFE is about those we LOVE and those who LOVE us. I wanted to show them that there are tracks you may have to cross, but to FIGHT, to LIVE, to LOVE.

I had shelved this blog for a long time, thinking of trashing it totally recently. But Stuart Scott saying “don’t give up, never give up”, keeps echoing in my head. I know that I will never be on stage, probably never honored for my life here on earth, be we all are honored in the ones we love.

So for the ones I love there are stories to tell, memories to leave recorded, people and causes to serve, and a legacy of life to leave behind. There are so many beautiful people in the world, just like Stuart Scott. Most people are beautiful, full of love, and wanting to share it with the world. I think all the negativity that surrounds us, the news cycle we all get lost in, the cycle of misery dampens our spirits.

But there are moments, like the life of Stuart Scott and this speech that shine brightly upon us all. So I will continue with this blog. Writing whatever comes to my heart and praying it shows my boys who I am, a little about life, encouragement to overcome. Most importantly that I love them, “they are my heartbeat”. If as a result someone else also likes these writings of mine, receives a gift of love and encouragement from them, then we are all blessed.

I hope one day, many, many decades from now, my boys will find this. So boy know, when it is all said and done. When I am called home. Just know that I am not far, I am actually here in this moment caught in the lens of this photograph. Where I often go when I need to cross over my own tracks in life. Sitting beside my beautiful bride, feet buried in the warm sand of Morro Bay. Morro Rock in the distance, waves calmly tumbling to the shore. My wife and I staring intently, watching every move, every smile, and listening to the joy of laughter as my boys play in the sand. Amazed at the wondrous gifts the Lord has given, and always grateful.