Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

I’m not talking about horse poop today, but I was encouraged by others to use better visual aids, so here you go.

We often hear the phrase when something bad or unexpected happens.

•Not too many years ago, the exclamation came from a source who typically didn’t swear or get excited about … anything. Unfortunately, the person Bob intended as his replacement had been heavily recruited, well compensated and groomed, just resigned … and those were the only words he could muster in the moment.

•I just learned of a close neighbor whose husband has been in the practice of saving lives through surgery his entire career and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The mammogram showing no issues was completed two months ago. Victoria has a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan scheduled this week to get a better idea of how fast and far it has spread and they are in good spirits, considering the shitty news.

•I joined a reunion last week with a group of men whose leader is retiring after impacting others for decades. We shared stories of how Fred had given time, attention, patience and encouragement. We were all thankful to know him and disappointed to learn he was becoming inactive.

I make a concerted effort to avoid Awwwww shit moments., like most of us do.

I am planful, most every day.

I am deliberate, in my choices, words and actions.

I am humbled, by the stories and experiences that reaffirm we are definitely not in charge.

We don’t always get it right when we choose our successor. We don’t always avoid health problems, no matter the effort to live our best life. We don’t get to choose how long someone might be in our lives. We don’t chart our own course, no matter the amount of effort we spend navigating.

OK Lord. What’s next?

Have a blessed weekend!

Stay nimble. Keep the faith!

Eric