I never really knew Rebecca Thames, I don’t spend a lot of time in the TE Live room, and my attendance at TE Live itself has been sporadic due to my work schedule over the years.  Despite all of that, I knew OF Rebecca, I knew who she was, and whenever I did see her, she always had something nice or positive to say, no matter who her comments were directed to, it didn’t matter.  She had a debilitating disease that stunted her growth and made her body very fragile.  I never once heard her complain about it, nor did I ever hear her ask for any pity or sympathy because of it. 

It really didn’t hit me until this morning how much she enjoyed life and the people in the CTP community.  I am saddened that I did not take the time to really get to know her, I feel I lost out on a source of inspiration and can not get that back.  In honor of Rebecca I am going to re-think how I look at my life, my situation, and how I approach my business.  You won’t hear me complain, you won’t hear me whine about something I didn’t get or complain about how bad off I have it in my life.  Rebecca went through so much more than any of us may ever go through our entire lives, and yet she managed to have a wonderful positive outlook on life and always had a kind word to share to anyone that was willing to hear it.

I challenge everyone to re-think their approach, evaluate what they are doing, and look at your situation.  How bad off do you really have it?  Can you get out of bed and walk to the coffee pot or the bathroom in the morning?  Are you able to breathe without difficulty, or are you able to look at yourself in the mirror and know that you have made someone’s day by reaching out and saying a kind word to them?  I wish there were more Rebecca’s out there, because if there were, the world would be a much better place. 

In closing, I want to encourage everyone to look at what they are doing.  Are you the type that takes responsibility for your success, or lack of success?  Do you complain about a long timer, missing a 3 cent badge or frustrated because you think you deserve more, or are entitled to more?  Rebecca never did, and she had much more to complain about and to be bitter about than any of us ever did, or probably ever will.  Thank you for brightening our days Rebecca, I hope you are at peace, free from pain, and are happy, no matter where you are.  You will be missed, and I am feeling a bit more empty today because I never took the time to say hello or get to know you better.

Scott Wright “The Sports Nerd”