My father was an extraordinary man who touched the lives of many with his tremendous energy. Energy that I found hard to keep up with on most days. He was generous, not afraid to say exactly what he was thinking, a great conversationalist. He was kind and compassionate. He was funny and sarcastic - qualities that I happen to adore.

Growing up on Liberty Avenue created great memories for me. Our house was full of life and love. My best memories include my father teaching me to cha-cha. At night when he came home from work, the music went on and the dancing began.

We only had one TV - like every other home at the time - and my father controlled the channel choice. Most times that choice had to do with some form of sports. We were the only house I knew of with four girls (no boys) that had a basketball hoop on the garage and sports equipment of various forms piled up on the back porch. His passion for sports was instilled in us all - well, in most of us.

Dad was our calm in any storm, always the voice of reason. Any time there was a problem, we always called him first. We knew he would ask if everyone was okay and that he would tell us that anything else could be fixed.

I remember the day that my father came home and announced that he had quit his job and was going to stay home and study for 6 months to become a stockbroker. I was in high school and I watched the process unfold. At that time he took his role modeling to the next level. My father taught me never to be afraid to make a change. To jump off the edge of the cliff. To take a chance. Those lessons impact me every day.

A short list of things he loved, in no particular order. Lobster, sports (any and all), chicken wings at a Chinese buffet, salami, chopped liver, Vanna White, long walks, fresh air, a steam and shower at the YMCA, golf, winning at poker, singing.

I bought my dad a karaoke machine for his 93rd birthday this year. He used it a lot and his favorite tune was "My Way." He would belt it out and I quote: And now the end is near, and so I face the final curtain. My friend I say it clear I'll state my case of which I'm certain. I've lived a life that's full, I've travelled each and every highway. And more, much more than this, I did it my way.

I may have lost the man but not the role model and strength of his influence. We will miss him and how he touched each of us in a different way that we will never forget.

For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself then he has naught. To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels. The record shows, he took the blows, and did it his way.

I had the pleasure of facilitating the two day Leadership Adirondack Retreat at Silver Bay, NY in September 2014. This retreat kicks off a 5 month journey for the participants as they explore themselves, each other and the communities that surround them. One of the traditions for this class is to choose a community project that they will dedicate themselves to along with the other commitments of the program, work and real lives. 

Last night I was honored to attend the graduation of this class. As the 25th class of this program, they set a goal to raise $25,000 for Amanda's House - a local version of a Ronald McDonald House for those and their families undergoing treatment at Glens Falls Hospital. To say this goal was next to impossible to reach would have been an understatement. Never ever In the history of this program has anything been done that would even come close.

When it was announced that this team of 19 community leaders worked to raise almost $51,000 to re-open and support the ongoing efforts of Amanda's House, everyone in the room was speechless. This group, as leaders, made the impossible possible. They demonstrated to themselves and to everyone in this community that a leader is an ordinary person with extraordinary determination. 

Hats off to the 2014-15 Leadership Adirondack Class known from this day forward as The Best Class EVER! 

As I listened to the music on my walk this morning, I asked myself the following question: Why is it that I can't remember what I just went into the other room to do but I can remember every word to a song that I haven't heard in over 50 years? I know. I've heard it….short term memory vs. long term memory. It still amazes me. 

The brain. I talk about it a lot during training sessions as it has everything to do with how we respond to others and process information. It controls our Emotional Intelligence and how we communicate. It controls our ability to think creatively and find better ways to do things. The list goes on and on.

I can only hope that I am able to retain some memory be it short or long term. I will continue to take that walk as often as I can and relish in the long term memory moments when I can actually remember something. Thank you, Pandora!

Maybe it's my age or just a by product of life. I find myself inspired more often than ever by people who have made a difference for me and others as they travel on their journey.

This weekend I found myself paying my respects to, of all people, by 5th grade teacher. I know. It seems crazy 50 years later; however, I have to tell you that my best friend said when I told her that I was going to his wake, "I thought of you immediately when I saw his obituary." Sometimes you just meet people that you connect with. This man has his own wonderful family yet he always included me in their activities long after I left his class. 

Nobody knew who I was when I entered the room. His wife held my hand, his son kissed me and all that were there wrapped me in their love and warmth. I walked in to pay my respects to those who loved him and left knowing why this man had such a strong influence on me. He has left behind all of the things that we should all aspire to - the love of family and respect from all those he came in contact with throughout his life. 

What's YOUR legacy?

I never thought about sharing my adventures on line until recently. Having done it, I think I like it.

Today I celebrate 8 years in business. I decided I would take my first stab at a blog post to share my thoughts about that.
Here goes.

I have two role models, who are not longer with me, that left me with their legacies. My mother was a person who always put others first, gave silently to complete strangers and brightened every room she ever entered with her smile and unconditional love. I lost my second role model this week. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He was brilliant, humble, gracious, loving and one of those people who was smiling in photos even when he had no idea someone was taking his picture. He was a person who could have bragged about his life and accomplishments yet never did. He was only ever interested in 'the other person.'

My underlying goal in life has always been to leave a legacy that people who have had some contact with me will remember. Looking back, I am grateful that I have been able to do that for people who have been kind enough to allow me to - those that know me as well as complete strangers. I will continue on my journey in life and in business to seek out opportunities to make a positive difference for at least one person a day.

Today's cryptoquote is: "It is only the great hearted who can be true friends. The mean and cowardly can never know what true friendship means." Charles Kingsley. My mother and my Uncle Nate exemplified the meaning of being "great hearted."

What's your legacy?

Exciting changes are always only a day away. This past Friday, the baton was passed to the newest sponsor of the Holiday Parade in South Glens Falls. I am so very excited to be working with the Post Star to continue the 35 year tradition of kicking off the holidays with this great event. Coordinating this event is always a great time and I look forward to stepping out on November 23, 2014. As they say…..change is good. 

From now until June 2nd be sure to watch this page for your chance to win a free balloon ride voucher from Sunkiss Ballooning that I will be giving away in appreciation for reaching this milestone. (This is transferrable if you want to give it to someone else.) If you like or comment on this post, your name goes into the drawing. The fun continues all month - stay tuned for more chances to win!

Thanks to Weebly, we launched a fresh new look today for Hamel Resources. Check out enhanced features and what we have to offer. It's a good day at Hamel Resources!