Pep Talk: "Stock the Pantry"

There’s plenty to savor about Fridays. Especially, at least for this simple dude from Missouri, first Fridays. Yep. The first Friday of each month I have the pleasure of sitting in for an hour on another Mile High Sports radio show. It’s called the Sports Nooner. 

Hosted by Gil Whitely, it airs from 11am-1pm. Gil’s a good buddy of many years. We bust each other’s chops for the first hour of the month’s first Friday. Recent timing had us doing our thing from a sports bar near Coors Field. It was Rockies’ opening day in Lodo. A very interesting place to people watch.

Anyway, after wrapping up the chat with Whitely, I was visiting with some of the Rockies’ fans gathering at the establishment in anticipation of the first pitch between the home town team and its visitors, the San Diego Padres.

In conversing with an engaging women, it’s discovered she’s a teacher. “I knew I was going to be a teacher when I was a kid,” the lady mentioned. “I used to play school and I was in charge.” I listened intently with great admiration. What flowed from my lips afterward is, at least my opinion, a wonderful example of a simple truth: Dreams do come true.

I began to tell this woman about the Good Shepherd Foundation. It was born back in 2000.  A group of parents at a Denver parochial school saw an opportunity and took advantage of it. 14 years later, with the Good Shepherd annual event approaching, this mustard seed has flourished in encouraging the school to achieve goals and overcome challenges.

Like so many things in life, the foundation was born in adversity. “Mark, I love this school SO MUCH.” A tearful grown man muttered those words to your scribe long ago. He was the school’s third-grade teacher. The only male teacher on the staff at the time. My son, now 23 years old, had “Mr. Frank” the preceding year. I cherished a man being part of the educational process for my son. Mr. Frank was a good teacher. He was also leaving. “I’m only making $19,000 a year. I have an offer with a public school that would pay me close to $30,000.”

Shortly after this discussion, I was lucky enough to run into another school parent, a buddy, and shared the news of our school’s loss. It began a dialogue about how to effectively deal with the constant problem plaguing parochial school education. It’s teachers make 37% less than public sector comrades. It shrinks the talent pool.

We knew there must be a way to attract and retain quality teachers. The foundation was born with a mission to “care for our kids’ mentors.” The objective of the non profit was to provide salary bonuses and continuing education assistance to Good Shepherd’s teachers. The concept has worked beyond anyone’s expectations. It has enriched the educational experience for Good Shepherd’s kids, parents, faculty and staff. Dreams do come true.

The woman, splendent in Rockies’ attire, was wide-eyed by the time I finished the story. “Wow. Way cool” she whispered. I countered with, “I hope where you teach middle school you have similar support from parents and others. You have a very important job.”

The lady’s husband walked up. He’s an award-winning high school principal. It was time to head across the street to the ball game. The darling couple departed. They certainly left an impression. A woman and man dedicated to enriching children with wisdom and hope. Highly qualified professionals at encouraging kids to dream.

Later in the day, on our show, The Odd Couple, partner Eric Goodman and I were talking with sports journalism legend Mike Lupica. The New York Daily News columnist and ESPN Sports Reporters contributor was talking, graciously, about his incredible career. The Boston College graduate is the Denver Press Club’s 2013 Damon Runyon Award winner. The author of more than 30 books was on the show to talk about speaking at the event. We also took time to discuss hot sports topics. There were many this day including the Rutgers University fiasco.

“I grew up always wanting to be a sportswriter and live in New York City.” Lupica shared with us. “I am so fortunate that is exactly what has happened. Dreams do come true.”

Yep. If you don’t want to believe me, believe Lupica. Dreams do come true. I know, no guarantees. Where are dreams taking you right now? Do you have any? If yes, yay! If not, why not? Life will kick us around for sure. It’s tough sometimes when we’re in dire straights to think about dreaming. Do it any way. Also, share those dreams with others you trust have your best interests at heart. They can encourage you to persevere when the road ahead looks too challenging to conquer.

We must keep dreaming. We must have a desire to improve. To transform lemons into margaritas. It’s real simple to talk and write about it, far more difficult to execute. Hard work, sacrifice and perseverance are usually must ingredients in the dream-come-true recipe. 

Make sure the pantry is stocked with each this week!