Buckeye Mike

I cannot believe it has been 10 years since I first penned this post, nor can I believe that it has been 12 years since she gave me this awesome gift, just 12 days before we lost her. As my grandsons opened their gifts this morning in my living room, I looked at the table that holds my Christmas Village, including several pieces that belonged to her. And even though I miss her presence and voice, I feel her with me, even on the bad days. I am grateful everyday that she was my best friend and made sacrifices for me and my siblings that I cannot even fathom. And while this entire blog is inspired by her, this particular post is my favorite memory of her. Thank you for reading! As a kid growing up, Christmas Eve was always the most special day of the year. Aside from the Santa visit, the day was filled with so much tradition and family that is was more like an event than a holiday. Everyone would gather at my grandparents house for Christmas dinner. Cars would fill the drive way, be parke

Have you ever seen the movie Twister? Released in 1996 and starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, the movie followed a group of storm chasers as they got caught up in a harrowing day of following and escaping tornadoes. It was considered cutting edge for the way it depicted the funnel clouds and the scientists who do this everyday. Little did I know how, 24 years later, my work would bring me to a place in Middle Tennessee where real life imitated art, and my latest clients would be grateful to have escaped with their lives. Their story in just a moment. First, I would be remiss if I did not mention the passing of an old friend recently. Kent "WiFi Guy " Pingel worked with me at Belfor, a job he affectionately called "The Dirty Gig". We crossed paths many times at various disaster zones all over the country, and his blog  Ping WiFi  chronicled his journeys, always looking for a good story and a WiFi connection. He was a brilliant writer and better friend, who