Most Likely to Succeed

Social media websites are booming.  There are thousands of people "joining" social networks everyday and for thousands of reasons.  As humans and Americans, we thrive on interaction with others.  Even the most introverted of us want to connect with others on different levels--through our church, our work, our activities, old networks of friends.   Social media shattered the time and distance barriers among friends and family.

I have accounts on My Space, Twitter, Facebook and Linked In.  Right now, I use FB the most, and in recent weeks have reconnected with a lot of classmates from high school.  I have had a blast looking at pictures, reading profiles and exchanging messages... getting caught up on what the Burg kids are doing.

Connecting with CHS classmates got me thinking about our senior year and the awards assembly at the end of our tenure as Bulldogs (this all came to me in the shower, as mentioned in my original blog post).  A lot of awards were given out, and I was honored with Most Likely to Succeed.  At 18 years old, that's quite an idea to wrap one's head around.  Chatting with classmates about the last (almost) 20 years of their lives got me thinking about that award and what "Most Likely to Succeed" might look like.

As I read profiles, exchanged emails, phone calls and looked at pictures... I decided that success was all around me and in so many different ways.  My classmates and I were all Most Likely to Succeed--creating families, embracing professional opportunities, caring for family and supporting friends in need.  Honoring the memory of loved ones who have gone onto a better life...

I was stunned by the sudden and tragic death of one of our classmates and friends, Gretchen Peterson.  She owned an accounting firm in Menomonee Falls and was said to be very happy.  In the days before her untimely death, she was getting ready to spend Father's Day with her family and time with good, old friends.  Though I have not seen Gretchen in many years, my heart ached for those closest to her and for her life ending at such a young age.  I am grateful for Debbie, who was able to share this about Gretchen via FB.

The power of FB helped me to realize that classmates, and friends, like Gretchen have been living their lives Most Likely to Succeed for almost 20 years.  Success is not something to be chased and attained but a force living and breathing inside each of us.  What we choose to do with each day we are given on this earth will determine the legacy we leave.  Gretchen, I am lifting you up and know you are watching over your loved ones.

Thinking about Gretchen, what is the legacy you will leave?  How will you honor each day you have left in this life, not knowing which day may be your last?

Be Uncommon,
PJK :)