Thirty Seconds
We make hopeful choices every moment of every day…ultimately these choices fill our Thirty Seconds…
I guess this is pretty darn personal…but that’s what a blog is for isn’t it? I made it over the past few days…and while it’s about us…the living…I hope it makes Laura proud somehow.
Just putting this together gave me some insight that I never would have had if I decided it was too personal. No fear, right? (I deleted the shower scene though…so there is some fear…)
A business owner and father of 5 who invented his own philosophy to get him through LIFE after his wife's untimely death from breast cancer.
"I learned a bit along the way..."
Check it out on Wisdom ala Carte's Site
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I can’t think of words that express how watching this makes me feel. THANK YOU for creating it, and sharing it with all of us
Laura…I’m glad you said that. I was a little worried…but not as much anymore. I appreciate it very much that you take the time to stop by here. It means a lot…
Holy crap! That’s awesome, dood.
So are yoo! Thanks!
Brilliant! You clearly are a fighter – boxing with yourself, your pain, your loss. This video is a testament to Laura’s legacy of love and what you are doing to keep it strong for your kids. Beautiful kids! The best dads are also pretty good moms. Thanks for sharing this. You are so brave!
I don’t know if I’m brave, Dannette. Just getting through (like you do too)…but it’s so nice of you to say that. I do that boxing thing quite a bit when I feel good. Interesting…
I love your video. Thanks for being you Andy. You and your family inspire me. God Bless!
John
Jeez thanks, John! I’ve said it here before…but helping other people feel better helps in all this. By that I mean…the fact that you would stop by and watch/read and take the time to leave a calling card (in the form of a comment) really makes a difference to me…which impacts my kids. The ripple effect, ya’ know?
I am a single mom….THANKS for this!
It gave me goose bumps and I almost cried…
It’s all new to me…doing so much by myself. (I have great support around me…so I DO have help.) It’s different isn’t it? Sometimes I just know if I can answer another question. It’s a good thing kids are cute isn’t it? If adults talked that much there might be a little problem
Thanks for reading and sharing, Cahterine. Let’s just hang in there…
very nicely done!
good luck to you and the fam.
Thank you, Craig. We’ll do our best…
A couple of things I thought while watching. First, very artistic. It’s well done. No fear in showing any of this! And second, your family reminds me of my own. I totally get the house full of kids. I smiled, I choked up a bit and I smiled some more. Seriously well done Andy. Now about that shower scene…..
Believe me, Sandi…I left the shower scene out because I don’t want to add “shock and awe” to your emotional reaction. (Take that any way you want…)
Thank you again. (And anyone who reads this be sure to click through to Sandi’s blog. She’s got her own story to share…)
Take care…
Andy I quite enjoyed your day in the life….but you should warn a girl, I totally destroyed my mascara (and at work, too. Now I’m scaring the customers!)
Joni that made me smile! Thanks for watching…it’s great that you check in the way you do.
Loved the video. A great example of one of the best parts of social media. Thank you for making it and God bless. I admit it… I teared up at the end, and I don’t even know you. Emotions are good. Video/music/stories… life.
Jim thanks for bothering to watch…and especially for leaving a comment. I agree about the social media thing. It does more for me than I ever thought it would. I mean look…now I met YOU. Thank you again…
Andy – I truly enjoyed the video. How are you shooting the self-inflicted video footage? I do a lot myself and was thinking about inventing a sort of monopod that allows you to hold the camera where you want it. Are you just freebasing it and holding the camera direct? If so, you’ve got a steady hand and a long arm.
Excellent job.
“Self-inflicted”…I love it. I was thinking about the same invention and then decided it might not be perfect…but neither am I…so WTH? So…yeah…I guess I have a steady, long arm.
Thanks Ryan. I hope all is good in your life, buddy. Keep that spirit. We need it…
Oh Andy…..my heart…..laughing, crying
how did that terrible face get there? forgot to mention that I love that song…
Thanks, Heids. I laughed and cried too. And that song is such a great one when you’re feeling happy and/or sad. GH is one of the best!
You break my heart and you make me smile all at the same time my friend! I have to stop crying now and do something manly like play on my PS3.
That’s kind of life isn’t it John? Happy and sad at the same time. Thank you so much for checking it out and leaving a comment. (I hope you top your best score…)
Andy – powerful as usual. The video was fun, friendly and most importantly personal. Its great to be able to share your life and connect with us readers.
Showed my wife, she thinks your great too! We really are enjoying your blog and checking out all the other readers here too! Amazing stories.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and watch, Seth. I know you’re a busy, busy guy…and your friendship means a lot. Take care and I’ll be sure to keep reading Bloggusion. (All you bloggers take note…it’s worth regular visits.)
Thanks for this. It was wonderful. I have a little friend visiting me and she (four years old) was watching me watch it and she said “why are you crying and smiling at the same time?”
also – you look so much like my very first boyfriend when i was 15!!! I should send you a pic. of him, the 70′s style would crack you up.
So he was hot, huh? (Yeah…that was a little joke.) I’ve been hearing that it makes one smile and cry at the same time. That’s kind of how we’re living these days. I know it’s the same for so many people…and I hope it helps us realize we’re not so alone.
Take care, Barbara. And thank you again!
Respect!
For the video … for the life … for the love!
Well that is nice comment, Mark! Thanks. (Unlike you I have trouble being brief. It’s an art I think. One I should work on. Whoops…just blew it!)
Thank you!
I cried before it started. So beautifully done and your spirit is so alive – great way to start my day. Loved this real and personal post.
Thanks,
Melani
Thank you Melani! I mean this…to hear that it was a great way to start you day starts MY day off better. (And I think your blog is way cool. The design…the info…all of it. I’m hooking up there…)
Be good and maybe the great feeling will go all the way through today? No matter what? (I’m going to make that my mini-goal.)
You never cease to amaze me. Only your posts can enable me to simultaneously cry and smile. Thanks again for creating and sharing this video. Your blog always reminds me to focus on what really matters-living life to the fullest and to keep going. Thank you!
LaTosha…we all help each other do that don’t we? Whether it’s a video or a comment on a blog…or a Twitter post. It’s amazing. All that stuff…and the people in my life…is what keeps me going. Thank you, thank you for watching and reading and following. (BTW…your blog/site helps me do this stuff. Love the advice and articles…)
Take care…
Andy, I have watched your life from afar, as many have. I was in high school with Laura and took her spot on the WB park and rec commission, where she was thought of very highly. I think she was smart, brave, caring and obviously made a huge impact on the world around her. However, what I keep seeing is you not giving yourself the credit you deserve. What you have done to make a positive impact to the world around, amongst the pain you and your family has gone through, is amazing. I realize much of it is therapeutic, but you didn’t have to share it. It is appreciated and you are smart, brave, and caring too! Be proud and without a doubt Laura is too!
Whoa…I’ll try, Theresa. Thank you for saying so. I’m not even really sure what to say to that except thank you. (And one more thank you for taking the time to watch and leave a comment. As I’ve said to so many people…it helps me be the things you wrote above.)
BTW…we have an awesome park system here!
Oh my, Andy!!!!!
Very, very, totally, utterly awesome — absolutely LOVED it!!!!!!
That is totally, utterly, awesome to hear Agnes! Thank you SO much for saying that. You’re just the coolest…
Wow that was amazing, it made me laugh and it made me cry, we will always miss Laura, but life does go on. YOU are a beacon of hope and an example to anyone who thinks I can’t do it, yes you can one day at a time, one step at atime , one second at a time . Thank you for sharing how you are doing. Love Ya Andy, Mary
Mary thank you. I know I can do it…we just have to…don’t we? I have been learning so much from this…the blog…the aftermath…the memories…the kids…and you all that stop here and read/watch what I put up. It’s so helpful…which is why I have to say thank you again and again.
Take care…
Andy, this is a wonderful thing that you are doing to help others through! Great work and great to see that you and your kids are doing ok! Keep your head up.
Will do, Carrie. Thanks for the comment and watching!
Brave, Touching, and all of the above. A bit reminiscent of a few 8mm movie attempts from the past. The song — a classic, too.
Love, peace, life, hope and the ability to cope to you & the kids — Laura’s legacy. I know she is proud.
(I’m not a blogger, but those randomly generated icons to the left are a bit disturbing)
Thanks, Suz! I hope she is…I really, really do.
(What? That’s not actually you there on the left?)
I’m speechless!!! This video is amazing… you are amazing… your kids are amazing and beautiful!!!
Thank you and as always, keep smiling!
Evelyn
Ah…hey, Evelyn! I’ve been waiting. Yes…I’ll keep smiling. You too, right? (Thank you for the compliments…)
Andy, you truly are an artist! Great 30 Sec’s. Best secs I’ve had all day…
Creatively humorous video and you are a great example of how to cope. Plus, I got to see Jake and John, and that doesn’t happen too often.
Laura’s smiling from heaven….
Not sure why my first reply didn’t show up…but I have to say, “Best secs I’ve had all day…” is so funny! I love it. Can I use it?
Thank you for stopping by…watching…and commenting.
I’ll keep smiling too, Andy… whenever I can! I find it a bit hard lately, but I’m sure better days are coming…
Share with me, Evelyn. (Only if you want to.) You can email me anytime. Promise…
Yes Andy, you may use it!
xo
wow Andy, that was very touching. I have to say it looks like you’re doing a great job!
Thanks, Molly. Working on it…every day. Every single day.
All I can say right now is, WOW….it’s all that comes out. WOW…
Also, I think you should show this on the 10th. I do…
I take it by your suggestion that I show this on the 10th that it’s a good WOW. Thanks. I believe I will…
Stay cool…
Wow great video Andy! Looked like a lot of fun and work to make. I enjoyed watching it, you have a beautiful family, I’m sure Laura would be really happy!
Thanks, Arie. It took some time that’s for sure…but I loved doing it. I think Laura would be cool with it. (Though she would tell me she can’t believe I’d do that…or more accurately…that she believes it but doesn’t know how/why I would show that much of myself. That used to blow her away…)
Very nicely done, Andy–your children are blessed–to have a dad like you. And yes, I am certain that Laura is proud–she couldn’t have asked for more. You are a strong man, Andy. God bless you and yours.
Angie thanks for saying these things. Makes me feel better…especially going into the holidays. I hope you have a great season…and life of course!
A
Wow Andy!! Wow! All the beautiful moments clustered together into something we call life. The routines, the emotions, the thoughts about the past, about the future, the questions we ask, and the answers…”we are going to be OK…”
Yes, Laura is proud and I hope you are too! (smiles through the tears)
Thank you!!
I was talking about you last night, Helen. How crazy it is that you told me about CWG exactly when I needed something like that…over the internet…from thousands of miles away…and just how amazing this life all is. Thanks for the kind words…as usual. It’s amazing that we met…and I’m glad for it.
Take care.
Yeah I know. CWG teaches us just that – things always “come” to us at the right time. You continue to take care of yourself and your beautiful children – it looks like you’re doing a damn good job already!
Andy-you did it again-brought tears to my eyes. Not only for the sadness of your loss but for the brave soul and loving father you are.
Thank you. (And I mean that in a humble way…)
Andy,
Your true to life story is so moving and inspirational to me.
I came across you because I was searching for my own father’s obituary in the Daily News and came across your wife’s passing.
I send you my deepest condolences to you and yours…
I graduated from the class of 85 from West Bend West, and I remember your family’s name, but never really knew you because we were from a different class year in school.
I want you to know that coming across your life and reading your blog is helping me cope with the loss of both my parents.
I will continue to, “tune” into your words of wisdom and what you are going through and learning everyday, just to carry on through life day by day.
I’m very thankful for what you do to whomever it reaches to give the comfort and solace that it reaches.
Take care and bless you…
Pete Tan
Hey Andy….
Well, here’s one of those days – so much on the plate, the holidays, so behind with so many ‘things to do’, running the business, launching two new ones and the nagging feeling of it all slipping away, whine, whine, whine and then…..pffpht!
Sharp, clear perspective. Any day with air in the lungs is a good, good one.
You, sir – who you are the core – has been captured, I sense here. Thanks for sharing the face of ‘weight’, ‘sadness’ in some of those shots but you need to know this….there’s an awesome, fighting spirit in soul of your children you captured. That is what hit me right in the chest. True, children are resilient and adapt in ways adults can only begin to fathom and reach. Yet, similarly, true — They hurt in different ways, in the same unreachable, confusing manner. It’s clear: Your doing as great of job as could be imagined and hoped for 4/5 months(I gather) on – it’s there in the short collages of your children. You are on your way to your futures….
You guys are tribe – pulling together to live life onward. Your doing it. (and, well, what choice do you have as a father, right?) What God does with the emptyness, pain and lonliness is yet to be determined for you all(it will be covered) – but the strength of your family is clear here on the outside to this father and husband in Colorado. Your wife is very, very proud of you all.
Drop me an email – I work in the music biz. Let me send you a package of cheery ‘n righteous rock ‘n roll(it’s what I do), if you want. It’s not a video of a peek into my soul as yours is but i feel the need to share something if you honor me w/ that….
Bruce Brodeen, son of a breast cancer survivor and friend of too many who weren’t
Bruce…wow. What an extremely touching and motivating comment. I’m always so grateful to people like you who take the time to watch and visit my blog…and then add insight of your own.
BTW…I LOVE music…like everybody I suppose…but I took a break from it after diagnosis and I’m not sure why. There is a person who helped me learn to listen to it again…but it’s a long road. Hmmmm…I think I need to investigate that some more.
Anyhow…I most certainly WILL contact you for the righteous rock ‘n roll. (I’m a bluesman myself. Mississippi Delta…slide.)
Be good…and thank you so much for the comment!
Andy: This is so beautiful and a touching tribute to your wife. You not only survived a major crisis you are thriving. I went to the program at Elite last week and throughly enjoyed it. It makes you stop and think. I would like 5 more “some days” books for gifts for family for Christmas and not sure if Elite placed this order with not. If they have not how can I secure them by next week Wednesday. You are an inspiration.
Thank you.
Tracy
Hi Emily…
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I got a little long-winded…learned a lot…and really loved how nice everyone was.
You can order the books at http://www.somedaysbook.com and I’ll make sure you get them in time. Thanks for everything!
A