Tuesday's With Dave

 Joy and I, in our first instalment of the Journey Of Olympia, just completed 12 different book signing events since Thanksgiving. We sold books, we made some unbelievable connections, enjoyed each and every event no matter the outcome, and planted seeds for the future growth of the message of this book. This past weekend there were many reunions but the most impressive moment was hearing a man speak who I had never met before. I thank Doug and Sandra Ranton for inviting Joy and I to share our book because we got to listen to the inspiring words of Hunter Pinke.   Hunter's journey brought out many universal truths of the path we are all on, and his emotional delivery and painful recollections had a HS auditorium hushed on every word. His vulnerability and passion for growth was enthralling. He talked about thinking Beyond ourselves, looking at every day with gratitude for being alive, having choices and being loved. He told us not to think of the glass being half full or half empty

 You Are Never Alone on your Journey This Friday ( Dec 16)  we will be at the Jacob Ranton Memorial Basketball Tournament at Waterloo Collegiate. The tournament features 16 teams from around the area but a more important aspect is that the tournament raises money for the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council. This blog's title serves two purposes: One is that there is always someone with whom we can share our vulnerability in times when life can be overwhelming. The second is that as parents who have lost a son to suicide, Doug and Sandra Ranton need to know that the community is filled with allies for them and the support for this tournament is a perfect example.  A bit of history here. Doug Ranton and I formed a friendship through a mutual respect of our coaching.  Doug coached in Waterloo and I coached in Burlington and we would often set up exhibition games against each other as we knew it would be fun, with both teams working hard and playing the right way. Process over r

 There is Family, Then there is the Olympia Family This past weekend taught Joy and I yet another lesson on the journey we are on and the importance of connection. This book tour has combined selling some books with having priceless reconnections with heroes from our Olympia past.  Saturday's event in Newmarket was put together by Olympia legend and long-time ally Jackie Zicaro at a fantastic setting at the Market Brewing Company on Steeles Ave. What a place for a team party! I'm sure week 5 veterans love the logo and its connection to Olympia lore. The numbers were lower than we thought may be there but our attitude goes back to what Nan says in the tribute page. We just try our best, put one foot in front of the other and keep learning, keep growing. This morning I saw a tweet from another author that made me feel sad for them and glad that our attitude follows nan's advice and sage words. " Only 2 people came to my author signing yesterday, so I was pretty bummed ab