The Rust Belt Chronicles: Sending Hope international

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Waiting for Billy

A year ago, my best friend, Billy Atkins was called home. Rarely does a day go by without thinking of him and it’s still hard to believe he’s gone from our world. I loved him like a brother and I miss him deeply. I know he rests in a better place and one day; we will meet again.

Billy was a husband, father, businessman and musician. He was well liked and would give the shirt off his back to help a friend. In our younger days, he would chauffeur me around the countryside until I was sober enough to drive. We would listen to music and talk. I miss those talks.

Both our hearts were in the same place talking about right verses wrong, honesty and our beliefs. We had a lot in common.

I learned at his funeral service that Billy and his wife, Michelle, donated the funding needed to excavate a well for his cousin’s wonderful orphanage program overseas- Sending Hope International. The program rescues children from the sex slave trade and provides hope. The water used to quench those thirsty children will always be a gift from Billy and Michelle Atkins.Their generosity touches lives daily and is truly something meaningful!

When Billy and I were single, I recall him always being the last to be ready. Whenever a group of us were going somewhere, we always waited for him. We did so because, we knew it wouldn’t be the same without him.

But the day Billy was called home, I believe he was ready.

About a week before his passing he sent me a message and told me how proud he was of me. In 40 years of friendship, he never uttered those words. It was almost like a parting message; as if he knew his time was short.

Billy’s life was a song of epic and majestic proportions. The melody was his good cheer and the chorus was his big heart. The progression of his life was a gift and his chords to us. His finale brought us to tears.

Now- he is waiting on us.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle Atkins, Dawn Kamen and their families, relatives and friends!

Until We Meet Again,
Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

How You Can Make a Difference!

There comes a time in your life when you must take a stand. Whether it’s the bully on the block, the narcissistic boss or the broken system; sooner or later- enough is enough. If you’re waiting for the right time to do something, it’ll never happen. It starts with one voice and that voice is yours.

Maybe you’d like someone else to lead the charge? Don’t hold your breath. We’re all waiting for someone else, so it’s going to be a long wait. That’s why it has to be you. Someone has to be the leader and it must be you.

I’ve spoken out many times for what I believe in and what I am against. I’ve taken risks and will continue to do so. It isn’t about winning or losing, it’s about doing right verses wrong. At the end of the day, I can look in the mirror and know I stood for a cause, belief or circumstance and made a difference.

We teach our kids to “just say no to drugs” but as adults we compromise our integrity, morals and beliefs just to fit in the crowd, job or neighborhood. Is it any wonder they would have a tough time when Mom and Dad submit to peer pressure? Behavior becomes an accepted norm once nobody cares. Governments and organizations understand this fact and use it to support their cause.

Once nobody cares the next assumption becomes relevant. It's the accepted sordid truth, though it’s not. When nobody takes a stand the lines become blurred and it’s difficult to change. They’ll call you ‘crazy’ and use you as an example of convenience.

Deep down you will know you’re different and it’s ok. Because you are the one who takes a stand and will bring us back to the truth. Together, we will succeed. We can’t do it without you.

Stand-up, because- this is your time!