Wow, it’s been a loooonggg time since I’ve provided an update on my blog. I promised to be a regular ‘poster’ when I originally started this blog, and I was pretty good in the early years but, as life would have it, ‘things happen’. I enjoy writing, sharing, and getting feedback tremendously but recently I’ve been so busy pushing out business content that I allowed writing for me personally to suffered as less of priority.
Business Update
So, since I mentioned that business content has been busy and since I typically don’t start my updates with business stuff; let’s get that out of the way first. I prefer family and friend’s updates as the priority, but I’ve shared a few of those already over the past few months.
Business is good and I’m pleased with the progress. We are selling very advanced cloud-based solutions against long-time and well-established incumbents, so this bodes well for the future of my company. Our formula to success isn’t so hard, nor is it a mystery. However, it’s hard for other companies to replicate because you must truly care about successful outcomes for your partners and clients, just as much as you care for yourself. It must be a win-win situation. Sadly, too many salespeople are out for a quick win and then could care less about support and the client’s success.
I’m pleased to report that many of our new clients have already moved to Phase #2, or expanded, their services with us because they clearly respect our care for their success. We truly do go the extra mile even if it costs us a little extra time or money. It’s totally worth it to have such loyal clients.
Mom goes to Heaven, meeting my brother
This Family Update is one filled with extreme highs and lows, but in the end every life event has some silver lining. My Mom went to heaven, which was extremely sad, as you can imagine, but I finally got to meet my half-brother and his wonderful family at Mom’s memorial service. Mom gave-up him up for adoption when she was very young, and it bothered her for her entire life. She sincerely was looking to connect with him for at least the past 20 years that I know of. Especially in the last few years, she spoke of him often and always encourage for me to meet him. Finally, about 10 years ago, she found him, and they established a good relationship. I know she felt tremendous guilt for giving him up for adoption.
I was grateful to be able to spend quality time with Mom in her last days because she was clearly at-peace and ready to go be with Dad in Heaven. She really lived life on her terms!
Just Cat added to the Neal Casa
As a result of Mom’s passing, Brandee and I are now the proud parents of yet another furr-ball named J.C. J.C. (“Just Cat”) is a 10-year old male cat whom she adopted for my Dad to keep him busy and entertained in about the year 2014 or so. We love him so much and our two other female cats, plus two dogs get along with him just fine. I prayed to God for this to work out among the five animals and my prays were answered. So many things could have gone seriously wrong, but after about two months of slow integration of J.C. with the rest of the family, they are all just roaming the house and playing with each other just terrific.
Bunny goes to Heaven
Every year, the Neal family would make our annual trip to Sallisaw, Oklahoma to visit the kin folks. One of the highlights for our weekly visit to Oklahoma was some sort of family gathering, or visit, with my Aunt Bunny. She was the most hospital people in the world! She was also tough as nails working in the oil industry and cattle businesses. I’ll always remember Bunny while the biggest smile on her face and such a genuine spirit and love of God. I was fortunate to know her parents and I can’t express what an overall great family this is. God Bless and Rest in Peace Bunny.
Auntie Pat and Dad reunited in Heaven
One of the most perfect people on the face of this earth, my Aunt Pat, went to Heaven a few months ago. Pat had the most positive outlook on life that you can’t believe! After my Dad came to California, Pat and Aunt Rosalie were his two closest family members. These three were obviously very trusting of each other and they had an amazing relationship. They would always come up with some activity to keep us kids busy but every time I checked-in with this three of Dad, Pat and Rosalie they always had a look on their faces like they got their hands caught in the cookie jar. And this was a lot of fun! We, adults as well as kids, always had a great time being a family together.
Neal Casa Barn House Update
As I mentioned previously, J.C. is a new and wonderfully calming addition to our household. But, I have to admit that Brandee and my first priority were to our other four of Bleu, Ella, Gracie and Finn, first and foremost. Now that everyone is somewhat settled, let me provide an update:
- Bleu = could care less about the world. She sleeps about 20 hours per day and can barely keep her eyes open. She is, however, the affection, of J.C.’s dreams according to Brandee
- Gracie = totally obsessed with running around the background and not listening to Daddy
- Ella = she is wild and loves to pretend that J.C. and her don’t get along-it’s just rough play
- Finn = he’s foolish enough to get a beat-down from all the felines in the house
Appreciation for Brandee
As you have read, there is a lot of different things to juggle in the life in the Neal Casa and I couldn’t be delivering a wonderful life to our kids, running a successful business, or remaining calm amongst the belligerent nature of some people. I am so thankful to Brandee for being a sound of reason, with reasonable debate and much support.
It’s hard to believe that Brandee and I are nearly on our 25th year of relationship together. Honestly, it feels like only a few years because the time flies so fast.
Every day I wish that time would slow down so that I can just appreciate every second of life.
Love,
Kevin