As I’ve grown older I seem to have gained more of an appreciation for history and particularly for those who played such an important role in our country’s rich heritage.
Compared to some other countries that have been in existence for hundreds, and in some cases thousands of years, how our nation has evolved in less than 250 years boggles the mind. It is equally hard to comprehend that just under 250 years ago a country that started with only 13 colonies, who bravely fought for their independence from the oppression of a motherland, is today arguably the world’s foremost super power and provides a quality of life second to none.
While the growth of our country is the envy of most, it hasn’t been without conflict within its borders as well as those on foreign soil. Details of these wars are graphically written. Volumes of pictures depict the ravages of war and the sacrifices made by so many of our servicemen who came to the aid of our allies, while preserving the freedoms we oftentimes take for granted today.
Scarred by the horrors of war they had to endure, most of those who I met that served in World War II or the Korean War never wanted to talk about the war.Oftentimes I’ve tried to envision the fear they faced as they stormed the beaches of Normandy or the naval battles at Midway or during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. As I came to realize later, to relive these moments was too painful, and for so many years the emotions these men and women have lived with have been bottled up inside. They came back to little or no fanfare and were expected to resume their lives as though they had been on an extended leave of absence from work. None of those I ever spoke with ever mentioned post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and how to cope with it. They all said, “Our duty was to serve our country.”
My generation was the last to experience the draft. Unfortunately Vietnam was not a “popular war,” as most felt it was a political war and not one that was waged to be won. Unlike those who fought in previous wars, these brave men and women didn’t come back to a hero’s welcome and to this day many feel the sacrifices they made have largely gone unnoticed.
Today, we face a different kind of battle within. We have political parties who seem more concerned with preserving the best interests of the party than the nation of people they serve. We have a generation that has grown somewhat immune to the sacrifices so many have made in order for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. With advances in our military’s technology and capability, we have greatly reduced our loss of life on the battlefield. Video games depicting realistic war settings can be fought from the safe confines of a couch with little concern for the consequences. Unless there is a friend or family member currently serving in our military, the sacrifices made by those protecting our freedoms is going unnoticed as their sacrifices have been moved to the back page behind the infighting going on in Washington. As each member from what many call “The Greatest Generation,” passes, the appreciation for their ultimate sacrifice may soon be totally forgotten.
Years ago I had a client who was of Russian Jewish heritage. He spoke eight languages fluently and was brilliant when it came to world politics and what the Russians would do throughout the world, which he outlined in a letter many decades ago to the Governor Connelly of Texas. In the late seventies when Russia and the United States were once again at odds, I asked him if he ever saw the two countries going to war. He quickly replied, “Absolutely not! They (Russia) understand the ravages of war as it has been fought on their soil, where an American President could issue a declaration of war and be out on the golf course later that afternoon.” He continued by saying, “You know how America will be brought to its knees?” When I said I didn’t have a guess, he replied, “Economically!”He continued by saying, “When Cuba started to flex its muscle, Russia slapped them on the hand and said, “Don’t wake the sleeping giant.” To this day I have never forgotten his prophetic words.
On this very special holiday where we proudly display our patriotism with flags, parades and firework displays, I’m reminded of the hard fought battles that continue to this day in order to protect our country’s values and way of life. For me, it is not just this day that I give thanks for my freedom, but every day when I get that subtle reminder just how fortunate we are when seeing a service member in uniform or a veteran wearing a hat inscribed with the ship or war in which they fought. Their valor I will never take for granted, something I hope every generation to come will do as well.
Gail, my wife, and my definition of the perfect Mom
I have often thought about the qualities that would make a mother perfect in the eyes of their children, husband or friends, and I realized not only did I have the perfect mom, but I had married one as well.
To me the perfect mom is someone who is an encourager, a listener, your best friend as you go through life’s ups and downs, a confidant, your best advocate and fierce protector! She typically runs the household, handles the finances, not to mention all the less the glamorous jobs around the home.
She is the social director, your biggest cheerleader and oftentimes the team mom. She has a special way of making the home warm and inviting to family and friends, and no one knows how to make the holidays more special than a mom whose decorative touch and holiday dinners are what memories are made by.
She has that special ability to make you feel loved when you had to be corrected for those miscues, and has an uncanny insight knowing when you need that extra hug or encouraging note for no apparent reason.
Gail with our son, Tyler
Unlike most corporate executives who relish their title and are paid handsomely for their accomplishments, the perfect mom receives no monetary compensation, or title, and is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only compensation they seek is the appreciation and love from their family.
My Mom with me and my brother
How do I know all this? When my mom passed away I felt like I lost my best friend and to this day I still feel her loss. All the attributes I mentioned above described my mother. I consider myself very blessed that not only did I have a mother who was nurturing, but enabled me to soar to heights I never imagined. However, I consider myself very fortunate to be married to a woman who has embodied every quality I feel that makes the perfect mother, partner and friend,and I thank God every day for these two special women he has brought into my life.
I hope you will join me in thanking all those “Perfect Moms” for giving so much of themselves to make our lives and those of our children so very special
I remember as a young child growing up in New York the excitement we had getting up early to see what the Easter bunny left us. While we didn’t receive gifts like we did at Christmas, there was something very special seeing the big Easter baskets filled with chocolate bunnies, assorted jelly beans and those marshmallow “peeps.” We dyed our Easter eggs, usually winding up with as much dye on our fingers as we did on our eggs and who can forget the fun we had finding them on our Easter egg hunts in those hidden places in the yard our parents carefully hid them.
As I grew a little older, Easter took on a different meaning. Good Friday we took our Easter lilies, and hyacinth plants and visited the cemeteries of relatives who had passed and gave thanks for the sacrifices they made so we could enjoy the life we had. It was a special time of year as the fragrance of these flowers and the buds on the trees signaled spring was in the air, which to me represented the rebirth or awakening of a season I loved so much.
Today I look at Easter from a totally different perspective, but with the same gratitude I did in my younger years. I think of the significance of Easter and the impact and sacrifice Christ made for us all. However, it has also opened my eyes to the sacrifices some people make each day; foregoing the things we as a society consider success, in order to enrich the lives of others. One such person is Tom Parker, Area Director for Young Life.
Tom Parker, Area Director of Young Life
For those of you not familiar with Young Life, while it is described as a Christian based organization where staff and volunteers alike contribute their time to mentor and assist middle and high school students based on Christian values and principles, it is much more. Kids of all faiths, race and ethnic backgrounds are welcomed into an “authentic environment”where they can talk about the challenges they face in everyday life.
As for Tom, he was born and raised in Indiana and like most kids growing up loved sports and the friendships he made. Just out of college he felt a calling to get involved in “Youth for Christ,” which opened the door for the ministry he is serving today. After spending time mentoring kids in Indiana, opportunities in Texas and Alabama presented themselves where for a combined 10 years Tom served as a Youth Pastor on staff. It was at their church in Alabama Tom and his wife Anna felt most at home, however, after 6 years the work environment changed as did the dynamics of the church. A move to Fort Myers, Florida was thought to be their next opportunity but after a year Tom said it wasn’t the fit they thought it would be. He said, “My heart may have still been partially in Alabama, as I still had connections there I kept in touch with that were like family to us.”
It was during this time of transition and soul searching he met Bill Loy, the Young Life area director in Fort Myers. Bill shared with Tom an opportunity to work for Young Life and the impact he could have on high school kids. He thought it might be a good fit for Tom, since his heart was to be in a school setting mentoring kids . Taking a $20,000 per year cut in pay the rest is history as in the eight years Tom has been with Young Life he has watched this area grow and the lives that have been touched.
While Young Life is based on Christian principles, Tom said, “Today kids are looking for authentic relationships and will take criticism if they know the person sincerely cares.” He said as adults we strive for the “American Dream,” and all the trappings that go with it, but in the process many times the family unit is neglected. The children oftentimes don’t feel loved, wanted or cared for and they turn to social media which is a virtual reality world and often times almost used as a drug. When someone likes a status, a picture or just makes positive comment, clinically speaking it gives a sense of a high.Unfortunately, they base much of what they believe in from television and posts they read on social media.Tom continued by saying, “Snap Chat and Twitter allows them to share “snippets” of their lives, but only parts of their lives. Their communications skills have suffered as a result.” He feels this generation has lost much of its communications skills by using texts, Instagram and tweets to communicate with each other. He said most times there is no depth to their communication as through these social media avenues they control how much of their lives they’ll let you see. They hide their vulnerabilities and feelings since they can’t be seen. Unlike previous generations, through television and video games they can recreate real life scenarios without the consequences. Unfortunately, we’re seeing the disconnect that results with many having difficulty in coping with real life situations associated with political discourse, school shootings and challenges they may be encountering at home.”When the trials get too tough, it is easier to walk away, and they do the same with relationships instead of facing them.” But Tom is quick to add, much of this behavior stems from watching the adults in their lives. When asked how they process school shootings, Tom said, “These are young adults whose brains are still developing, so while it is very difficult for adults to understand the thought behind these tragedies, it is even harder for kids to process and express their feelings of loss and hurt.”
When asked how kids are responding to the political environment we’re experiencing today, where people seem to be talking at each other and not to each other, Tom said aside from social media kids today are being influenced largely by the thoughts and viewpoints from their educators which seem to override those of their parents. He continued by saying, “We are raising a generation of good test takers, not always good thinkers or problem solvers. We seem to be giving more theories on abstract thinking.”
When it comes to church and religion, Tom explained, “Churches, sometimes are waiting for kids to come to them rather than meeting them where they are. Many kids consider themselves spiritual, seeking out something to believe in, but are looking for something authentic and oftentimes times they don’t see it in some churches.
Tom shared with me how not only are the kids feeling the benefit from the Young Life outreach, but parents have contacted him and shared their appreciation for the impact he is making on their children as well.
Through his ministry with Young Life weekly get-togethers in a home environment called “club” to summer trips to “camp,” where kids spend a week bonding in a camp like setting with a host of activities and opportunities to share life stories, new bonds are being forged authentically where they communicate and share experiences on a personal level and not through social media. Currently, Tom is overseeing Young Life’s new location at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall that will offer mentoring and tutoring opportunities for kids needing help with classwork, someone to talk to as they look for answers to challenges they are going through and a stage where they can act out skits they often share at club.
You may be asking yourself, why I’ve gone into such depth about the impact Tom and Young Life has made on these children and what it has to do with the Easter season.
Like Tom, I too have had a passion for kids and for the better part of the last 17 years I’ve been part of a design team that has planned out the Young Life annual banquet which is coming up again this year on April 15th. Having coached kids in a variety of sports and seeing the impact and life lessons learned many times on the ball field, I have sensed that same level of satisfaction as finding that special Easter egg and looking inside to find the hidden prize. I saw kids develop a confidence they never thought they had when they got their first hit, or madetheir first basket. I saw how just participating an hour or so in a game gave them something to look forward to as an escape from a difficult home life. I also saw how playing in a team sport formed deeper bonds and friendships than many were finding in their day to day encounters with others.
This is the environment Tom is helping to create in our area schools where kids from all walks of life can laugh and share life experiences in an authentic setting where they are accepted for who they are.
Success to Tom was not the financial benefit he could receive in a high paying job, it was touching the lives of kids who despite the knowledge they have in technology are looking for answers in how to cope with everyday life. As Tom says, “the only way to find them is to be authentic, real and meet them where they are.”
If you would like to learn more about Tom and Young Life, or would like to support his efforts like many businesses and individuals have been doing, you can reach Tom at Tom@charlotteharbor.younglife.org or you can call him at 941-456-5433.
Most of us remember with fondness the hit television sitcom “Cheers” which depicted a neighborhood bar in Boston where friends from all walks of life shared their lives and experiences with each other. From the pretentious Psychiatrist Frazier Crane and his significant other, Lilith Stemin to mailman Cliff Clavin, every socio economic class was represented. And who can forget Carla’s sarcastic wit?
They had their regulars like Norm who always had his special seat at the bar where everyone seemed to congregate and then you had the emotional roller coaster relationship between Sam Malone and Diane Chambers. It was a microcosm of society at that time where heartbreak, dating advice, fun pranks and banter were the menu of the day. What I loved about the show was that it represented a place in time where people from diverse backgrounds could come to unwind at the end of the day in the warm embrace of friends.
Leroy’s Owners, Lee and Jamie Richardson, with their Children
While Cheers is no longer on the air, such a place does exist in downtown Punta Gorda known as Leroy’s Southern Kitchen, or to us regulars, “Leroy’s”. Like Cheers, you will find every profession from doctor and lawyer to fishing guide and cattle rancher, all enjoying each other’s company. You’ll have your regulars at the bar, and all will be the recipients of that same banter and pranks from an amazing group of bartenders and wait staff. However, unlike Cheers, Leroy’s takes it a step further with an outstanding food menu, “Class A entertainment” second to none,and a commitment to serving their community.
The brainchild of owners Lee and Jamie Richardson, aka Sam Malone and Diane Chambers, Leroy’s was created as not only a friendly neighborhood restaurant and bar, but a place where families and children were always welcomed. However, there’s more, as they see themselves as “working for our community” which you’ll soon find out.
Lee, grew up in Port Charlotte and Jamie, who was originally from Oklahoma and had moved with her family to Cape Coral, met at a restaurant in Cape Coral Lee owned with partner Shannon Yates called “Nevermind Awesome Bar and Eatery.” In true Sam Malone fashion when asked how they met, Lee said, “When Jamie first met me she fell in love”however, similar to a Diane Chambers response with a wink of the eye and sarcastic laugh, Jamie seemed to have perhaps a more realistic version that just the opposite is what really occurred.
Opened in 2015 in downtown Punta Gorda, Leroy’s Restaurant
Having come from an extensive background in the restaurant business that included 10 years with Outback, opening up the Port Charlotte location and many others, to becoming General Manager back in 2005-2007 helping open the very popular “upmarket” restaurant named “CRU” in the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers, Lee took those experiences to create “Nevermind Awesome Bar and Eatery” with then partner Shannon Yates. However, at the same time they also had the food and beverage contract with the Boston Red Sox at their Fort Myers spring training facility. Wanting to get back to the area he grew up, and promising Jamie a return to “country living”, the two partners decided Shannon would keep “Nevermind”, Lee would keep the contract with the Red Sox, and together Lee and Jamie would open a unique neighborhood bar and restaurant in Punta Gorda that today is called Leroy’s.
Opened in 2015 and remodeled in 2017, Lee and Jamie see it as a “family establishment“. Jamie says, “We wanted to create a place where you felt welcomed if you were just coming off your boat or looking for fine dining with no pretense.”During spring training season their lives get pretty hectic as Lee leaves at 4am to get to Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers, which is the spring training facility for the Boston Red Sox, and returns home at 2:30 in the afternoon. Then after a quick power nap he and Jamie can be seen working late nights at Leroy’s, and this is in addition to being two loving parents of two amazing children. Of course as a New York Yankees fan, I could make their lives much easier by telling them to cheer for the Yankees instead of feeding the Red Sox, but since both have become such avid Boston fans I’m not sure my suggestion would get much consideration!
Richardson’s hosting of Fried and DeSantis with the public at Leroy’s
Being of the belief that there is more to life than simply running a business and providing for one’s family, Lee and Jamie feel you have to give back to your community and those in need, and that is where Leroy’s becomes much more than Cheers. Both feel Leroy’s needs to be a place where people can come to unwind or be entertained, but also has to be a place where community leaders, state representatives and non-profits can meet in a more personalized setting with the general public who will be impacted by their decisions. Lee and Jamie recently provided such an opportunity for Agricultural Commissioner candidates Matt Caldwell and Nicole “Nikki” Fried and gubernatorial candidates Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis to meet the public, of which Friend and DeSantis did appear. They continued by saying, “Our society has become too polarized where people are being influenced too much by the media instead of hearing all viewpoints and having the opportunity for a constructive dialogue. Leroy’s will always be available when possible to provide an unbiased platform where people can come to get a more intimate understanding from those we elect to office, regardless of party affiliation.”
A few of the members of the PReaCH group along with some other citizens outside of the DeSoto County Administration building after stopping Mosaic from phosphate mining in DeSoto County
The Richardson’s are also staunch advocates for the protection of Florida’s natural environment and resources. They are supporters of “Captains for Clean Water” and are very involved in the “Peace River Charlotte Harbor Environmental Awareness Group” simply known as “PReaCH.”If that isn’t enough, Lee and Jamie have organized support for those impacted by both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael which recently devastated the Florida’s panhandle. Patrons and friends came to support their efforts as they were personally able to deliver over 11,000 lbs. of supplies to those in need to the Panhandle alone.
For those who don’t think there is enough to do for the young citizens in our area, the Richardson’s strongly feel you are only limited by your desire to get involved. “Just look at our natural resources, our restaurants, the events continually going on around town, not to mention all the organizations we have.”
Supplies the Richardson’s helped collect and delivered to the Panhandle for Hurricane Relief
Wise beyond their years, this talented couple, with smiles as contagious and big as their hearts, have created Punta Gorda’s version of Cheers where you can be assured you’ll feel that same warm embrace the moment you step through their doors.
Merry and Bright! We’ve made a list of our area restaurants open Christmas Day 2018. Although we’re checking the list twice, if you know of a restaurant that will be open yet isn’t listed in this post, feel free to comment. Reservations are strongly recommended as some are offering special seating’s and menus. Also, please ensure you call to verify times.
On this very special holiday where we proudly display our patriotism with flags, parades and firework displays, I’m reminded of the hard fought battles that continue to this day in order to protect our country’s values and way of life. For me, it is not just this day that I give thanks for my freedom, but every day when I get that subtle reminder just how fortunate we are when seeing a service member in uniform or a veteran wearing a hat inscribed with the ship or war in which they fought. Their valor I will never take for granted, something I hope every generation to come will do as well.
.
She is the social director, your biggest cheerleader and oftentimes the team mom. She has a special way of making the home warm and inviting to family and friends, and no one knows how to make the holidays more special than a mom whose decorative touch and holiday dinners are what memories are made by.
It was during this time of transition and soul searching he met Bill Loy, the Young Life area director in Fort Myers. Bill shared with Tom an opportunity to work for Young Life and the impact he could have on high school kids. He thought it might be a good fit for Tom, since his heart was to be in a school setting mentoring kids . Taking a $20,000 per year cut in pay the rest is history as in the eight years Tom has been with Young Life he has watched this area grow and the lives that have been touched.
Tom continued by saying, “Snap Chat and Twitter allows them to share “snippets” of their lives, but only parts of their lives. Their communications skills have suffered as a result.” He feels this generation has lost much of its communications skills by using texts, Instagram and tweets to communicate with each other. He said most times there is no depth to their communication as through these social media avenues they control how much of their lives they’ll let you see. They hide their vulnerabilities and feelings since they can’t be seen. Unlike previous generations, through television and video games they can recreate real life scenarios without the consequences. Unfortunately, we’re seeing the disconnect that results with many having difficulty in coping with real life situations associated with political discourse, school shootings and challenges they may be encountering at home.”When the trials get too tough, it is easier to walk away, and they do the same with relationships instead of facing them.” But Tom is quick to add, much of this behavior stems from watching the adults in their lives. When asked how they process school shootings, Tom said, “These are young adults whose brains are still developing, so while it is very difficult for adults to understand the thought behind these tragedies, it is even harder for kids to process and express their feelings of loss and hurt.” 
Tom continued by saying, “Snap Chat and Twitter allows them to share “snippets” of their lives, but only parts of their lives. Their communications skills have suffered as a result.” He feels this generation has lost much of its communications skills by using texts, Instagram and tweets to communicate with each other. He said most times there is no depth to their communication as through these social media avenues they control how much of their lives they’ll let you see. They hide their vulnerabilities and feelings since they can’t be seen. Unlike previous generations, through television and video games they can recreate real life scenarios without the consequences. Unfortunately, we’re seeing the disconnect that results with many having difficulty in coping with real life situations associated with political discourse, school shootings and challenges they may be encountering at home.”When the trials get too tough, it is easier to walk away, and they do the same with relationships instead of facing them.” But Tom is quick to add, much of this behavior stems from watching the adults in their lives. When asked how they process school shootings, Tom said, “These are young adults whose brains are still developing, so while it is very difficult for adults to understand the thought behind these tragedies, it is even harder for kids to process and express their feelings of loss and hurt.” 
experiences on a personal level and not through social media. Currently, Tom is overseeing Young Life’s new location at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall that will offer mentoring and tutoring opportunities for kids needing help with classwork, someone to talk to as they look for answers to challenges they are going through and a stage where they can act out skits they often share at club.
Like Tom, I too have had a passion for kids and for the better part of the last 17 years I’ve been part of a design team that has planned out the Young Life annual banquet which is coming up again this year on April 15th. Having coached kids in a variety of sports and seeing the impact and life lessons learned many times on the ball field, I have sensed that same level of satisfaction as finding that special Easter egg and looking inside to find the hidden prize. I saw kids develop a confidence they never thought they had when they got their first hit, or madetheir first basket. I saw how just participating an hour or so in a game gave them something to look forward to as an escape from a difficult home life. I also saw how playing in a team sport formed deeper bonds and friendships than many were finding in their day to day encounters with others.
While most people would like to talk about themselves, Gary and Gail have always put their clients first, and their diverse backgrounds have provided their clients an unparalleled level of service and knowledge throughout the past years.