“Times like this, though tragic and devastating, bond us together as neighbors.” Jerry Reed As I turned the final corner of our street for the conclusion of my daily neighborhood walk, I noticed her rounding the curve of the cul-de-sac where our home is located. Although I did not know her name, we had greeted each other often in passing, she on her bicycle and me walking. I figured she lived somewhere in the neighborhood. As her bicycle approached the passing point, I noticed her slowing … [Read more...]

“Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all cost, and that is the risk of doing nothing.”  Denis E. Waitley Our awareness of risk has increased ten-fold in recent months. If we are older, or in another vulnerable group, our sense of risk may be greater than others who are younger or less susceptible.  Even if we are in a so-called safe group, we know friends or family members who are less safe. Because of the pandemic, our awareness of risk is much broader … [Read more...]

“Collect as precious pearls the words of the wise and virtuous.”  ---Abdelkader El Djezairi At some point, we will arrive at a destination that we will call normal. It probably will be a combination of past and new elements. What will this be like?  Part of this new world will include practices that we adopted in our effort to overcome challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. But, we are not limited to only the changes we felt inclined to implement for the sake of safety and … [Read more...]

The flower bed was about three feet wide and extended along the southern wall of a small brick house in Elberta, Alabama – home for my parents in their retirement. It was filled with one of my mom’s favorite plants, Hibiscus.  I was commenting on the flower blooms one spring while visiting my parents.  My mom informed me that this was the last day for those flowers. What do you mean? The last day? She informed me that the blossoms on a Hibiscus only last for a single day. How can this be? … [Read more...]

“There is nothing permanent except change.” Heraclitus Nothing in recent decades has created more change in the world than the coronavirus pandemic. Many of the fluctuations we are experiencing were not chosen by us. Some of us will incur permanent transformations. We will travel paths that we had not previously planned---a future not even imagined a few months ago.  A new normal will evolve over time and likely will be different than what was normal in the past. As I have listened to … [Read more...]

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”  Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa If you are a student of strategy, you understand long-term thinking. This futuristic approach may require short-term pain for a benefit that is lasting. When you change the oil in a machine, such as a vehicle, the short-term cost benefits the long-term life of that device. The result is that over a period of time, the overall cost is lower because of a wiser investment. As we move toward solving … [Read more...]

“Never, never, never give up.”   Sir Winston Churchill Everyone has been impacted by the Coronavirus crisis. There are more challenging days ahead. Some have lost jobs… some may lose their job in the future. Financial hardship, social isolation and health issues dominate our surroundings.  What we would describe as our normal life is now completely changed. What should we do? Don’t quit. Do not give up. One of my favorite poems, written by John Greenleaf, is titled Don’t Quit. I … [Read more...]

“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.” William James, M.D. Every time I receive a call or text from her, I can’t help but think about her offer of help during one of the toughest times in my life.  That was during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. That emotional, powerful story is told in my latest book, The BET. She is my sister Janice, one of the kindest people I have ever known. If you ever need help, she will offer before you ask her. Our transportation … [Read more...]

“A three-ply cord cannot be easily broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:12 He was in his twenties.   His job was frightening. Death was possible.  On his 37th mission flying out of a base in Italy, his plane was hit – multiple times. Only he and two other crew members parachuted out of the plane. On the ground, he was confronted by a farmer wielding a pitchfork before a German officer stepped in and stopped the killing.   World War II. On that day, Alfred John Hackbarth, my dad, almost lost his life … [Read more...]

"I'm a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis."  President Abraham Lincoln My wife Carol and I are owners of Hackbarth Delivery Service, Inc., a 44-year old transportation company. Our team members are designated by the department of Homeland Security as ‘Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.’   This designation importantly allows us to be partners on the frontline in delivering medical products. What we do is not just … [Read more...]