Fortified at Forty-Five!

Forty-Five years ago today my mom gave birth to a son, her first. She named me Todd Michael after a boy by the same name who was born days earlier. My mom got to know Todd's mom as they shared the same recovery room. The other Todd never made it home, dying from complications during the delivery process. I carry his name today and the legacy of knowing how blessed I am because every day I GET to experience the gift of life. 45 years, or 16,436 days (including leap year days) later, I'm feeling incredibly FORTIFIED in so many ways...Webster defines Fortified as follows...

To make strong, as:

a. To strengthen and secure (a position) with fortifications.
b. To reinforce by adding material.
c. To impart physical strength or endurance to; invigorate.
d. To give emotional, moral, or mental strength to; encourage
e. To strengthen or enrich

I'm fortified first and foremost in my Faith. More than any other time in my life, I'm feeling the strength and power of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has complete control over my life and who has provided me with strength and security. I truly BELIEVE that I can do all things through Him who gives me this strength.

I'm fortified by my family. The "added material" which my wife and daughters bring to my life not only enrich my life but they reinforce all that I know to be right and true. Pre-Leeann, Emily, Alissa, and Caroline, it WAS all about me. And it was a pretty lonely existence. Living for others, especially family whom you cherish and love, provides meaning and a basis for living - a purpose.

Finally, I'm fortified by friends. I did an open water mile swim in beautiful Lake Lure this morning (6:30 AM baby, rise & shine!) with my dear friend and life-role model Boston Bill Sauber. Friends like Bill provide emotional, moral, and mental fortification during times when - left to our own strength and devices - we'd probably crash and burn. Hard. Today I thank God for the gift of friendships - far too many to list here on this page but they all know who they are and how they have helped me become a much better version of myself.

My continued challenge is to live a life which enriches, invigorates, and fortifies others. I have learned so many wonderful lessons over forty-five years on this earth, and I trust with God's guidance and presence in my life I will continue to become the man He can be proud of - so that one day when I am in His presence, He will say "Well done, my good and faithful servant".

BELIEVE.....PHIL 4:13