What's Important!

Back in early September, I went through a very difficult week.  As hard as it was for me to face, it was more difficult for my aunt, who buried her second child.  It was harder for my cousins who buried their second brother and harder for my cousin's wife, who buried her soul mate.

Understanding what is important in life quickly is very important.  My cousin died of Leukemia at the young age of 42.  We grew up together in Trinidad.  I was there when his brother died at the age of 19, due to negligence at the local hospital.

Moving to the U.S. was exciting for all of us.  Unfortunately, it broke us apart.  My cousin stayed in Brooklyn, NY, while I eventually moved to Jacksonville, FL.  When I heard he had cancer, it was definitely hurtful.  We spoke a few times by phone during that time.  He complained of the pain he endured, but he always stayed positive and made plans for when he would beat it.  My current financial situation made it difficult to travel.  I had many intentions to spend time with him, but it never happened.

Now that he is gone, I beat myself up for not sacrificing to make the trip.  Bills aren't going anywhere.  I should have just gone, despite my expenses.  I realize that not only is life precious, but so is the people you share it with.  Take the time to make those moments happen.  Understand also that family is important.

I know as we get older and have families of our own, we tend to drift apart.  But we don't want to rely on the death of a loved one to bring everyone else together.  We need to bring everyone together for happy moments - plan family reunions regularly, maybe every 5 years.  Plan to visit at least one relative who lives far, every 2 years.  Its important to us, but also to the next generation, so they know their family.

RIP Allan, you were an angel among men.

Moving Forward

I started a blog in 2010 as I started my adventure into business, under the banner of Capitalism.  Then as quickly as I started, the work of running a company, became a heavier burden than I expected and I stop posting additional blogs.  The company went through its highs and lows, but the last low was the end of MNR Enterprises, LLC.  However, it was not the end of my business ventures. 

Many changes have occurred in my life since then, as well as many changes in the world that we live in.  As a Christian, I have started studying my faith much closer.  It has allowed me to see the world around me differently.  Not in a judging way, but more of an acceptance to new ideas.  That is the type of blog I wanted to have.  Open discussions with anyone to see different view points. 

I believe as a member of  the Human Race, that dialogue is important for us to progress as a species.  That means to hear other points and don't be quick to dismiss based on our own pre-conceived biases. 

I'm also opened to sharing.  As a part-time DJ, I love hearing music from other cultures and regions.  It allows my imagination to grow.  I enjoy seeing shows and movies from other countries.  Please feel free to share.  That's also how we become comfortable with each other. 

Lets talk about money and challenges with it.  I'm a licensed advisor and understand the concept of money.  Sadly, I did learn it a bit late, so some concepts that I now firmly believe in, I won't get a chance to start it soon, unless I win the lottery.

I plan to share many parts of my life on here.  In part because some of you may learn from it.  Some of you may teach me through it and most important, so my children and grandchildren can still learn from me after I'm gone.

So to start, I will let you know a little about me.  I was born in the Republic of  Trinidad and Tobago.  I absolutely loved my childhood.  Today, I'm an American citizen, a husband, father, Sunday School teacher, licensed advisor and deejay.  I'm not rich or famous, although I've come close.  I'm not poor, but also came close to that also.  I'm not that much different from anyone reading this blog (if it gets read).  I want to connect with as many people as I can, because networks are essential.