When I got home, I had five duffle bags full of clothes. I dropped them in the living room and everyone came out to sort through them. I picked out a couple of swimsuits for my Florida trip, and the rest I left. Mom and Dad bagged up everything that no one wanted and would take them to the church. They were collecting clothes and household items for the needy, so I knew everything would go to a good cause.
Uncle John and I went up to my apartment. He told me to get out my life goals list. I showed it to him.
Life Goals:
Financial Stability
a) Comfortable Life
b) Good Education
Physically Fit
Solid Moral Foundation
a) Religion / Faith
b) Man of Integrity (Man of my word)
c) No Gossip
d) Think before saying ‘Yes’
e) Learn to say ‘No’
Healthy Sex Life
He read it through.
“How are you doing with achieving your goals?”
“The first one seems to be ahead of schedule. I know I won’t be a model forever, but it’ll open some doors I wouldn’t normally have. I can now pay my own way to college, if that’s necessary. The education portion is going well also. I got straight ‘A’s,” I said, glancing at the first item on the list.
“I got a call from Doug,” Uncle John said. ‘Doug’ was Coach Engels. “He told me you got a raw deal at the end of the season.”
I was surprised that my uncle knew the details of what had happened. That day still caused me heartburn whenever I thought about how my teammates blamed me for the loss. I think I would’ve been fine if there wasn’t the fight in the parking lot.
I decided not to comment on my feelings about football.
“I’ve been slacking on fitness for the last few weeks. I need to figure out how to make it more of a priority. I’m working with a fitness guy who gave me some pointers. Reading this makes me realize I need to focus on it.”
“The next one isn’t easy. From talking to your Dad, he tells me you’ve made strides. His concern is that you still don’t know how to say ‘no,’” Uncle John remarked.
“That is a problem. I find I want to please people and tend to agree to stuff. It’s also crept up in my relationships. When I know things aren’t going right, I don’t stand up for what’s best for me. That’s how I lost Tracy the first time,” I said, looking at the list disappointedly.
“Hey, it’s not easy to implement your plan in such a short time. This is for the long haul, and we talked about this being for your long-term happiness. Right now, I want you to be aware of your goals, and let them help guide you. I don’t want you beating yourself up if you get off track. When you find that happening, just go back to this list and ask yourself if your goals have changed. If they have, then redefine your goals, and if not, figure out how to get back on track,” Uncle John coached.
The hardest part of working on my life goals had been to realize that what I did now affected my life later. Once I was convinced it was worthwhile, it became easier to form the goals and then work towards them. I guess they weren’t really goals in the traditional definition; they are more guideposts to help me become the type of man I wanted to be when I grew up.
He looked at the last goal and shook his head.
“I’ll assume you’re okay with the last one. There are some things your uncle doesn’t want to know.”
“Can you work with Greg and Angie on setting their goals? I think with Kyle now in their lives, it would really help them,” I said.
“It’s already been taken care of. We did it today while you were at the studio. We also worked on a business plan for Greg’s massage business. Angie is signing up for a bookkeeping class this spring. Greg also found a program where he can get a formal certification in massage therapy. I think they’re on the right track.
“By the way, good job getting the scholarship fund set up. Angie tells me she and another girl are able to take a few classes in the spring because of what you did.”
Uncle John smiled at me. I’d forgotten that the profits from selling the ‘Double D’ t-shirts went to teen mothers for their schooling. I needed to talk to Kendal about that and make sure we continued to fund the charity.
GREG AND ANGIE DROPPED me off at Tracy’s house. They were getting a night out; Mom had agreed to watch Kyle. Tom answered the door and asked if I wanted a drink. I got a little worried as he led me into Mary’s craft room. It was packed with gifts, some wrapped and others stacked. I slowly backed out of the room, stunned. I might need more than a Coke.
“Holy cow, did they buy out the store? I mean, that’s an impressive haul,” I said.
Tom was shaking his head.
“Tracy and my dear wife decided you had a lot of people to buy for.” He winked at me. “You made them very happy. I, ah, liked the benefits of the shopping spree. So if you want me to chip in, let me know.”
“I see how it is,” I said in mock horror. “Consider that my gift to you, big guy.”
He just laughed at me. We heard our ladies come stumbling in with a load of bags. Tracy walked by me and kissed my cheek.
“Be a dear and help Daddy get the rest of the bags.”
Tom and I burst out laughing as we headed to the car. It was good that they took the SUV. I couldn’t imagine what Tracy’s Mustang would have looked like with all this stuff in it.
It took three trips for Tom and me to bring everything inside. Mary gave me a hug when the last load was put in the hobby room.
“I talked to your mom, and we’re going to have Christmas here on the twenty-third. We’re going to have a party and invite your and Tracy’s friends and family. Tom is going to invite people from work also. If you want to invite your agent and the advertising people, let me know.”
I thought about it for a moment, and it was a great idea. That was the last night Tracy and I would be in town. We were going to Florida the day before Christmas. I needed to get a gift for Kara; she would be away from family, too.
“That’s a great idea. Do you need phone numbers?” I asked. She gave a little laugh and reminded me, “You have Tracy and Tami organizing this. Just tell one of them what you want, and it’ll happen.” She had me there.
Tom ordered Chinese because Mary was worn out. Over dinner, the conversation turned to my trips to Florida and skiing with the church group.
“Tracy and I will be going to Amelia Island in Florida, just north of Jacksonville. We’ll be there from the 24th through the 28th. Then we go to Colorado from the 29th to January 2nd with the church group for a ski trip.”
Tracy gave me a funny look.
“What do you mean; we go on a ski trip?”
I gave her a sheepish grin as I realized I had forgotten to tell her.
“I guess part of your Christmas present just came early. I actually need to talk to you guys,” I said as I looked at Tom and Mary. “I think I just made some assumptions. Is it okay if Tracy goes skiing too? I know we talked about the Florida trip, but I wanted to make it the ski trip also.”
Tom didn’t look happy. I think the thought of Tracy being gone for all of Christmas break was a bit much. Luckily, Mary came to my rescue.
“We did have plans for the New Year. As long as Tracy has her own bedroom, I don’t see an issue with her going skiing with your church group.”