Billy Blurb

“USA! USA! USA!”

The cheers echoed all over the stadium, and indeed, around the world (well, maybe not Canada), when the Men’s & Women’s Hockey Teams took the Gold Medal in the Olympics. Both games were tied, and went to overtime to settle the match. Both were won by a single shot that sent the teams, and the fans, into euphoria.

And when they were asked about their shots, the players didn’t focus so much on that as much as what every player did with every previous shot and save that got them to that point to take their shot. For sure, their shot mattered, but they only had the chance to take it because of what their teammates did throughout the entire game. And the game before that. And before that. You get the point.

I can’t help but see the similarities with what we are doing when we create a compelling experience for each other and our customers. It may be the final shot that clinches the win, but more than likely its one of the countless earlier shots taken, passes made, and showing up where we’re supposed to be when someone on our team is sending the “puck” our way. It makes a difference in the way we communicate, encourage each other, and do our job, exceeding expectations in such a way that it all comes together for the win. It’s living out our values in every scenario we face, and trusting each other to do the same. Over and over again. Even on those days when we’re feeling like we’re behind, and losing the game.

Actually, especially on those days is when it matters most, to lean in and create a compelling experience, on those days. It’s when the rest of your team needs it the most. It’s when the fans, I mean, customers, need it the most. And who knows, maybe they’ll break out in cheers, yelling “TCA! TCA! TCA!”

Benefits Highlight

We wanted to remind you of a perk for parents that Tri County Air will help you with Registration Fees up to $250 each year, per child, to help in covering the costs for their participation in athletics, or even the arts and sciences. This was an important part of Billy’s development as a child growing up in a single parent home, and it made such a difference to have other mentors and coaches in his life, that he wants to invest into your kids as well towards that same end. Reach out to Rich Hart and Comfort Care to take advantage of this great benefit.

We get to celebrate some very special people through their birthday and work anniversaries. Give these people affirmation and encouragement as they mark these special milestones.

Pics From Around

From The Hart

I wanted to share something I wrote a few weeks ago when my mom passed away. Thanks for letting me share it here.

60 years!!

That’s how long I’ve had one of these in my ear.

Oh, not literally, of course. But for the last sixty years I’ve been listening to a voice that has been speaking into my ear, my mind, and most importantly, my heart. That voice was my Mom.

It was a voice of comfort when I was troubled. A voice of encouragement when my heart was heavy. A voice of belief in me when I doubted myself. It was a voice of grace when I felt condemned. Love, when I felt alone. Kindness in the face of harshness, beauty in the presence of brokenness. Hope in the depths of despair, wisdom when surrounded by confusion.

There was a gentle tone to her voice, even when confronting me on something that demanded it. She was able to include themes of celebration and joy, and always with impeccable timing. It would come in the form of words, of course, but also through cards and care packages and newspaper clippings and other simple demonstrations of thoughtfulness that she would send in the mail because she knew it would connect with my heart.

I know moms do that type of thing. It’s not that it was so unusual, just that it was so constant, so dependable, so present, even if from a distance when I was at college, or living in Virginia or Texas. And what a gift it has been for us to be back in town the past few years, and have that voice be generously prominent in my ear, and in my heart.

And then that voice went silent last week. No more calls. No more cards. No more visits. Just the memory of a thousand of them through the last 60 years. Along with the realization that they helped me become who I am today, and get me to where I am. And I’m so thankful for the gift of that voice. She was truly a gift of God to me, and to so many others as well. She was like confetti to everyone, throwing praise & encouragement in a glorious celebration of life. I miss her, but I’m finding bits of confetti wherever I look, and it makes me happy.

One other thought I’ve been having is that God was kind enough to put another voice in my other ear 40 years ago to give me the stereo experience that I didn’t know I was missing. Barbie has been such a congruent voice along with my Mom’s, that I have had a surround sound experience all these years. Thankfully, her’s continues on, even if not in stereo any more. It makes me grateful that she is providing for our kids what I’ve had all these years through mom, and I know that they are being provided a voice from their mom that they in turn will be able to look back on years from now and treasure then what I know they already do now.

So thank you, Mom, for lending your voice to my life that so desperately needed it.

Looking Ahead

More To Come On These As We Get Closer. Save The Dates!

Ten-Til-Tuesdays – Every Tuesday morning at 6:50am & 9:20am, everyone is invited to join us in the Comfort Care office for a quick 10-minute devotional and prayer time before you get to work, or get back to work. If you ever need prayer or want to explore the Bible, reach out to Rich or Barbie who are available to do that with you at other times you’re available.

TCA Employee Golf Tournament – Friday, April 3rd, we will have our 3rd Annual Outing. Email Rich at rhart@tricountyair.com to indicate your interest in playing, and we will get details to you as the day approaches. We have that day off, so it will not conflict with work.

Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 5th, is the day we gather to celebrate the One who conquered death. Pretty amazing feat. Consider this an invitation to take a fresh look at the story of the Resurrection with fellow employees that are gathering in several churches around the area by checking out the links here.

Sharks Tooth Festival – Saturday & Sunday of April 11-12, we host a tent as a main sponsor of this opportunity to engage our community. Plan to stop by with your family and say “hi” one of those days and show some love!

Our Daily Bread

There are free copies of Our Daily Bread available below the Brag Board in the Break Room. Take one for your desk, your truck, or your home so you when you get a couple of free moments, you can ground yourself and those around you on some encouraging wisdom that is found in the Bible. The ones that are there now are an introductory edition, but in the future there will be ones that are newly released versions every 3 months.