The Birthday

"The best way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once." -E Joseph Cossman

Forgive me if I indulge a bit on the personal side today. Today is a special day and I can honestly say that I have never forgotten my wife's birthday. To prove it, today is my wife Laura's birthday and I have written a birthday message for her.

But my words can not say enough, so I will simply say "Happy birthday my dear" and tell you that I want for us to celebrate many, many more of these together.

In ending, it always ends up to one thing, and that is to say I love you.

Let's celebrate this again, same time, next year!

For Those That Can Not

"Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out." -Frank A. Clark

This weekend, my beautiful and wonderful wife Laura, will be climbing 52 floors of the John Hancock Building in Chicago, IL. For those counting, that is only half of the full 94 floors of this architectural wonder. But for those climbing the stairs, there are 816 steps to climb starting on the 42nd floor in order to get to the top.

The finish line provides climbers with a majestic view of the Windy city when they enter the John Hancock Observatory on the 94th floor. Tired legs will be forgotten as the full sense of accomplishment takes over.

And why is she climbing stairs of the John Hancock Building?

She is climbing for those that can not. For those that will never know she did it. She is climbing to help raise funds for lung disease research, advocacy and education. So for those that can not, she does.

These funds go to the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago which has been a public health leader since 1906. Today, the association addresses asthma, COPD, lung cancer, tobacco control and air quality with a comprehensive approach involving research, education and advocacy activities.

If you have ever climbed a flight of stairs at work, in your apartment building or at the mall and felt out of breath; now think of this. Think of what that is like every moment of your life. Struggling to breath when you simply stand up or walk to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.

This is why fund are being raised and if YOU CAN, please send in a gift of a few or many dollars. You can place your gift by clicking on the following link:

Laura Primm - Hustling Up The Hancock

Your gift to the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago is tax deductible! This fine organization will send you an e-tax receipt once donation has processed.

Now a couple of fun facts about the John Hancock Building

- Located at 875 North Michigan Avenue in the Streeterville area of Chicago, Illinois.
- Is a 100-story, 1,127-foot (344 m) tall skyscraper.
- Completed May 6, 1968
- At time of completion, it was the tallest building in the world outside New York City.
- Currently the fourth-tallest building in Chicago and sixth-tallest in the United States.
- Is just plain cool looking.

Stay inspired my friends and donate today!

Days To Remember

"Love... it surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be." -Khalil Gibran

It was only supposed to be dinner for four and a movie. There was to be nothing more than good conversation and escape from the the week's work. But then I entered the room and you smiled.

Happy Birthday Laura, my friend, my love, my life.

"A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle." -George William Curtis

I would also like to say thank you to my son Dan for his continued service to our country. Thank you to him and the millions of others that have and continue to serve so bravely and boldly. I also say thank you to those that are taking those first steps to serve. Each of you are proud examples of a great and loving nation.

This great country was built by great people. It continues to be a great country despite the ups and downs we endure. And it is great people such as yourselves that protect and defend it so well. Thank you and I wish only continued strength and safety in your daily mission.