A Lesson in Life, Family and Career from Sandy

“Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.”

On this day, nine years ago, I lost my sister. 

Losing someone you love, someone who is an important part of your life, leaves you with a missing piece. How you fill that missing piece and how you choose to move forward is what truly matters.

Sandy was full of life. Everyone who knew her, knew what a beautiful and lively spirit she was. She loved St. Patrick’s Day. In fact it was her favorite holiday, it was a day to go downtown and see the parade and to celebrate.  She loved being a part of the fun and if there wasn’t any fun, she created it.  Simple clean fun, cartwheels in the fountains at Easton, running into the street to dance with Max and Erma at a small town parade, ziplining, bungee jumping, making funny faces and getting me, her little sister, into trouble for snorting (from trying to hold back the laughter) in church. Unfortunately, her life on this Earth was cut too short. When she learned of her lung cancer diagnosis, she passed away a quick two weeks later. This is the part of her life story – my story – I’ll hold with me forever.

I wasn’t with Sandy when she passed because I was working.

Let me take you back to that day. We knew she didn’t have much time left, so the whole family was with her in Cleveland (where she lived). While I was spending those precious moments with my dying sister, my boss (at the time) called me to tell me I needed to come into work. He said if I wasn’t in the office on Saturday I would lose my job. You see, I was the main breadwinner in my family at that time and we had two small children. I thought I had no other choice but to be at work because what would happen if I was fired? What would our family do?

I went to work and while I was there, my sister lost her battle with cancer. Everyday I live with the fact that I chose work over being with my sister. 

The reason I’m sharing this story with you is because I learned a very hard and important lesson that day that I hope others can learn from. 

Family comes first.

Choose the path that allows you to live with no regrets.  Choose a company, choose a career that aligns with what’s most important in your life.

Blue Laser Digital is founded on just that.  Because of this foundation, we have always had a flexible schedule, we treat each other and our partners as family. We celebrate successes, support each other, respect others choices and always do what’s right. In the end, I want our team and our company to work hard, but always keep family as a priority. 

Today, I hope you will take my story and my lesson and use it to reflect on your own journey. What is important to you and how are you going to make it a priority? How are you going to adjust your path so you live with no regrets?

While you are deciding what your next step in life is, remember the choice I had to make this day nine years ago. Move forward with your heart and do not be afraid to keep the important things in the forefront of your decisions. 

One other thing, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and if you happen to be at Easton, do a cartwheel in the fountains for Sandy ☘️.