Through the mentoring I do, I hear a lot of fear, anxiety, uncertainty and even some bitterness these days. The pandemic, the recession, personal loss or in most cases “life’s struggle” has people questioning their lives, jobs and purpose. They search for clarity, certainty, stability or just another way to think about things. Sometimes this leads to questions about their career and what they should do next. Admittedly, I have had all the same feelings at one time or another in my 30 year career…even in the present day.

As I listen to them, I think…what have I done in the past? How have I managed my career and mindset? What has worked for me? How can I help change their perspective?

So far these are the 5 Questions that have guided my path:

1. Deliver – Am I delivering my best each day, focused on what I can control and treating people how I want to be treated in my current role?

2. Connect – Am I connecting with others and staying both visible and engaged internally and externally in my current area of responsibility and industry?

3. Grow – Am I proactively growing and learning to stay relevant, inspired, resilient and valuable in my role, industry and purpose?

4. Align – Am I aligning my personal and professional goals to minimize any significant disruption to the life I desire?

5. Review – Am I reviewing my blessings each day and avoiding worry?

Life is hard. We all lose our way. We all lose perspective. We all fall into victim thinking when bad things happen…even me. We sometimes blame our career because it is an easy target, when in fact asking a different question might be all we need to see the blessings and opportunities right in front of us. Not only in our career, but in our lives. When I get off track and start to worry, I challenge myself to review these questions. The answers either bring me peace when I can honestly answer “yes” or a reminder that I need to take action and avoid victim thinking.

Sometimes a change is needed in our careers and lives, but often asking a different question is needed first.

This past Sunday, as part of my family’s mission to raise epilepsy awareness, I completed the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon for the 3rd time. This 26.2 mile journey was to honor the 1 in 26 that will be diagnosed with epilepsy and to pay it forward to the great people at the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York that helped us (and so many) during my son’s diagnosis and miracle recovery in 2010. Their programs and services are vital for the well being of those with epilepsy.

First, many thanks to GE and everyone for helping me EXCEED my “Marathon to End Epilepsy” fundraising goal of $12,600. All proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern NY.

Next, we were blessed with an incredible day in the Northeast including beautiful fall foliage, cheering fans and a crisp 37 degrees at the start which eventually warmed to 65 degrees.

As with most things in life, this would have never been possible without the amazing support of so many:

I am eternally grateful to God for giving me the strength to complete the race and for my family Amy, Megan and Matthew for their love, support and always being my “pit crew”.

Thanks to my nephew Dylan for always being my running partner, and brother-in-law Rich for chauffeuring us at 6:30am each year to the Starting line. Thanks for all the friends and family that met me along the way.

Thanks to my neighbors the Scannell’s for the amazing driveway message congratulating me when I got home on this accomplishment!

Deep appreciation to GE and all of my colleagues who have supported my efforts over the last 10 years, and to the tireless work of the GE Volunteers including Adam, Stacey and Family, Sunil, Rick , Nico and Kishore who arrived at 6:45am on Sunday to manage the Mile 15 Race Aid Station until mid afternoon. The cheering and hugs at this point of this race helped me keep going!

As I reflect, I’ve learned a lot from preparing for and running a few marathons over the years. In fact to me, “life is like a marathon“. This mantra has become a metaphor for how I prepare for the inevitable challenges I will encounter in life and in the race. This includes setting meaningful goals, having a plan, embracing a process, taking “steps” towards what I can control, enlisting the proper “aid” from others and managing my mindset to push myself up the “hills” even when I want to quit. Whether building a life or a preparing for a marathon, both require the same intentionality towards building the resilience necessary to overcome unexpected adversity along the way.

Today, I am left with a little soreness (lol) but ALOT of gratitude…for each of you. For my blessings. For this moment.

Yesterday not only proves that running a marathon is possible but also that when faced with a challenge, anything is possible… including finding a cure for epilepsy.

In the words of the great Ted Lasso… “Believe”.

Always with gratitude and humility,

Derrick

4:30am. The alarm gently wakes me up. I can hear the wind and rain steadily engulf the house. A storm was upon us.

The desire or should I say excuse to rollover was strong. The warmth, safety and certainty of the bed comforted me. The darkness and silence seduced me. Slowly worry of work, family, health and the future invaded my mind, further coercing me to “run and seek shelter” in the blankets, temporarily delaying what the day might bring.

But I had set the alarm for a reason. It was time to get up and run as part of my annual marathon training for my 1 in 26 Epilepsy Fundraiser every October. This commitment and “challenge” (worry too!) lingered in my mind especially as the rain steadily continued. Deep breath…

As I glanced towards the nightstand, I could see the recent birthday gift from my sister Kate… a framed picture of the American Bison. This creature had become a symbol of strength, resilience and courage for us during the last 18 months when we unexpectedly lost both parents. Undoubtedly the hardest challenge and strongest “storm” either of us had ever witnessed.

You see, I have come to learn that a Bison behaves differently when faced with a storm. Instead of running away from the storm and seeking comfort and shelter like most animals, a bison runs towards the storm. It chooses to face the wind, the rain and even the snow with courage in hopes of getting through it more quickly.

This inborn characteristic of the bison has become a metaphor for how Kate and I aspire to face challenges and adversity in our lives now. Facing our fears, challenging our limiting beliefs that cage us and running towards rather than away from “storms”. From this, we have I adopted the mantra when we are sad, lonely, scared or just need the courage to face the “storm” (adversity):

“Be like a Bison”

With that, I got up. Got dressed, put on my running shoes and headed out for my morning run…in the pouring rain. Half way through, the rain stopped, the sky cleared. The run was complete. Just like life… “storms” (challenges) usually pass more quickly when we face them head on.

Today, I faced the “storm”.

Today, I was a Bison….

What will you do?

It’s been at the “center” my entire life.

It’s the sole reason my parents purchased the piece of property it sits on.

It’s come to symbolize faith, family and fortitude.

It’s a rock, and quite a large one.

It sits in the backyard of my childhood home which I now own with my sister after our parents unexpectedly passed.

It’s the place that I run to when I am in need of comfort, perspective and strength. It’s the place that rebuilds me and re-fills my soul in times of uncertainty.

It’s a place of unmatched beauty, peace and serenity. It’s the place I long for and call home.

It’s the place I feel closest to my deceased parents and where I always find God… it’s my own piece of heaven here on earth.

What’s your “rock”?

As we rushed out of the house, headed to a surprise party, Matt asked “Can we stop at the store and drop of the recyclables”? Looking at the time, I agreed and off we went.

When we got to the store, Matt jumped out and headed to the back of the car. I hit the button to proactively open the door for him and in true dad fashion felt compelled to state the obvious.

“Matt, make sure you scan the bag before putting it into the bin.” I stated.

“OK.” Matt replied.

As he pulled the bag out of the trunk, several bottles fell onto the ground.

Again, in true Dad fashion…

“Matt, make sure you tie the bag tight before you put it in the bin.” I yelled. No reply as the door slowly closed. Did he hear me? Well, I better call him because God forbid 15 cents worth of bottles fall out. LOL

“Hello.” Matt answers.

“Make sure you tie the bag tight.” I repeated.

“Yeah Dad.” I heard you Matt replied.

“Great. Thanks Matt.” I hung up, satisfied that he had been trained on properly on the “how” of returning recyclables to the store. LOL

As I sat and waited, my impatience grew. The recycle bin is literally 20 steps into the store. What is taking so long? I guess I better text him.

“Matt, what’s up?” I texted. No reply. As I typed the next text, suddenly out he comes.

Now before we go any further, it must be stated. Matt is 15 and has done this alone many times. My “perceived guidance” on the “how” of this process is clearly overkill and if I’m honest, completely unnecessary.

As he gets in the car, again, I cannot help myself.

“What took so long?” I asked.

“Well, I wanted to check and see how much money was on the account. Since there was only $8 and change, I decided to just get $5 to leave some for next time. When I went to counter for the money, there was line of people. A little old lady noticed all I needed was to turn in my receipt and she let me cut the line. As she let me go ahead. I thanked her and she said “of course, I would hope someone would do the same for me someday.” As I turned in my receipt for the $5, I thought why not give her the $5 for letting me ahead of her. So I did.” Matt said nonchalantly.

(Insert jaw drop)

As I set there worrying about the “how” of returning $5 worth of bottles, had I missed the bigger picture? Had Matt in fact just taught me something even more important? The importance of being kind, helping others and paying your blessings forward.
Next time I’ll worry less about “how” he returns the bottles and more about the “man he becomes” as a result of returning the bottles.

Be kind.
Help one another.
Pay it forward.

Although everyone doesn’t practice Lent or share their faith in the same way, I firmly believe that taking a period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as Lent prescribes, gives us time to reflect, time to prioritize what matters most and time to put our faith back at the center of our lives. A time to “empty the jar” so to speak. After the challenges of the last 2 years, I cannot think of a better time for the beauty, perspective and focus that the Lenten Season invites us to explore starting this week as we journey towards Easter.

As a Catholic, the practice of Lent is part of our faith. A time of prayer, fasting (sacrifice) and alms giving. A time of reflection, a time to refocus and a time to prepare for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter.

As a child and even young adult, I never really appreciated this ritual and only associated pain with fasting or what most call “giving something up”. My thoughts always began and ended with “Well, what do I give up this year?” This mindset of only associating Lent to “sacrifice” (pain) prevented me from seeing the real beauty and purpose of the Lenten Season until one day…

It was a normal Sunday. Well, by normal I mean my motivation for attending church was sadly out of obligation. It was the Sunday before Ash Wednesday…just days before Lent begins. I’ll admit, I am not really sure what happened. All I know is as Father Rodino began his homily, I was captivated more than usual. Don’t get me wrong, I always loved listening to his homilies and admired his ability to relate the Gospel to our everyday lives but today was different.

He wasn’t alone. Up on the altar he was joined by children carrying 3 mason jars filled with what appeared to be different sized marbles. I could tell from the start this was going to be symbolic in his homily. My curiosity began to rise. As Father motioned, the children chaotically attempted to combine the jars of different shaped marbles into one jar. It was quickly clear it couldn’t all fit as the marbles began to spill out and bang around on the altar and floor. As the children frantically tried to collect the marbles, I could see people shift in their seats, whispering to each other… “what is he doing?” Father said nothing, but I could sense from his body language that he almost regretted his decision to use this metaphor to make his point this week. Nonetheless, he now had our full attention and faithfully forged ahead with his homily.

He began” You see, the jar represents a vessel…the vessel of our minds, bodies and spirit. And the marbles represent the things we “fill this vessel up with” like worry, stress, materialism, faith, overscheduling, pride and greed.” He went on to say that over time our lives(vessels) can become so cluttered and “overfilled” with the wrong “stuff” that we cannot add anything else. It is at this time that we can lose focus and hope because what really matters can no longer be “fit” into the center of our lives (God). He paused…

Again, Father motioned to children. This time instead of randomly adding the marbles to a jar, the children slowly emptied the jars, this time carefully and quietly, separating the marbles into 3 sizes…large, medium and small. Then thoughtfully the children added the largest marbles first, then the medium sized ones, then the smallest to one of the jars…this time they all fit! Father went on to explain that for Catholics, Lent is a time to clear our minds, to declutter our lives and to prioritize what matters by turning back to God and “putting Him in the jar first” (largest marble). By first doing this, He is at the “center” of our lives, enabling us to properly fit everything else that matters around Him. In other words, the Lenten practice of prayer, fasting and alms giving helps us “empty our jar” and return to God.

This image and metaphor has stuck with me for over a decade now and always reminds me how important the Lenten Season is. I’ve told this story countless times to friends and family, but felt compelled this year to capture it in my blog as we begin Lent today. Thank you Father Rodino. You changed the way I see Lent. The way I see life. The way I see the importance of “emptying my jar” and putting God at the center as we prepare for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter.

May your “jar” be filled first with what matters most…

Yesterday, with the incredible support of family, friends, sponsors, colleagues and GE, I ran 26.2 miles to honor the 1 in 26 that have epilepsy, registering 126 Matty Moo Teammates and raising almost $15,000 in donations for the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern NY. Like anything in life, this took a “village” to achieve and I am so blessed and grateful for everyone’s support!

The weekend started with a 1.26 mile Walk to End Epilepsy event on Saturday, flawlessly planned by my wife Amy where friends and family enjoyed time outside, purple cupcakes, mimosas and great conversation. Then early Sunday morning my brother-in-law Rich picked up my nephew Dylan and I at 6:45am to bring us to the start line where we would start the race together. The weather cooperated and was cool and crisp, a perfect Fall day in the northeast. Amy and Matt served as my “pit crew” bringing me water, food and the “all important” pickle juice to prevent cramping. At mile 13, my daughter Megan and her roommate Crocker surprised me by driving 3 hours from Boston to cheer me along the rest of the race! Matthew thankfully joined me for the last 5 miles, keeping me going and distracting me from the fatigue and pain. The day finished with me beating the 6 hour cutoff time (phew!), making new friends along the way and a wonderful home cooked meal made by my mother-in-law Carolyn and wife Amy.

In the end, “We” did it….it truly took a “village”.

Many thanks to everyone for making this event an unbelievable experience and helping us get one “step” closer to finding a cure to End Epilepsy and to support those in need.

If you missed the original post and still want to help, see below: https://lnkd.in/gp23hKmz

FRANKLIN – Richard Martin Rumenapp, also known affectionately as “Rick”, “Ricky” and “Rubber”, age 72, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully with family by his side Saturday, May 1, at Albany Medical Center.

Rick was born at Fox Hospital in Oneonta, on January 13, 1949, to Henry and Hilma Aleksa Rumenapp, immigrates from Germany. As a teenager, he enjoyed raising beagles, working in the garden, going hunting and driving his cars. He was a graduate of Oneonta High School in 1968. First working on a farm, then at the Jamesway Shoe Store and finally 40 years in multiple jobs on the Railroad including Penn Station in Selkirk, D&H in Oneonta, NYSW in Cooperstown, and D&H CP Rail in Binghamton. He spent his entire life in New York State, living in Oneonta, Milford and the last 35 years in Franklin.

He was proudly a Life Member of the NRA, past member of the Crumhorn Oneonta Sportsman Club, the Milford Fire and Emergency Squad, the Eagles and Elk Clubs, and the American Legion. He was an American Red Cross Blood Donor for decades, preaching the importance of changing his own “oil” to save the lives of others.

He loved the Steelers, Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, watching the 3 Stooges and MASH reruns, gardening, the Old South and Gettysburg, breakfast at Morey’s with friends, Cans and Clams with Dave Lane, Wednesday lunches with his brothers Frank and Heinz, hunting at Fred’s cabin, watching the sunset from his backyard, his 1973 Dodge Charger with Ooga Horn, raft trips down the Delaware with Glen and Janet, Sunday rides on country backroads, but most of all he loved his wife Ginny, playing with his grandchildren and spending time with his family.

He was a meticulous home owner, an avid hunter and loved watching the birds at his feeder. He collected guns, coins, stamps, trains, and Hess trucks for kids and grandkids. He loved to have a good time and always encouraged others to do the same. He drove us all crazy listening to the fire/police scanner, playing loud music, chasing deer from his backyard and complaining about politics. He loved Halloween, trick or treating with the grandkids and decorating the front yard year after year.

He is survived by his wife, Ginny Carey Rumenapp of 12 years; son Derrick (Amy) Rumenapp; and grandchildren, Megan and Matthew; daughter, Katie (Jason) Haag; and grandson, Ryan; stepchildren, Carey, Shannon, Kelli, and Daniel Patrick; a total of 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; In-laws, Ron and Nancy Lane, Mel and Birdie Painther, William Carey, Mark and Verna Jones; brother, Frank Rumenapp with nephew Josh Rumenapp and niece Jillian Eastman; and also sister Zillah (Jim) Frampton with nephew Jeff and niece Alissa.

Rick is predeceased by his mother, Hilma; father, Henry; and brother Heinz.

In celebration of his life, calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, May 7, at the Bookhout Funeral Home located at 357 Main Street, Oneonta, NY. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 8, at the Bookhout Funeral Home officiated by Joe Digorri. Due to COVID restrictions, please wear a mask and respect social distance requirements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern, NY in Albany or to the St Jude’s Childrens Hospital, both causes he cared about deeply.

Dad’s Final Message: “I had a good time on Earth. See ya all on the other side!”