Special Weekend in May

My Dad is recovering a very long surgery today and as I think about the past, I would be remisce if I did not recognize the many sacrifices made by our service men and women. I learn from my Dad and Mom every day. We should remember the wisdom and lessons showcased by those that traveled before us. The doors that were opened and the glass ceilings smashed...none of this without the courage of those before us.

So my friends, Life Lesson #7 From the Coach's Daughter is...Study the past, Live in the present, Plan for the future. I wish a safe Memorial holiday to All!

Life Lesson #6 From the Coach's Daughter

Good morning All! I started the day today by calling my Dad. He is having surgery and it will be lengthy one. Rightfully, he is feeling anxious and I wanted to remind him of the fighting, positive Tate spirit I inherited. He chuckled and said, "I need to pull myself up out of this, don't I?" I confirmed that he did, but I also told him pain and anxiety could wreck havoc on the strongest of mortals. I will ask you to say a prayer for the Coach today. I know he will feel your warm thoughts.

So the Life Lesson today is...People do care. Don't be afraid to ask for help and kind words.
P.S. This is a hard one for me and I work to remind myself regularly.

Life Lesson #5 From the Coach's Daughter

My thoughts today revolve around PRACTICE. As the Coach always said, "Jod, you'll never feel good about something you are trying to accomplish unless you practice the skill over and over again." The Coach obviously took part in many football practices, but he also practiced many sports over the years that he then would excel in.

I will never forget the phone call I recieved a few years ago from my Dad. He was unusually animated on the phone. I learned that the round of golf he just finished included a hole in one. Not bad for someone in their 70's! The Coach still shoots in the 70's today and he will be 80 years old next year.

So my friends, the Life Lesson From the Coach's Daughter is...To truly succeed at anything, you must know how to do it and then PRACTICE it (Sometimes until you are ready to drop). Do you strive to be excellent or average?

Check out one of the best practicing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq7lJomLfQQ

Life Lesson #4 From the Coach's Daughter

We need to be really clear about sports and the Tate family. Anything can qualify as sport, it does not require a ball. The Tate brothers/sisters love to play Bridge, the card game. I remember witnessing a game played in the hotel room of a Holiday Inn in Mattoon Illinois at an annual family reunion. The Coach was partnered with my Uncle Reg and Uncle Dickie and Aunt Vie were a duo. I was mesmerized at the skill and the negotiation that went on through out the game. Did I mention the brutal talking across the table that also accompanied each hand? This was meant to throw each person off their game and distract their focus. The Tates do not compete gently! LOL :O)

I don't remember who won that game and that is not what is important. It was the competition and comraderie that took place that matters. No need for laws or referees, each person in the game knew the boundaries, but did not hesitate to push them. Come to think of it, I think Aunt Vie and Uncle Dickie won because Aunt Vie danced on the bed at age 85!

So this Life Lesson from the Coach's Daughter is...When it comes to negotiations; know your opponents, know your game, and know when to push the limit or walk away.

Life Lesson #3 From the Coach's Daughter

A couple of years back, Wake Forest organized a reunion of all the football players that played under my Dad during his years there. The reunion was held at the new Bridger Field House and it was quite a weekend. Players came in from all over the country to reconnect, remember, and pay tribute to the school and the Coach. I was honored to meet these guys and listen to their stories. I will share more of them with you in the coming months. Today, I want to tell you about the "power" of the room that night. When I say "power", you must visualize round tables surrounded by people talking and laughing out loud. Football players don't do anything quietly when in a group together! One by one they would come to the podium to share their unique experience at WFU and with the teams the Coach lead. There was hearty laughter and poking fun at the Coach, but there was also tears (not of sadness, but of memories). I realized the "power" of the room that evening. These men had all accomplished much and all there understood the "power" of reconnecting. I heard some astounding stories that night. You must remember we were back in a time (1963-1968) when the climate was tumultous. I was so proud to hear how the Coach lead the way during these times at WFU. As I share these life lessons with you, more will unfold that I feel is important to remember. I hope these stories will inspire you to make a difference in one person's life.

So Life Lesson #3 From the Coach's Daughter is...Realize the "power" in a room. When you attend a function, reconnect with those in the room or reach out to those you do not know. Reconnect, Remember, and Reach Out. It will be good for your soul and your business!