President's Message

By Pete DeBrusk

April 2012:
I thought that writing the Presidents Notes would be easy. Just jot down some thoughts once in a while – what could be easier. Well as I sit here retyping the first sentence for the 3rd or 4th time I decided that I would turn off of the well-traveled path of wondering if it will be an early spring or wishing everyone a busy season (warning: that article could be next) and tell you about a friend, Andrew. He is a great guy and always has a smile and a helping hand. He has an infectious personality that seems to make everyone’s day better. Andrew is a ski instructor and we saw him often in the winter and my family and I always looked forward to seeing and skiing with him. He also battled alcoholism for most of his adult life, a battle that brought him many personal hardships, and never made his life easier or better only worse and more difficult.

In December our oldest son Cam, told my wife and I that our friend Andrew had a conversation with him about a year ago. In short he told Cam not to ruin his life the way he had done to his own. It was a very positive message and our son was telling us about the powerful impact it had on his life.

When I heard this I was very grateful and looked forward to seeing him this winter so I could thank him and let him know that he had a positive affect on my son’s life.

Unfortunately he passed away a few days ago and I missed the chance to thank him.

This has caused me to reflect on the many people who have been positive influences in my life and who I have not taken the time to thank or acknowledge. My point in writing this is that as we head into a busy spring and summer I will take a couple of minutes to stay in touch with friends and family and thank all of the people that make our jobs and lives better. There are so many, and it always leaves a big hole when they are gone.

I hope that you will do the same.

P.S. Do not forget! Write an article for the Newsletter and win $200. Here is what you need to do:
Email articles to Peter DeBrusk at pldturf@tds.net. I will forward them to the Newsletter for publishing.

Articles must be submitted by November 30th, 2012. All articles will be judged by the NHLA Board of Directors at the December meeting. The prize will be awarded at the January Winter Conference. You are welcome to submit as many as you like.