44 years ago today, I was born the son of Ralph Wesley Bayfield and Joan Jopson Bayfield in Wilmington, Delaware. Typically birthdays are a time people give you gifts to celebrate the occasion, and whereas that's all well and good - I decided I'd like to try to put a little focus on giving rather than receiving. So I've decided to share some words as part of that effort.
When I was growing up, my family spent several weeks every summer at a little cottage in Cape May Point, NJ. There my parents became good friends with Paul and Linda Westman. Paul was an amazing and charming man. He passed away a few years ago in September of 2009. Paul was survived by Linda, and their daughter, Karin. Many gathered in celebration of his life, and the program for the memorial service included the following list on a separate page, and I'd like to share it; The Top 12 Things We Learned From Paul Westman.
12. Take the road less traveled...especially if it goes by a Cracker Barrel. Or a cafeteria. Or a diner. Or a grocery store. Or a flea market.
11. It must be cheaper somewhere else.
10. If the Good Lord had meant for us to dress up, He wouldn't have invented sweatpants and sandals.
9. The furniture is there to be rearranged. And so is everything else.
8. If there's a holiday (any holiday), it must be celebrated...
7. ...preferably with pork, the perfect food.
6. Live by three C's: Creativity, Compassion, Conversation
5. Keep a song in your heart. Gospel, country, Disney, opera, musicals...or whatever kinds of music speak to you.
4. The best way to end the day: Take a drink down to the beach and watch the sun set.
3. The best time to work is between 1 and 3 in the morning.
2. There's always time for a little something and a little nap.
1. As people would say upon meeting him, "He must be a joy to live with".
I don't know if I'll ever be as warm, funny, profound and kind as Paul, but every day is a good day to try. If I have a little success at it - maybe one day I'll be a joy to live with, and be remembered well...like Paul.
