ROLE MODEL

As much as things may change some things remain the same.  In my portfolio there will exist no denial of me being an arrogant, egotistical and stubborn son-of-a-gun.  There will be a number of references of exchanges in reference to the always aggressive and competitive style I display.

Remaining in tact where ever my talents have been released will be in effect written documents and physical monuments to continually serve as a guideline and a testament to the leadership ability that I demanded and portrayed.

To lead by example and be willing to go head first into battle has always been an admirable qualification at my disposal.  To be willing to accept and carry out these responsibilities with sometimes the lost of personal sacrifice but never compromising the lost of dignity, the lack of character or the void of pride is what makes this role so special and rare.  The mere knowledge of having others come to you for guidance and leadership with the distinction to possibly influence there lives forever.   

This is in by no way a responsibility to be taken lightly.

With great honor and pleasure, I take this time to take my hat off to my kids whom I love and cherish so much.  Elwanda, Joab, Eddie, Channel, Ernestine, Nickolas, and last but not least Joshua, you guys are the only constant in my life and the source of my motivation.  The pride and joy you guys bring is so magnificent that I want the whole wide world to know.

Often we have sometimes have had to endure some difficult struggles and we’ve survived.  Sometimes things don’t always go our way but we keep our heads held up high.  And though some things might come by pretty hard we never stop trying, and I love you all.

I want to thank you for the strength, character and style you display and posses.  Although you gave me smiles, hugs and kisses when I was laid up in the hospital I could see in the back of your eyes the tears, the pain and the suffering you must have carried in those tiny little hearts.  I want to thank you for being there because without the sound of your voices and the music you make when you laugh, without that tough guy character you try to display when you are concerned; without you, I don’t know if I’d have had enough strength or motivation to carry on.   
                                                                                                                   
This will no doubt be the most difficult challenge that we have ever had to face before.  The battle will indeed be a long and tedious one.  The progress will definite be slow and at times it’ll seems that there is no end in sight.  You all have had the good fortune of being blessed with the opportunity to take in first hand knowledge of a living testament on how the most debilitating of obstacles can be overcome.   

It gives me great pleasure to have the chance to share this lesson with you.  I know I will survive this journey and you all will come away with more valuable resources than you could ever know.

From this example you shall witness commitment, determination, character, love and devotion, courage and the grace in which this victory will be achieved.  This shall serve as a demonstration for how all the things you have learned over the years should come together.  This is vintage BURLEY and this obstacle only presents itself as another opportunity for me to be a role model.