We sent out and email this morning for the traditional Monday inspiration but it came through with gobbledygook. Sorry for that. As a back up, we’re posting the 2016 PATH Adventure opening email here:
Dear PATH’s Greatest Hits Player!
Welcome to our 25th Anniversary! We thought we’d take this opportunity to play off the idea of great music. What’s your favorite greatest hits album? Don’t forget to read the Intro Newsletter and the Week One news for added support.
My first Greatest Hits album was Earth Wind and Fire, Vol 1. (EWF), 1979. It was also the first album I bought with my own money that I worked hard to earn. My parents and I set it up as a goal. If I wanted it, I had to make it happen. And I wanted it bad. Heather Robertson didn’t have it yet. She had Rapper’s Delight, the very first rap song ever. She was so darn cool. When we all went to her house, we’d put that album on and sing all the words. All 15 minutes of it.
“To the bang b
ang boogie, say, up jump the boogie, to the rhythm of the boogie, the beat.”
What does that even mean? Anyway, if I could get my hands on EWF, all the gang would come to my house to sing September into our hairbrushes and Jean Nate bottles. We’d make up some killer dance moves too. I could just see it!
I mowed the lawn, walked the dog, biked to the store for milk, vacuumed, dusted, and vacuumed some more. And oh how I saved. Even though Bonnie Bell Lip Smacker’s latest flavor was calling me like a siren. The gang helped me keep track. I got within $2 when Heather came to school saying she was going next weekend to buy it.
Come on! I pleaded with my mom. Dad was ready to cave (a closeted EWF fan himself). No way, mom’s shoe tap and crossed arms said. Head down, I turned and departed the room defeated, a pitiful exit. Then mom exhaled with irritation, “Ok geeze! I’ve got $2 in my purse for the hard worker who can clean the basement and still get her homework done.” I can count three times in my life when I’ve actually lept in the air to clean house: 1) when I found out my adopted son was coming to live with me for good, 2) the first time the love of my life came to visit, and 3) EWF within reach. When I hit the hay that night covered in dust, mom gave me the sweetest pride swooning hug. Priceless.
I went over to Heather’s house the next day to tell the gang the news and they should all stop over this weekend. We high-fived and then Heather unwrapped a fresh copy. Waaaann waaa, bubble burst. But the gang? They said, “Let’s wait until G’s house.” Right on. Heather snapped her juicy fruit blankly for a second and said, “Like totally! Boogie to the beat anyone?”
A goal is one thing when it’s all on your own. It’s quite another when we all honor each other and get there as one.
Oh, and my favorite song on the EWF Vol 1 album to this day (maybe my favorite ever) is Fantasy. Here’s one reason why: “Our voices will ring together, as one!”
Enjoy the Journey of Your Greatest Hits when it comes to your story, your health, and your wellbeing. Share with us so we can pass it on.
See you on The PATH Ahead!
Gillian, Shevonne, Amy, Larae and the whole VEHI PATH Team
(PS. Please don’t reply to this email. If you have questions or want to sahre a story, please write to [email protected] or check in on our Facebook page.)