Life is all about what you don't know but soon find out

As the holiday season continues to float amidst the air, I got an email today from a fellow ag communicator in Utah about a donation we made to a charity in the name of someone great. We are both a member of a group called COSDA where we get together each year to discuss news ideas and challenges in the agriculture industry. This October, we lost a fellow aggie, professional, leader and dear ole friend, Doug from New Mexico. We all knew Doug - he was in his 80's, could run circles around us all and seemed to have a heart of gold. His outlook on life and hot peppers was beyond my imagination. God had better things for Doug this October when he went to be in heaven. RIP Doug.

What I learned this year is that Doug was more than a COSDA member, more than just an aggie communicator, more than just a friend. Doug made a profound impact on his community and was the founder of the Salvation Army's Dress the Child Program - something he started more than 20 years ago. Today, we got confirmation that our COSDA group was able to clothe 5 children this season, in Doug's name. And these clothes went to children that more than likely had never had new clothes before. My heart aches and is jumping for joy.

I guess you never really know someone. You think you do, but you don't. You may see one thing in a person and then realize that there is so much more to them - whether good or bad. There have been many people that have touched my life in one way or another over the past few years. They have all made impacts and have all taught me lesson. You never really know a person.

As I gear up for Christmas this year with my family, I will hold the things that Doug taught me close to my heart. Giving to others through love, caring or monetary value is something that we all can do. We all possess the qualities to be good, compassionate people. We have that power. Now go out this holiday season and give more hugs than usual, apologize to those you have hurt over the years, give to the truly needy if you can and give each person a smile - they may need it more than you do.

Happy Holidays, my friends!!