Bert Crosson

Gather around, I have a quick holiday story for you…I spent a good part of my drive to deer camp today on the phone with clients. A few calls were about business, a couple I was just checking in to see how they were doing. I was by myself, so as always, trying to make the most of my day. I spoke to a client I’ll call “Gene”, he’s been a client since 1998. Even though he lives near me, I haven’t seen him in person since 2005, there’s been no need, we talk on the phone and he’s fine with that. Gene never married, so no kids. He tells me how he travels to see cousins, and for a short while a “lady friend” in Canada. Haven’t heard about her for a while. I’m not going to say his profession, but it was extremely interesting, he has a PhD and a know expert. Gene is 79, told me he still bikes through the city, 60 miles a week! I asked what his plans were for Thanksgiving. He said he’ll cook himself a vegan meal and some shows he enjoys will keep him busy. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No gifts, no stress, just me, my wife, the boys, and now our daughter in law . There’s food, drinks, football and none of our crazy extended families. It just for us, and I love it. After Gene and I hung up, I called my wife. She’s never met Gene, but she knows all about each and every one of my clients. I asked her if it would be okay if I invited him over for Thanksgiving. No surprise, she said “of course”. So I did. He was so taken back by the invitation and couldn’t accept it fast enough. He asked what he could bring. I asked what he’d like to. He said he makes a fantastic salad. I said bring it. I offered to send a car to pick him up and take him home. He thanked me and said he’ll drive himself. Again, he’s 79… This is what Thanksgiving is about, give thanks to the people in your life, the ones who have been with you for the ride. Gene trusted me early in my career. Without guys like him I wouldn’t be where I am today. I can’t wait to seat him at the dining room table with the people who mean more to me in life than anything.