P4 is a fellow educator and all of his names...first, middle, last AND confirmation names, begin with the letter P. Thus the moniker of P4 :)
Recently he shared with me that he is about to celebrate one of those "landmark" birthdays and has done some reflecting. I think he is one of those friends that is a blessing and once-in-a-lifetime pal and I am lucky to have him in my life. Allow me to reflect on P4...
P4 is one of those few people in my professional life that I have 1000% respect for. Many I respect, many I like, many I think a lot of. P4 has my complete admiration and respect because the fabric of the character and soul of this man is something we all should aspire to be. He is a true friend in every sense of the meaning.
He is solid, never rattled. Never have I seen him lose his temper or lose his focus. He may not be happy with a situation but he stays the course and stays on task to remain his amazing professional self. I have asked his advice more than once and upon hearing what he had to say with regard to issues I could not see clearly through, I was always amazed at his insight, always relieved that my friend never judged me, always grateful for solid guidance from someone I could trust.
He is a dear, kind, dependable friend. We have gone through some tough things this in our family this last year and they have caused me a great deal of worry. My blood family and hometown friends are 500 miles away and I have never really felt like there were a great many here where I live that I could call if something happened and I needed a friend to come stand by me. P4 is one of those few. I know if something dire came to pass, something that brought me to my knees, all I would have to do is pick up the phone. That is who he is.
He is a deeply spiritual person. I love the fact that this gentleman (and I do not use that term lightly with him, he is the TRUE gentleman women look up to) still holds his faith high and that I can hold a discussion with him about faith issues and spiritual matters. And though the topic may not be one we agree on in part or entirety, he understands and respects my thoughts and feelings.
P4 is also the kind of friend who gives you those words when you need to hear them and seems to know without being told exactly when that is. If you've read my whole blog to this point, you'll know that we brought a young woman and a blind pup into our lives one night 11 years ago. It was gut wrenching in the beginning with all they had been through and things she continued to have to deal with. I recall vividly having a conversation with P4 telling him about what the hubs and I had done to bring them into our lives. He looked me in the eye, with a lump in his throat said, "Sally, you need to know that not many people would even consider doing what you did. You did the right thing and I hope you know that." His support meant the world to me because I trust him that 1000%. I knew we had done the right thing but hearing his words meant the world to me.
I trust him with things to the point that I can say "P4, did I do something stupid and make a bad move?" He would never say YES, he'd say "awwww it's a lesson." And then proceed to assist me in analyzing the "lesson" and advise if I asked, what my best move would be.
He's an amazing Dad. Two amazing kids. He would tell me stories over the years about things he did with them. P4 is the Dad I had, the Dad we all hope to have or are grateful we do/did.
He's a loving husband. I've never in all these years met his wife but it is clear that these two love and support one another. He talks about her with a smile on his face every time he mentions her name.
Smile...P4 is the kind of person who, even when they are having a rough day, has a smile in his eyes and the corners of his mouth curved in a smile. And the best laugh...it pulls you in and requires that you join him in high spirits.
P4 is encouraging, positive. So many times I have had conversations with him and he never knew that I was having a lousy day. His amazing attitude would always refocus my outlook and bring me to a new place. When I have had new adventures, he encourages me, respects me, lifts me up. When I am not in a great place, he makes me laugh and see life as it really is...a blessing, a lesson and a gift to be embraced.
He is the consummate professional. P4 has asked me to collaborate on projects and we have shared projects together. Every. Single. Time he is what every person pictures as the business professional. I know I have never told him outright but there are situations that I actively go to my mind and ask myself "What would P4 do in this situation...because I want to freaking kill this idiot and I know he'd have a different solution."
SMART, holy cow. I wish I had the knowledge and brains that my friend has. And well-read is a significant understatement. He can tell you what is going on in every part of the world! Accomplished, intelligent, driven. P4, you are a WOW in my world.
Here's to you and that landmark birthday you are reflecting on my friend. You mentioned you are reflecting on how blessed you are. Well, I am the one blessed with your friendship and hope to be until the day God calls us both home. YOU are my blessing and you have no idea how many people think the same.
Here's to you P4, have a nice scotch and cigar on that birthday and know that I think you ROCK.
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