As I headed from the door to my car in the parking lot it was a bit like time was standing still. One step forward and I was moving toward what was next. One step backward and I was where I was comfortable, had many reliable business associates and was in a place where I made lifelong friends.

The past 8 years at ScanSource, Inc. were immensely valuable to me. I learned so much about the new age of marketing, how to create raving fans out of everyday customers, developing teammates to do more for themselves, and learning how to protect a corporate culture in an ever-competitive global economy. In fact, the lessons I learned there were beyond unteachable in school. It takes real world business to be impacted like I was during those years.

Here’s something I discovered: Sometimes you can be everything the ideal professional is supposed to be and still have challenges that cannot be solved by following what’s supposed to happen. The good news is these are the moments where you really grow up. I had many of those and I am a better leader, mother, friend and person because of them.

By changing nothing, nothing changes.

Sometimes to most appropriately apply your learnings it requires change. For me it was time for change. While I can’t say that I accomplished everything I had hoped at ScanSource, sometimes it takes a reality check to know when you have done all that you can. I had reached that point. Perhaps I was setting the bar too high and expecting too much from myself and others. Or, perhaps I’m just not that good. I know I can always improve and started believing I needed some sort of justification that doing something for myself for a change was the right path to take.

So here I am. With 28 days off ahead of me to focus on what’s important: my glorious children, my ever-supportive husband, my loyal 14-year old golden retriever/basset puppy, a neglected lake house, leading from within to support local charities and taking time to watch the branches blow in the breeze and hear the clock ticking in my kitchen. Honestly, I did that this morning and it was soul-soothing.

Those who know me, know I am passionate about three things. (1) influencing people to be better, (2) strategic, results-driven technology marketing and (3) learning something new every single day.

I’m psyched to open a new chapter in a new company with new endeavors on February 22, 2012. However, I’m not about to forget yesterday. Instead, I’m excited to apply my past to reach an even better tomorrow. That is the stuff that life is made of. For our careers shouldn’t define us, they should enhance us.

I’m eternally grateful for those who challenged me and lifted me up during my time at ScanSource. I may be gone, but you all are never forgotten.

In order of experience, I have listed below the people and things that completely impacted my life in such different, yet compelling ways. It was a trip that absolutely rocked my world and provided me with so many new perspectives on what really matters. I am thrilled to share this information and hope you find them just as worthwhile watching, reading or living! Cheers!

Tim Sanders

Speaker, Consultant, Author. Former Chief Solutions Office at Yahoo. Author of Today We are Rich & Love is the Killer App – he provides perspectives on confidence and cultivating an attitude of gratitude. I did a PR interview with Tim to post on our blog and cross promote his new book. http://www.twar.com

Roy Spence

CEO, GSC&M Idea City. Author of It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For. He was our  ScanSource keynote speaker: defining your purpose in life. This 60-minute video will inspire you to define what really matters to you. http://blogs.scansource.com/video-roy-spence-whats-your-purpose/   ||  http://www.itsnotwhatyousell.com/spence-about.htm

Doc Hendley

President, Wine to Water Non-profit Organization. Raised in Greenville, SC and now lives in Boone, NC. Our ScanSource keynote speaker: pursuing your passion and making a difference in the world. Doc launched a book on January 5, 2012 – add it to your Amazon wish list now! His 60-minute video will bring you to tears – extremely compelling mission. http://blogs.scansource.com/video-doc-hendley-wine-to-water/  ||  http://winetowater.org

Kendall Truitt

One of (2) survivors in the 1989 Explosion aboard the USS Iowa battleship that killed 47 shipmates. Kendall is a customer in Raleigh, NC. It wasn’t until I told him that I am a San Diego Navy Brat, that we started talking maritime shop. This ‘love for all things water’ connection led him to tell me his ultra-compelling story of disaster, conflict, courage & truth. His most compelling statement is that he now has no more bad days.  http://whatreallyhappened.com/RANCHO/CRASH/TWA/IOWA.html

Lucas Hoge

Singer, songwriter – host of Animal Planet cable television show Last Chance Highway. He was playing acoustic guitar in the Jack Daniel’s Saloon at the Gaylord Opryland during my stay. He made table rounds during his breaks along with Jeff Dayton and hung out with all us guests. He asked for song requests and I willingly offered up Keith Urban, which he played instantly. He is on a mission to deliver wholesome, kick-back country music with a Christian flare and unique soothing sound. http://lucashoge.com/

Jack Daniels Honey

When in Tennessee, how can you pass up a whiskey tasting? I never considered myself a brown liquor kind of girl, but the smooth, sweet sensation of JD Honey is a new found favorite! I highly recommend this chillaxin’ new cocktail which will forever bring back memories that changed my life during this compelling week in Nashville! This has to be the Navy Brat in me!! http://www.facebook.com/jackdanielshoney?sk=app_108407892579394

I’m taking a moment to give any of you associated with juvenile diabetes an insight into the ADA Camp Independence for kids ages 6-12. http://main.diabetes.org/site/Calendar/1834271383?view=Detail&id=4382. Emily Wilson flawlessly coordinates the entire event and her comments/recap of this year’s camp are noted below. Thanks to Lori Church for the opportunity to share our story. Greenville is very fortunate to have this event in our area – it’s definitely something worth looking into.

My husband Greg and I are the super proud parents of Type 1 pumper/sensor Griffin, age 6 and Type 3 princess Morgan, age 5. Shortly after Griffin’s diagnosis on February 15, 2008, we made the decision to not be sorry, but to be hopeful…to not be fearful, but to be knowledgeable…and to not hold back, but to let Griffin be all that he can be. So the research began; and it still continues today.

It wasn’t long into our search for support groups, resource libraries, educators, website tools and such that we discovered Camp Independence. We took Griffin when he was 5 for an hour-long visit to the 2009 event at Camp Buckhead on Paris Mountain. He immediately saw glucose monitors, pumps, OmniPods and kids who were ‘like him’ playing in the pond, jumping in the air castle, learning about healthy eating choices and having a ball in a completely diabetes friendly environment. As it brought tears to my eyes, it brought a song to Griffin’s heart – this was something he couldn’t wait to do when he turned 6! So we waited 12 months.

June 28- July 1, 2010 couldn’t come soon enough! In May, we told Griffin he could bring anyone he wanted to Camp Independence as a way to show him this camp is all about his choices not ours. His best friend, (and the girl he wants to marry, so he tells us Type 3 Sidney, was chosen without hesitation. Then, when Griffin learned it was at Furman University this year, he was ecstatic. This was way more than High School Musical – he was going to be in college!

Day 1 drop off was way harder for me than it was for Griffin and Sidney. This was definitely an extremely bittersweet moment – since it’s all about independence, right? They instantly forgot who I was and the fact that I was there as they entered an energetic conference room filled with 35+ kids, camp counselors, educators and medical assistants. So they were whisked away to create a name tag, write their name on their new water bottle, find a seat around the huge circle of tables and begin an art project. I drove off of the glamorous Furman campus knowing this was one of the best decisions Greg and I had ever made to enable Griffin on the path to diabetes self-management.

They had (2) swim days. They ate on campus and learned that pizza and burgers are a choice, but chicken, salads or pasta portions are a better choice. They got cool, free stuff. They walked a lot – so Griffin says. They laughed about everything. They brought home diabetes information for mom and dad. They checked BGs without someone asking ‘what are doing?’. At home, Griffin showed true interest in doing things himself or without hesitation if we asked him to do it. All his friends and counselors signed his t-shirt on the last day. And we heard for weeks following the camp, how many more days until we can go again? Priceless!

It all sounds so simple, but the short-term impact is profound and the long-term implications are yet to be discovered. If your Type 1 is age 6-12 by June 2011, you really need to ask more about this, consider it, pray that your child will be excited about it and then DO IT. You will note in Emily’s recap there is room for more and a need for medical staff – just another way you can get involved and support diabetic independence at a very early age!

Have a great weekend!
Mary Ellen

—– Forwarded Message —-
From: Emily Wilson

To: Mary Ellen Grom

Sent: Fri, July 9, 2010 12:57:52 PM
Subject: Re: Greenville Camp Independence

Hi Mary Ellen,

The things that we really tried to work on at camp this year were regular blood glucose testing and make nutritious and balanced food choices. Every day at lunch, the campers were accompanied by nutrition interns who helped them pick lunch. This was a challenge because the Furman dining hall has pizza, cheeseburgers, and ice cream just to name a few not-so-healthy choices. So, we really encouraged the kids to choose some vegetables in every meal. They also sometimes had to choose whether to, say, have a 2nd bowl of spaghetti or desert (which was sugar free). So, we tried to work with them on really thinking about what they were putting in their bodies and making good decisions.

We also are very regular about blood sugar testing. So, we had them check when they arrived every morning, before lunch, before afternoon snack, and before they left every day. Then, if we were doing something that was a high activity level (like swimming) we would have them check before and after that. Then, of course if anyone feels low we check right then. We do this for a couple of reasons: 1. to keep them safe at camp and 2. to get them in the habit of regularly checking. All of our kids are pretty good about this in their lives anyway, but it’s always good to think about other factors that could contribute to high or low blood sugars and do some preventative testing for that.

I think that camp this year went really well. It was a definitely adjustment being at Furman, but I think everyone really liked it. We had about the same number of kids who’ve been coming in the past years, but this year we had more kids with diabetes than before. I would love to see our camper numbers get back to about 50. One area where we struggle a little is getting the proper amount of medical staff in. So, if you know of any nurses, MDs, or PAs in the area who might be interested in attending, please pass along my contact information.

The kids really seemed to like most of our activities and participated really well in those. There are some activities that we’ll probably adjust for next year (no kids yoga and more swim time). Furman has a lot to offer us as a host camp, so I think we will keep Camp Independence there and continue to explore all of the activities that they offer.

Emily Wilson
Associate Manager, Programs
Central North Carolina
American Diabetes Association

1. Stayed at my first Hard Rock Hotel.

2. My kids had 2 field trips in one week during Wild Wild West summer camp.

3. Business trip to InfoComm2o1o. What a spectacular event!

4. Lounged in the Vegas Playboy members only nightclub at the Palms. Quite an experience.

5. My husband bought a new water toy for lake fun this summer – a 2-man tube with no seats. Wild ride!

6. I watched the Discovery Channel “Disaster in the Gulf” documentary. My opinion has changed.

7. Spent $210 CASH on taxi cabs because so many of them don’t take credit cards. What?

8. Enjoyed quality time with several co-workers who I don’t often see or have time to get to know.

9. Witnessed a rooftop open to the moon and stars  at 53 stories high. Bone-chilling!

10. Felt bones and muscles in my legs and back that I never knew I had after hours working a tradeshow booth.

The world is so full of opportunities to experience new things and become a better, more well-rounded person because of them.

What’s on your list of firsts this week?

Frick and Frack

It’s just been one of those weeks. Even though it was a short one, things have just been spiraling out of control.

1. new routines at Summer Camp

2. child #1 diabetic roller coaster ride with BGs from 60 – 469

3. child #2 ear infection requiring antibiotics

4. total thunderstorms, hail, rain damage all week

5. 14 year old dog on heart monitors with 2 sets of blood work

6. can’t get ahead of anything at work and I’m traveling next week

Yes, I could go on.  But in the grand scheme of things, these are not life threatening. Sometimes it’s just nice to vent, list these all out in an open forum and then begin to realize how lucky I really am. This week:

1. I was able to watch a cool Netflix streaming video with my husband called Play the Game with Andy Griffith. Great life message.

2. I haven’t had to go to the grocery store once for something I forgot.

3. My kids told me I looked like Hannah Montanna this morning before work.

4. My mom and dad are considering getting an iPad and they still use a VCR and do not use the ATM!

5. #1 child’s best friend agreed to attend the American Diabetes Association Camp Independence at the end of June.

Thanks. I feel better already.

I have always been taught (and still practice today) common courtesy. There’s a ton of time, effort and, most importantly money, that go into planning events of every size. Yes, I understand everyone is busy. But someone thought highly enough of you to invite you in the first place, so you should at least extend the favor of a reply. Is this crazy??

I will admit that online e-vites tend to get responses and it’s a bit easier to send reminders electronically than via snail mail. Maybe people feel more compelled to respond since often times all invitees can see who is coming, considering or declining the invitation. Peer pressure sets in. Maybe I need to do more inviting online, but to me it seems so less personal.

Really people. Please RSVP for heaven’s sake. It doesn’t take much and small things make a big difference. Yes or no. Your friends and family are counting on you.

In today’s crazy, frantic, hustle-bustle society, sometimes even stopping or slowing down to hold the door for someone can be viewed as going out of your way. That’s nonsense, but very true. Maybe it’s an atta-boy email. An unexpected hug. A hand written thank you note. Flashing your brights so the semi-truck in front of you knows that it is ok to move back over into your lane.

Little things mean a lot. Try a random act of kindness once a day…it keeps the optimism in play!

It’s interesting to see how dad has changed these past few years. He’s a cancer survivor and is getting to the point where he visibly cherishes every day, all the memories and new opportunities to live on through his grandchildren.

My 41st birthday is upon me next month and my dad called me last week (first sign of something – I always call him) to ask my ring size. WOW. Talk about blown away. Last year I received my maternal grandmother’s diamonds from my mom and the year before that dad gave me an inscribed heart pendant.  He is truly focused on creating gifts that last a lifetime and have so much meaning behind them through words he has never really been able to say himself.

Dad is really an inspiration. He built my confidence over the years to a level I never would have done on my own (sorry – I still don’t golf, Dad!).  He is genuinely interested in family and believes in the tradition of hand written notes – so much so that I learned calligraphy for my own wedding invitations. He loves to “chat over the fence” to neighbors, only mow the lawn on certain days of the week and is the biggest meat and potatoes fan I’ve ever known.

I dedicate another day of birthday celebration to my dad and would like  thoughts on how other people see their dads in themselves.  Regardless, it’s worth a few minutes to ponder.

So, I logged into WordPress to reactivate the blogger in me and begin to use this as an outlet for everything and anything moving forward.  Can’t wait to see where it goes.

Bon Voyage! This San Diego-born navy is about to navigate into unchartered seas. Don’t get caught on your ship of fools!