Promptings
He laid there hidden by the bush for hours. Two women, oblivious to the bush and its’ hidden secret, just continued batting tennis balls, back and forth, back and forth, until finally one ball sails over the fence. The forerunner to his body’s discovery was now the tennis ball for it landed next to his silent and now cold body. Reaching to retrieve the errant sphere by one of the Tennis combatants exposes him lying lifelessly staring as only the dead can stare.
Two thousand miles to the east and some nine hours since the tennis ball’s discovery a phone rings in a New Jersey flat. Phone calls at three am always harbor chilling thoughts of, ” This can’t be good“, and this call was no exception. You see the brother of the discovered body was the one answering the phone. As the scene of this tragedy is unfurled through the phone receiver, tears and emotional thoughts of the last time he saw his brother begin. Staring out the apartment window at the brick wall of the building next door he says “I’m so sorry Kris, I love you and miss you and Kris I promise to never ever let this happen again”
Back tracking events we see him at his Parents home saying good bye. He, his wife and their eighteen month daughter, was off to a new job two thousand miles away. Excited and anxious to be on the way he backs out on to the street and proceeds to drive away. As he starts to leave he sees his older brother Kris parking some cars on the lot next to his parents. That’s the moment when it came! The gut feeling urging him to stop, get out of the car and say goodbye. However like many millions, self interest of I gotta get going rode roughshod over any thought of stopping the car. So the obligatory Horn honk and a shout “Bye, talk to you later Bro” sufficed.
Two months pass and on this particular day four hours before the tennis ball revelation, Kris is up on a metal pole changing burned out light bulbs over a tennis court. As he is pulling on the metal cable attached to the wiring harness and light standards bringing the fixtures to him for light bulb replacement the cable snaps and flies over his head wrapping around a 72,000 volt electrical line.
Okay, we now have all the facts of this story. For those who are hearing this for the first time let’s concentrate on that little phrase “Kris I promise to never ever let this happen again”. It took Twenty years to fulfill this promise. The mission to keep the Promise culminated with the launching of a company whose sole mission and “WHY” is to “Celebrate life while there is still Life to celebrate”. Exceeding all expectations this company has touched hearts of millions who now have a vehicle allowing for the execution of those “Gut feelings“.
On the heels of this success that Brother has Authored a best selling book titled “Promptings“. Promptings far exceeds my attempt to explain what this Tragic Death gave birth. Promptings is a read for everyone. It reveals the inner craving for which we all desperately yearn. The need to be appreciated. Kody Bateman is that Brother and the video below gives an inkling to what has driven him these many years.
I'm a 74 year old man who loves this new medium of Blogging. I am also an Senior Manager in Send Out Cards which gives me a superior method of relating to the world through Greeting Cards. I have met and enjoyed wonderful friends who support me and actually LIKE me which is very rewarding. My online presence is growing and if I can hang on to life I will reap the benefits of establishing a business that will comfort me when I get old. Mostly however I Blog about my life which for some strange reason is well received. Like most of us the future is scary and the remembrance of older days give a measure of comfort. So I continue to reveal the past with optimism that the future will some day be the comfort of somebody else.39 Comments
Leave a Reply
-
-
-
Do You Want More Referrals?
-
Are Ready for Your Own At Home Business?
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Steve L. Vernon, Nelson Schroeder. Nelson Schroeder said: Promptings, http://ow.ly/2n0J7 , a story of Death to Life [...]
Teaches a valuable lesson that is take time to smell the roses and tell those people in your life you do truly care about them for the day will come when it’s already too darn late.
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 11:16 am
That it does Monty. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
[Reply]
Nelson,
You bring home how important it is to say something when you have the chance as you never know what will happen. Heart-breaking story on how precarious our lives are.
Thanks for sharing and reminding me of this,
Val
Val Wilcox´s last [type] ..The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Not sure I wanted to post this story. But I did anyway. It does have a point if on only want to see it. Thanks Val for commenting.
Nelson´s last [type] ..Promptings
[Reply]
Nelson,
What a very sad reminder that we need to always take the time to tell those we love how we feel every chance we get. It’s amazing how Kody Bateman has used this tragedy to move the rest of us to prevent the same from happening to us. I can’t imagine how I would feel if that was me. Thanks for sharing his ability to turn it into something great and worthwhile for so many people. I am adding Promptings to my reading list.
Thanks again for a very memorable post with an excellent message.
Dawn and Dave
Dave and Dawn Cook´s last [type] ..Use Metcalfe’s Law to Build Your Network
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Dave or Dawn, there is a saying “One has to die so others may Live” Scripturally true also. Who can tell how many have been bless by the death of Kris Bateman. Certainly most never knew of him. The power we possess as humans is awesome. Thanks guy for commenting today, I appreciate you and what you do for me every day. If you aren’t SOC members just send me your address and I’ll get Promptings for you as my thanks for two just super people.
Nelson´s last [type] ..Promptings
[Reply]
Hi Nelson,
Met you through TSA. Excellent posting, thanks for a heart felt reminder how precious our loved ones are. It is sad how sometime it takes a death for one to relize how they feel about someone.
Due to illness, I lost my sister whom I spoke to almost daily and I felt lost. I could no longer pick the phone up to call her. It hit me hard, but I remembered the good times we had together and how at the end of each conversation we always said ” I love you” to each other.
We should always let those we love and care about know how we feel. You may look around one day and it will be too late.
Thanks again for the reminder, Nelson.
~ Corneal
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Corneal, you perhaps more than most get it. I was the last family member who got to talk to my sister just before she died. I know the loss. GOD Bless.
[Reply]
Wow Nelson,
This hits home for me. Many years ago my teenage boys went through painfully rebellious times. I remember telling my husband, “If I should die today, please do not allow the boys to get up and say nice things about me.” This surprised even me to hear myself say it. It was because our relationship was so strained that very little of what was said was kind much less celebrated.
Of course everything has all changed today (praise God) and we each have restored love and kindness, but this story really brings home every reason why we need to celebrate each other in the present moment, even during rebellious times. We are all of great value and worth and surely precious reminders like this can affect us in both head and heart if we allow them to.
Thank you Nelson.
Kellie
Kellie Frazier´s last [type] ..When Your Income Remains The Same – What to Do to Increase It – Success Pillar Nine
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Kellie, the pain of not celebrating life while there is still life is so intense that some people never recover. GOD is faithful and always knows the end before we do. I’m glad you now can reap the joy of your sons lives. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Later Gator.
[Reply]
Nelson – Kody Bateman is so amazing! This story is so sad and always leaves a sick feeling in my stomach until I look to see what he has made in spite of this tragedy! Send Out Cards is so great at helping us celebrate people while they are still with us!! I need to get that book too. Thanks for sharing such an important story!
Glyna humm´s last [type] ..Negativity – What Is It Good For
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Yes Glyna, Kody is a phenom who seeks only the best for us. SOC is by far the most caring and giving Company I have ever seen. Talk to you later tonight if you can find your Mic.
Nelson´s last [type] ..Promptings
[Reply]
Thanks Nelson! I have to call my brother! Thanks for the inspiration!
Always balancing,
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Good for you Rafael. And keep calling or staying in touch some way. Thanks for commenting today.
[Reply]
what a beautiful story to come from a tragic occurrence. i am always so impressed with your story-telling nelson, what a gift!
Melissa McCloud´s last [type] ..Riddle Me This
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Thank you Melissa for your kind comments. I hope I can retain my facilities long enough to continue blogging.
Nelson´s last [type] ..Promptings
[Reply]
Hi Nelson,
This story really gets you thinking. I have heard many times over and over similar stories when you argue with someone and before you are able to reach out and make up with them, something happens and it is too late.
If I have a disagreement with someone, I don’t like to end the day on a negative note. Personally I reach out and try to resolve it. Your story points out why you should because you never know.
Thank you for sharing this.
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Prospecting Hero´s last [type] ..Five Ways To SEO My MLM Sales Strategies for the Home Business Owner WordPress Blog Part 1
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 7:35 am
Tommy, somehow as a race (human) we find it hard to do certain things. Ego, Pride or just plain Anger. Hopefully someone will take the time to reach out and connect with their love ones. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. My favorite book says something that mirrors your comment. “Don’t let the Sun go down on your Wrath” Again good to have you visit.
[Reply]
I’m familiar with the story and understand how Bateman has used it to reflect not just on what might have been, but what could be. I can also identify with it as I often have promptings to reach out to people. At times I do (with a call, card, or otherwise) at times I shove it aside. Life can be hectic. Life is a balance, indeed often a precarious balance… between responding and not responding to promptings to do what seems good, and responding to and not responding to indulgences (also known as temptations by some). We learn from our mistakes. We rejoice in the present. We plan for the future as best we can.
You did a nice job with the retelling.
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 10:39 am
Thanks Richard for an honest comment. Yep life often gets in the way. That is probably the coolest thing about what Kody has done. We can a few seconds follow that prompting and get lasting results. Good comment and please do stop by again.
[Reply]
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 6:09 am
Thanks for visiting. Feel free to come back anytime and bring a name with you.
[Reply]
I was nervous when I read “the body’s discovery’ right at the beginning. I was hoping it was going to lead to a chuckle of a pet dog or a lost cat.
When I saw that the message in this post is a very important, to respond to the promptings we’re given.
This message is dear to my heart also because last month, the daughter of one of my very best friends was murdered while strolling in a local park. Unbelievable. Like you, I recognize the need to listen to promptings!
Linda G. Cox´s last [type] ..I Feel the Power!The Recipe For A Healthy Self-Esteem Part Three
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
I can’t imagine a better friend to have than you when your best friend suffered such an unspeakable loss. In Kody’s book he stress also the need to comfort those who suffer loss. Linda I regard you as a true warrior in this battle of life. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Nelson´s last [type] ..Promptings
[Reply]
Nelson,
I was not aware of the story behind the creation of SOC, and now because of your thoughtful telling of its origins, I have a greater appreciation for what Mr. Bateman has done.
I wish I could say I always take the time to say “I love you” to those who matter most to me, but as I am merely human, I am as guilty as any of rushing out the door to my perceived “next important thing” without taking the time to be present with the ones who matter most to me.
Another powerful post from you, Nelson.
Mary Lou
Mary Lou Kayser´s last [type] ..The Most Powerful Marketing Force Today And How to Cash in on It
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Mary I’m not sure why I do what I do. I have, and my wife also, the habit of going to my wife a kissing her and telling her I love her every time I leave her. When sometimes I perceive that it is a routine by rote I’ll go up to her and really lay one on her(you know what I mean) and tell how how she means to me. Over the years we have grown very very close because we hold nothing back. It give us comfort to know what we mean to each other. Anyway that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Thanks for commenting.
[Reply]
Nelson,
You are a natural story teller. What a way with words. You paint a picture with pieces missing, holding me, the reader, in total suspense, hanging on every word until the pieces start to fit together and the story makes sense. I have a cousin who was obviously ill and I kept being too busy, always intending to visit with her – and then she passed away. I still regret not making the time for her.
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Don’t we all have those regrets. What Kody has put together is a way for us to act on the fleeting thoughts that run through our minds. We will still miss some but at less we have a start. Your comments mean a lot to me Erica because I see in you a caring thoughtful lady. Thanks for dropping in.
[Reply]
Thanks for sharing that story. It is so very important to listen and act on promptings because you never know if in the future you will have the chance. Very powerful Nelson!
Lori
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Lori, it is powerful isn’t it. My wife and I practice everyday the touching of lives that we would ordinary not even think about. Especially our own. I never leave her with out saying how much I love her. We’re really mushy old people.
Nelson´s last [type] ..Promptings
[Reply]
I guess I don’t really think about this much. I pretty much always keep things to myself, at least verbally.
I take this as a warning to get out there and communicate on a deeper level. Thanks for the push, Nelson.
David Merrill´s last [type] ..Capture Leads With Your Best Opt-In Pitch Ever
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 5:32 am
Your welcome David. I guess this something that is different for each individual. What probably is the important issue is the relationship we want to established with others. I too like you find it difficult to show emotions. Hey good to see you here again. We need to talk on Skype sometime.
[Reply]
Nelson,
Such an important message for us all. We especially connected with the part where he says how everyone want to love and be loved… so true. After all, that is really what it’s all about.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
http://TheCoolestCouple.com
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Yes it is Lorna, to be love and to love, the panacea for what ails the human race. Nice to seen you not in my spam folder. As always I look up to TSA leaders like you to guide me with wisdom and encouragement. Thanks a bunch for stopping by.
Nelson´s last [type] ..Promptings
[Reply]
One of my good friends in my networking meetings is a SOC consultant and I had heard this story from her, but you tell in your own special way. I always think of SOC as a business tools but it can be much more than that. Thanks so much for the reminder. If you think of your self as your business, the business of Nelson Schroeder, then everybody in your life should be treated like you would a customer. So in a sense, SOC is a business tool.
Nicole Rushin´s last [type] ..The Psychology of Follow-Up and the Second Cup
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 5:17 am
SOC Consultant. Hmm, not sure how that works. Your friend is probably a Distributor and wants to mitigate the inference of a possible MLM link. No matter it all still boils down to personal relationships whether Business or Personal. I use SOC in both areas and I sell the concept to both Businesses and stay at home people who want to touch lives. Great company with a great message. As always Nicole you bring to my palate informative content with your comments. Thanks for contributing.
[Reply]
Nelson, I have heard Kody tell that story live several times live – gives me goose bumps every time – your version is simply amazing. I have yet to read Promptings but it is on my winter reading list for sure.
Tim Somers´s last [type] ..TSA Gives My Send Out Cards Blog A Boost
[Reply]
Nelson Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 4:58 am
Tim, Kody does his story well. Like you I get welled up inside. Thanks for post and come back anytime.
[Reply]