The Spark Behind It All

To My Beautiful Rangers—

You’ve done things with me I never imagined possible.

I had will and skill—passion and drive.But you gave me so much more: focus and direction.

You gave me language. You gave me training.You gave me the tools to define and refine myself—to sharpen my skillset into something usable, teachable, valuable.

Probe. Core. Troubleshoot. Resolve. Educate. Value.All while listening, caring, and connecting.That’s not just a training sequence—it’s a master template for life.

You taught me to stand.Not to be aggressive. Not to retreat.But to stand: clearly, kindly, sometimes firmly—always with grace, empathy, heart, excellence, and integrity.

I’ve lived my life jumping off cliffs, never knowing what was on the other side.It’s just how my brain works.I don’t know what I can or can’t do until I try.And if someone says, “That’s impossible”?Of course I have to find out for myself.

Sometimes I fly. Sometimes I crash.But I always learn.And I always own my mistakes—and my victories.

But so many of those victories weren’t mine alone.Yes, I did the work. I applied the lessons—like an out-of-control bulldozer.But it was you, my amazing Rangers,who taught me to apply every lesson to myself first—so I could help others the right way.

When I couldn’t see the path,when I didn’t understand how things intertwined—you held your breath while I explored every path, question, and option,trying to see how it all fit together...but you never let me fall off the edge.

You were always there.Kind. Firm. Clear. Consistent.Rooted in excellence and integrity.

And now I understand:At the end of every interaction, I know—

It’s mine.My responsibility.I must know the answer—or find it.Take ownership. Own my actions, my message, my mistakes.Get help. Fix what’s wrong. Learn from it.

Because that’s what Rangers do—and what you have taught me to do.And Rangers? They always teach by example first.

You ironed out my wiggles and wobbles with your brilliant mindsand extraordinary hearts.

I am an odd duck.Insane. Weird. Off the hook.And you never saw any of that as “wrong.”Or if you did, you never treated me like I was broken.You saw potential.You saw someone worth growing, teaching, and developing.

That’s what makes you all so beautiful.

So every mountain I climb—when I finally reach the ridge—you’re there with me.Because I couldn’t have reached that summit without you.

Your lessons and your kindness live in me now.I carry them with me into every question.

I’ve never had real teachers before. Not like this.I’ve had people try to use my quirks for their own gain.But not you.

You taught me the lines—and you showed me how to stay within them,while thinking far outside the box.

You taught me how to break down problems into bite-sized pieces,to uncover options and build resolutions.To listen—both to the spoken and the unspoken.And then use my words to probe for what’s real,to find the right answer—because every problem is different,and every person matters.

You are truly the best teachers in the world.

Raised by Rangers started as stories I told my grands…but it grew because I realized:Everyone deserves a Ranger.Everyone deserves teachers, guides, mentors—like you.

So if you ever wonder what you’ve done, just know:you took a truckload of mismatched tools,and helped me sharpen, clarify, and repurpose every one.

As we prepare for NYC, know this: it all started with you.Your patience. Your kindness.Your firm and clear lessons—one at a time—changed my life.

I’m not a teacher. Never will be.But I can share your magic with others.Because you’ve given me something too beautiful to keep to myself.

You’re the spark that lit the whole thing. Thank you.