National Running Day, June 1. This day is designated as a way for runners to reaffirm their passion for running and to encourage beginners to make a life-changing commitment to running.

World Oceans Day, June 8. On World Oceans Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honor our ocean, which connects us all.

Father’s Day, June 19. Send a card, make a call, or share a meal—just remember to tell your dad or father figure you love him.

World Giraffe Day, June 21. World Giraffe Day  is dedicated to Operation Sahel Giraffe II, the second giraffe conservation translocation in West Africa.

Huge leatherback sea turtles, which weigh as much as a compact car and date back to the dinosaur age, migrate thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean to the coasts of Central and South America. According to U.S. News & World Report, scientists were startled by the discovery that leatherbacks could make such a long journey, feasting on jellyfish in cold water off the U.S. west coast, before heading back home. 

Now scientists are worried because the number of leatherback turtles off of California has dropped 80% in the last 30 years, for a 5.6% annual decline. If it continues—due to  international fishing, and the loss of nesting grounds—they could disappear off the coast within 30 years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has launched an aggressive campaign to save them by reducing the number of eggs taken on beaches and reducing the number of leatherbacks tangled up in nets by commercial fishing.

Should you wash that new shirt or sweater before wearing it? Probably, especially if it’s clothing for a child. Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician who answers questions on the CNN website, cautions that clothes have probably been handled by many different people in factories and stores before reaching store shelves.

In addition, clothing may have been sprayed or treated with chemicals to prevent bacteria growth or to keep them smelling fresh. Wash new clothes, or at least air them out thoroughly, before letting them get close to any sensitive skin.

Sometimes people say things to you at just the right time, and they change your life forever. Perhaps it was a coincidence, or perhaps it was part of a mysterious master plan. Perhaps everyone you meet in life, you meet for a reason. You learn something from that person, and sometimes the lesson is quite stark. Here’s an example of what I mean:

A 13-year-old boy tried to convince his 8-year-old brother to skateboard down a small hill. It took quite a while, as the younger brother was really nervous about it.

They were at a big, public park, and nearby there was an old woman who looked about 75 years old. She was sitting on a bench watching them.

The younger brother was practically crying, and the older brother was embarrassed that he was being such a wimp.

He kept saying, "I might crash. I'm afraid!"

The older brother was really putting the pressure on when the old woman got up and walked over to them. The boys thought she was going to tell them to quit arguing.

Instead, she raised her fist defiantly at the younger brother and said, "So be afraid! And then do it anyway!" He swallowed and took off. And he did just fine.

It was a revelation that it's not about being unafraid. It's about being afraid and doing it anyway.

Did you ever have a moment like this, when your perspective changed, all at once, because of something someone said?

Warm Regards,

Gino Pezzani

One day I overheard the teacher tell the inspector that I was "addled" and it would not be worthwhile keeping me in school any longer. I was so hurt by this that I burst out crying and went home and told my mother about it.

Then I found out what a good thing a strong mother is. She came out as my fierce defender. Mother love was aroused, and mother pride was wounded to the quick.

She brought me back to the school and angrily told the teacher that he didn’t know what he was talking about. In fact, she was the most enthusiastic champion anyone could ever have, and I determined right then that I would show her that her confidence was not misplaced.

The man telling the story about his mother’s love and commitment is Thomas Edison.

One of the most prolific and ingenious inventors of all time, Thomas Edison was homeschooled until he set out on his own at the age of sixteen, openly grateful for his mother’s support and education throughout his life.

Not only can we acknowledge Edison’s mom, who eventually lit the way for us all, we can also acknowledge all moms who respond with love, courage, and wisdom every day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Gino Pezzani
DIEN Realty
604-418-9366

National Bird Day, May 4. An annual holiday with half a million adherents who celebrate through birdwatching, studying birds, and other bird-related activities. 

Mother’s Day, May 10. Honor the mother or mother figure in your life.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day, May 27. The common goal for this day is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit.

Memorial Day, May 25. A federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.