Month: February 2017

Thoughts While Crafting A Memorial

Carl Setzer

I’ve spent the past few hours creating a presentation for a friend’s memorial service. A full range of emotions accompanied.

Professionalism is one of my core values. Approaching even the most difficult things with calm competency is something I strive for.

The pictures, though…his kids…so young. Reminding of my birth-mother’s death when I was 15. Haunting me.

For many of the services I’ve worked, my composure held well. I know, though, this one will be hard. Even though sad weeping and wailing is not what he wanted. I get that. But, you know, my humanity….

Reflecting on opportunity

Carl Setzer

I remember, immediately after getting out of the Navy, walking around downtown Seattle. Looking at the high-rises, at all the well-dressed office folks going about their business and seeing opportunity everywhere. Buildings filled with business, with people doing things, making stuff, having brilliant ideas and creating amazing, new things.

The mid-90s, the dot-com world was just starting, downtown Seattle was shedding it’s dilapidated, seedy and decayed visage, finally becoming the inspirational beacon of entrepreneurial hope.  And I was there, in the thick of it.

I could feel, I could hear the heartbeat. There I was, in the front seat of change. Watching both the promise revealed, and those left-behind. Hope isn’t perfect, I guess.

An interesting ride it’s been.