Greetings, beautiful people! We are already halfway through the year! I hope you have crossed something off your 2025 to-do list. This post itself is helping me complete one of my items. People have been asking me to resume the writing and delivery of a monthly M2C. I can’t guarantee monthly, but I’m back at it.
In this edition of M2C, I want to share some highlights of my year so far. Since I need to catch y’all up on a few things, this M2C will be longer than usual. Sit down, relax, and join me on my January to June 2025 journey.
Key observations so far this year:
January started the year in a bittersweet way. I had the honor of joining MLK III on a float in the Dallas Martin Luther King Jr Day parade. Our float was rocking! It was pure joy to greet and be greeted by so many wonderful Dallas citizens. The joy turned to sadness as I attended four funerals in January. Life is fragile is a thought that has come to my mind often this year and one that has encouraged me to enjoy life and do what I can to serve others. I’m determined to work while it’s day, because when night comes, no man can work (John 9:4). Some of my volunteer work included assisting the amazing Neil family with launching Dallas Trinity FC. I love this team so much. I was able to stay close to my passion for pouring love and energy into our youth by continuing in my role as Sports Executive in Residence at the extraordinary High Point University. The highlight of my month was spending time with the nsoro Foundation as one of the honorees at the Starfish Ball. This organization does incredible work to support youth who are aging out of foster care. Their stories will stir your soul.
Insight: Life is fragile and finite. Make a difference while you can.
February was filled with LOTS of corporate and nonprofit board activity and speaking engagements. I attended my first Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame board event while attending the NBA All-Star Weekend. I’m looking forward to raising awareness about this iconic place in Springfield, Massachusetts. And, of course, Luka’s surprising departure kept my phone hot for weeks. It didn’t matter that this happened one month after I was no longer the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. People still wanted to talk to me about it…and I listened.
Insight: Listening without interrupting and with empathy is a gift.
March was wild as usual, starting out with celebrating the one-year anniversary of Kenny’s successful stem cell/bone marrow transplant, followed by Women’s History Month (WHM) speaking engagements, including a great WHM event hosted by Dallas City Manager, Kim Tolbert, a wonderful faith-filled SMU luncheon and interview conducted by DoDee Crockett; and my first visit to Simmons University in Boston. While walking into the hotel, I flashed back to the 2024 NBA Finals, my great niece’s graduation from Boston University, and one of my first work trips when I was 27 years old. I fell in love with shellfish (allergic to it now) and Filene’s Basement. I have many fun memories of visits to Boston. In March, I was honored with an award from the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame and spent time with my book agent and publisher. Get ready. 😉 I attended two more funerals and, once again, realized the importance of making good use of my time.
Insight: Making good use of my time and serving others are important to me.
April was consumed with family, faith, fundraising, and Fuzzy. The month began with a luncheon to discuss plans to welcome Oprah to Dallas in June. A great time was had by all. I’m so blessed to be part of such a great and giving sisterhood. In fact, the spirit of generosity is alive and well in the Dallas area and it was on full display at Dallas CASA’s Cherish the Children luncheon. Interviewing author and children’s advocate AndrewBridge was very special. He reenergized my passion for doing something impactful and lasting for our foster care youth. I’m grateful to be on the board of Dallas CASA. They work hard every day to protect children and restore childhoods.
Kenny joined me at the NCAA Men’s Final Four in San Antonio. It was a treat to enjoy the experience with him and my fellow Basketball Hall of Fame board members. Later in April, I was honored with the J. Eric Jonsson Ethics Award at SMU. The entire experience was surreal. From the extraordinary turnout to the heartwarming video, the day was one to cherish forever. I was surprised that so many people showed up because some had attended other awards events. During my remarks, I gave a special shout-out to these repeat supporters. My husband usually refuses to attend repeat events, such as second marriage weddings. He says, “How many times are we going to do this? Can I get my toaster back from the first wedding?” I’m sure that’s how some have felt this year as people continue to celebrate my second retirement and honor me with various awards. I’m in a very humbling season of life and trying to be gracious and also not eat too much at these events.
Two days after receiving the ethics award, I returned to California and walked into my oldest brother’s room just after he took his last breath. I was with my mom as she prayed for and groomed her oldest boy. The pain of losing a child is excruciating and I could only provide so much comfort. In his death, the Fuzzy Smith Athletic Scholarship was born. I wrapped up the month by celebrating my niece Jill’s 35th birthday on Saturday and my niece Jasmin’s 22nd birthday on Sunday. And, of course, April 30th brought us our 42nd wedding anniversary. Kenny lost his wedding ring when he continued to wear it during chemo weight loss, and it kept falling off. He got a new ring on our anniversary. I got a new one, too. No need to repeat the vows, but if new rings are being purchased, I’m here for it! Actually, we visited the jewelry store to shop for Kenny’s new ring. However, as I reflected on the 15,330 days of our marriage…let’s just say, it was time for an upgrade. 😂 I asked Kenny if he liked the ring I picked out, and he said, “I do.” Well, good, I liked it too. 😂 “I do” still works! We left the store with two rings. 💍 💍
Insight: “I do” are still powerful words. Be mindful of what you say “yes” to.
