Our Five-Twelve Roots

I am the youngest of nine children, whose parents divorced when I was just four. As a result, I spent most of my childhood living in my grandmother’s home which was numbered – and always referred to simply as – “Five-Twelve.” It was a humble but very special place where I learned much about life, love, lessons, and yes, leadership. Five-Twelve – as in May 12th – took on even more meaning in my life when in 1990 my inspirational, 26-year-old brother Merrick was ordained a Catholic priest – remarkably after undergoing a heart transplant just four years earlier. 

Even more remarkably, May 12th is also the day in 1997 on which the Good Lord called this incredible servant leader home – after battling cancer twice and undergoing a bone marrow transplant during his seven years as a beloved priest. Bearing witness to my brother’s incredible journey taught me lessons in grace, humility, and leadership that truly transcends – and has shaped my life and career in countless ways. To me, 512 represents a place of sanctuary in life’s storms, and exemplifies the power of strength, faith, courage, compassion, and perseverance. This is what we seek to bring to our clients and our world.

Friday, May 12, 2023 marks the 33rd anniversary of Merrick’s ordination, and 26 years since his death at age 33. I can think of no better day to open our “virtual doors” to Alive2Thrive, a community of leaders committed to standing and leading from the light. Merrick’s life and light continue to inspire my family, me, and countless others in profound ways.

In today’s world where darkness works hard to overshadow the light, my brother’s story and my journey are testimony to the fact that we are here to be of service, and in the short time we have, to live with profound gratitude and reverence for the gift of life itself with all its joys, struggles, and sorrows. In doing so, we bear witness to the fact that we are all alive to thrive.