Making Each Moment Count
By Governor Eddie Baza Calvo
Hafa Adai My Fellow Guamanians,
A few days ago, I was reminded by the good Lord that our time here on earth is finite. We all have a purpose, we all have a gift to give, and every moment we have here is a chance to make it count.
My fellow Guamanians, each day is a blessing… one with an opportunity to work harder, give more, and to make a difference. And there are so many in this community who greet each day with this kind of passion.
Last week, a frightening accident involving a fuel tanker occurred in front of Adelup. I was amazed at how many people risked their lives to rush to the injured drivers — even though the condition of that fuel tanker was unknown. Despite the potential dangers of this incident, they showed more concern for the drivers of those vehicles than their own safety.
To all those many good Samaritans and public safety officers: if you’re listening now… I cannot thank you enough. People like you truly make serving this island an honor… and a gift.
And there’s so many other kindhearted and compassionate people who make Guam such a wonderful place to live and to raise our children. Like the more than two hundred volunteers sacrificing their time to help the students of Untalan Middle School get back into their classrooms. They’ve stepped up to the plate in a time when we need them most and they’re making it happen.
Moving equipment from one school campus to another isn’t an easy job. I can’t tell you how humbled I am to know that there are people in this community who will give their labor, sweat and time. They’re not doing it for pay or recognition… they’re doing it for our children.
To each of those individuals: on behalf of the students, parents, faculty and staff of Untalan Middle School, there are no words to express how grateful we are for your help. Thank you for taking this time to give back and to show our students that this community is built on the goodwill of every day people who truly care about them and their future.
It’s interesting to note that January is Island Service Month. The Serve Guam Commission and participants of the AmeriCorps program have dedicated this month in recognition of the volunteers and organizations that really make a difference. They give their time, they share their talents and resources… and they do it because they know that generosity and sacrifice are what makes this community stronger.
It’s been one year since Lieutenant Governor Tenorio and I have been in office… and I know that we’ve made some progress, but I’m determined to make even more progress this year. It’s the good people of this community that inspire me to push harder and work faster. And it’s those volunteers who help us do so much more than we could ever accomplish alone.
To each and every one of you who do your best every day, and give your time to make Guam a better and safer place: thank you all for what you do. Let’s continue to make each moment count.
May God bless each and every one of you and your families… and may God continue to bless Guam.
