Banter Bites

Make-A-Wish. Make A Difference.

There was no way to know a little boy's wish to be a police officer would transform millions of lives.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: It started with one little boy's wish, and 41 years later, more than 500,000 wishes have been granted by The Make-A-Wish Foundation, and so many of our lives have been touched, so we hope you join us in celebration of World Wish Day.

Although The Make-A-Wish Foundation is now in nearly 50 countries across five continents, Red doesn't remember hearing about them before returning to live in the States and moving to Houston, where she soon became aware of Black's involvement. And it quickly spread through the family as Red's daughter Natasha, and later Sawyer, grew up not only admiring their aunt's commitment to helping grant life-changing wishes for critically ill children, but were inspired to do what they could. Red has fond memories of many lemonade stands over the years where her daughters used all their charm and persuasion to raise money for the local chapter of The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

While Red wasn't surprised that Black found innovative ways to raise money (such as using the roof of her Ferrari Challenge race car as a "sponsorship" opportunity and requesting donations in lieu of wedding gifts), she had no idea just how involved Black was in her local chapter. But over time, she became aware that for Black, The Make-A-Wish Foundation was more than a Board position or charitable contribution, it's a passion and a part of her daily life.

Of course, Red was curious as to how Black planned to celebrate World Wish Day (April 29), and after Black replied, "With JJ Watt," she invited Red to the Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana chapter's digital celebration,

How does granting 24 wishes in 24 hours sound? And, to make it even more exciting, wish granter and football great, JJ Watt will be featured in a 24-minute event celebrating 24 wish kids. This year's theme is "Don't Wait for Hope. Create It." and all it takes to participate is a click of the finger to register.

World Wish Day celebrates the anniversary of the first wish that inspired the founding of The Make-A-Wish Foundation, but every day is the perfect day to help to bring hope and joy to not only a wish kid but their families.

“A Dictator & His Mistress” might have been a catchier title, but that doesn’t change the fact that the combination of history and food makes this one of Red’s favorite Banter Bites. While Black loves the leadership lessons (from a dictator?!). Curious? If so, read on …

Quick! If someone says "Julius Caesar," what comes to mind?

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Almost everyone has heard of Julius Caesar, but how many of us really know much about him, or at least that's what Red starts to wonder when she receives the usual flippant, but still accurate, reply from her sister, after feeling very proud that she knew that July was named after the famous Roman.

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Today’s technology may be very different from when we first ran this four years ago, but it makes communication skills even more critical, and Effective Communications Month is the perfect time to acknowledge it’s a superpower …

Talking isn't the same as communicating. And hearing isn't the same as listening. Think about it.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Being an effective communicator, whether in our personal lives or at work, is a critical skill but one-size-doesn't-fit-all as we each use very different methods and styles … ranging from lots of words and talking stuffed animals (Red) to bullet points and racing flags (Black).

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What better way to celebrate May Day than bringing back one of Black’s favorite posts? A little history (for Red), mixed with fertility and workers’ rights (no, we’re not kidding), and a reminder that sometimes "pole dancing" doesn’t only happen in clubs …

If you’ve never thought about May Day, don’t worry, most of us haven’t.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red appreciates that some holidays have historical significance, some have ancient traditions, and some are opportunities for one of Black’s unexpected, but often amusing and clever, comments, but May Day checks all those boxes.

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