I’ve been grieving.
Grieving the years lost to a narcissist. Grieving the potential I never fully lived out for my kids, my friends, my work. For so long, I was compromised. And I still don’t know if I’ll ever be “whole.”
But I do know this—I am better now.
The other day I stumbled across some old LinkedIn endorsements. It hit me bittersweet. Through the years, even while compromised, I had the privilege of working alongside some truly amazing people. I made a difference here and there, even if not to my fullest potential.
What I read meant the world to me—not as a glory grab, but as a reminder that integrity still shines through, even in dark times.
- “He does what he says and expects the same from those around him. A man of integrity.” – Russ Stewart
- “Robert is the kind of guy you want in your corner when starting a new venture… trusted and creative.” – Bob Stier
- “Robert conceived the idea, built the team, and led the 200th anniversary of the Governor General’s Horse Guard… a person of great integrity with a passion for good causes.” – Hon. David Tsubouchi
- “A true partner… more than just a provider, a man of integrity who delivers.” – Tom Yancik
To anyone walking through darkness: it does end. Maybe not on the terms we wanted. Maybe not in the way we imagined. But it ends.
And on the other side, there is proof—you mattered, you still matter, and the work of your hands, however small, carries weight.
Stay on mission. Integrity leaves a trail even when you think you’ve been lost.
— Robert Andrew McTaggart
RED Friday Field Notes
