What do you do when the worst thing imaginable happens? On this episode of Crush & Climb, host Jason McClain and co-host Vito La Fata sit down with Robert Barksdale, founder of Unscripted Cellars and Unscripted Cigars. Over a glass of Divine Detour, a Barbera and Graziano blend, Robert opens up about losing his son Robbie. Robbie was a 19-year-old Navy sailor and straight-A student who loved skydiving, the beach and living life on purpose. He passed away in 2018 after falling asleep while riding his motorcycle back to his ship in San Diego.
Robert explains how he chose to honor Robbie's spirit by bringing two sides of his family together around the things they love: wine, cigars and good conversation. He looks back on his path from a seventh grader suspended by Mr. Lonnie Crittenden, the mentor who inspired him, to 24 years as an educator and principal. From there he moved into full-time real estate and now a third career in wine. Jason and Vito also share their own experiences with loss and close calls, and the three talk through the biggest regret many of us share: trading time with our kids for getting ahead at work.
Key Takeaways:
- Honor them by living: When you lose someone, honor them by living your life as they would want you to, and as you want to as well.
- Don't sweat the small stuff: Robert says that once you've been through the worst thing that can happen, everyday stress loses its grip.
- Choose the glass half full: On Robbie's birthday and the anniversary of his passing, Robert does something fun his son would have loved, so he remembers the good times.
- Time with your kids can't be replaced: Robert's biggest regret is working Saturdays instead of being home with his sons when they were young.
- Don't settle: If you love what you do, you'll be good at it, and you won't be watching the clock every 15 minutes.
- Bring people together: Unscripted Cellars and Unscripted Cigars plan to host pop-up events that pair food, wine, cigars and conversation.
