Hickory Algorithm Newsletter
Appreciate Now.
“The ashes of memories buried are blowing—blowing in the wind.”
by: Chris Goldby ∣ Hickory Algorithm
That headline, It reminds me of something I can’t shake, and honestly, it drives me a little crazy: we often wait until someone is gone to truly celebrate them.
It’s like we need permission from death to finally say, “You meant everything to me.” But why?
Why does the eulogy come too late?
Why does the tribute wait until the seat is empty?
I’ve always been the type to over share. I’ll tell someone I appreciate them early, often, and sometimes awkwardly. And yes, sometimes I get the side-eye, or the “you good?” look. But I’d rather live in that discomfort than let silence be the last thing someone hears from me.
“Wherever I go, you’re always there—riding next to me.”
That line, hit me hard this week because June 25, 2025 marks 20 years of marriage to my wife, Jenn.
Twenty years.
I’m 42 years old and nearly half of my life has been spent married with her—living, growing, struggling, celebrating, grieving, and navigating the parenting waters.
We met in high school. I copied off her paper - that is how we met. We were in the same grade throughout our life and even grew up in the same neighborhood but it wasn't until junior year of High school we met. The smart kids (her) and the common folk (me) only got intermingled for gym/health. Yup, I copied off her in health class.
I didn't even have the guts to call or ask her out. She called me. I know, not a good look.
Our first date was at Three Rivers Stadium (RIP) for a Pirates game—where they gave away CD cases. (Yeah…that long ago.)
We went to prom in 2000.
We moved out of our childhood homes in 2002, had our first child in 2008 (with two more to follow), and have since built a life full of joy, chaos, and hard-earned laughter.
To list the highlights would be impossible, but the heart of it all is this: she is the center of my universe.
“Through the sensations - on through the storms.”
Even writing those words puts a lump in my throat. I can’t fathom a world where she’s not near me. We’ve stood beside each other through many losses.
We’ve navigated grief, joy, uncertainty, parenthood, and purpose.
And she’s still here - riding right next to me.
My sun,
My moon,
The stars in the sky.
It’s one thing to build a life with someone. It’s another to realize that person has shaped your life, molded your identity, and breathed belief into you when you forgot who you were.
This week’s newsletter isn’t about business strategy or digital growth. It’s about gratitude and proximity—honoring the people still here while they’re here.
Because I don’t want Jenn, or any of the people I care about, to be memorialized more powerfully than they were appreciated.
So maybe take a cue from this.
Send the text.
Make the call.
Tell someone what they mean to you.
You don’t need a funeral to write a tribute.
You just need a moment, and the willingness to say the quiet part out loud—“You matter to me.”
But let’s not wait for death to remember the living.
Let’s give people their flowers before the ashes blow.
Quotes from Cenotaph by: Ghost
#fortheloveofthegame
Never - Ever - Stop, Believin’
We sat down with Ernie Shepard from the Journey Tribute band, Trial by Fire to discuss the often over looked album of the same name (Trial by fire) and how the vision of the band came together.
Jenn and I are heading out to Asheville this evening (Friday) to go see them yet again!
Link HERE for YouTube Spotlight with Ernie Shepard
Featured Event:
📆 June 28th - Food
Join us for a celebration of local food & live music here at Raising Roots Farm. Farm Feast is the last event during Catawba County's Eat, Drink, & Be Local. event which includes farm tours, workshops, and more. For more information visit https://catawba.ces.ncsu.edu/eat-drink-and-be-local/.
5 Chefs will be paired with farmers throughout Catawba and surrounding counties in Western North Carolina to showcase local food and culinary talent.
📆 July 26th - Fantasy Football Livestream Draft
🛸 Hickory Algorithm Event 🛸
My oldest son and I embark on our first team “together.” Oh boy… We have pick 10 out of 10 teams with no snake for this Dynasty Fantasy Football start up. Be on the lookout for bat signal mock drafts leading up our draft on July 26th. More information to come! It’s about to be the most wonderful time of the year. 🎄🏈
Hickory Algorithm is a reader-supported publication. Subscribing helps.
📆 August 22nd - Game Night
🛸 Hickory Algorithm Event 🛸
I’ll be hosting a FUN-draising event at Neighbors Network in Conover, where I am a board member. I was looking for a game nights around Hickory but decided the game night I wanted I would have to create myself.
Let’s hang out, play a game, and eat some great food. That sounds like a great evening out to me. We will be playing the game Werewolf.
Here is the link to how to play the game: Learn how to play Werewolf
Tickets are 35.00 dollars each and benefit Neighbors Network.
Limit to 25 participants. LINK HERE TO REGISTER <~~~~~
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