Ruminations

Perspective

This is not a post I wanted to write. Not just because of the circumstances or the subject matter. But because of the reflection. Perspective is a good thing when it’s organic and measured; not so much when it punches you in the face. What does this post have to do with your business? Probably nothing, but if you step back you may find something.

Last night I went to pay my respects to the family of a friend whose father passed away this week. It was a solemn drive, with a few accidents snarling traffic, and the sun setting around the time I arrived. The irony was lost on me at the time.

I’ll admit, before I read about his passing, I knew absolutely nothing about the gentleman. I didn’t even know his name. Well, I did know one thing: he had raised an extraordinary son.

It turns out the departed had been ill for a while. I didn’t know. He had worked for the same organization for 35 years. I didn’t know. During his tenure he had a positive effect on thousands and thousands of lives. I didn’t know. He never got a chance to retire. I didn’t know.

Not only was he esteemed and respected by his peers, but he was loved and adored by everyone his life touched. There were many posts on social media detailing the impact he had on people’s lives. The more I read, the more I learned about what an amazing person he was.

He lead by example. He taught from the heart. He was like family to those he worked with, including the students. And he helped people build character by generously sharing his own. He loved and embraced life. Had I known him, he would have been someone I aspired to be like.

While at the family’s home, I heard more stories of this wonderful man. Of his kindness and generosity. Of his character and his charm. The house was packed with guests, with those who knew this man and wanted one more chance to share in his life.

With each story, and each memory shared, his son relived a little more of his father’s life. The weight of his father’s illness, and of his passing, had not overwhelmed him. With open arms, and an open heart, he welcomed everyone’s laughter and everyone’s tears. There was nothing stoic about him; he was genuine and was touched by it all.

While watching this celebration of a life dedicated to others, I realized that it would take that type of man to raise a son like my friend. Within each story about his father I gleaned a little more of the son he had raised. He hadn’t been an observer of his father’s life; he had benefited from it more than everyone else combined.

It’s no surprise that I aspire to be more like my friend. His kindness and generosity. His character and his charm. And his love of life.

We all strive to be better people. Most of the time it’s easier said than done. But it is worth the time, and it is worth the effort. Never underestimate what you can learn from someone else. From their lives, from their memories, and from their accomplishments.

The world lost a remarkable person this week. This man I never knew, and never met, has even affected me in a positive way. Not just his memories and his legacy, but his greatest accomplishment: his son.

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