When I think of important days of the year, January 16th is near the top. I am reminded that it is the Birthday of four people who have had tremendous influence on me.
First, my elder son John turns 20 today. One of the greatest things in life is becoming a parent. And John -- along with the cooperation of his mother :) -- gave me that opportunity. When I move on to my reward, my sons John and Tommy will be the legacy I leave. I could not be prouder of that.
Second, my friend and mentor Vern Gambetta turns...well he's not Yoda yet, but he represents Yoda in my life. Everyone needs a professional mentor, a person who has been there and done that and can challenge you when you are off and encourage when you are heading in the right direction. I am lucky to have Vern as a professional mentor in my life.
Third, it is the birthday of William Hague and Mina Takahashi -- both of them represent to me students and athletes I have the opportunity to support. William was a Loyola Academy graduate and is finishing his collegiate running career at Duke University this year. His Dad and I are long time friends and I have been lucky to see William grow from the days he ran in our middle school meet to today when he is running against some of the best in the nation. Mina was one of the first students my wife Kathy and I got to know well here when we arrived at North Shore in 1994. After graduating from Smith College Mina returned to Japan to live and one day we will visit her there. She represents also the global reach of our school.
But together these people represents the fullness of my life, dedicated to family, school and the craft of teaching and coaching. So January 16th is a big day for me as well as them. Happy Birthday!
No comments:
Post a Comment