One of the greatest lessons I ever learned came from the greatest teacher I ever knew, a humble yet passionate man named Guisto Patinella. And yet, I today acknowledge that I haven't lived up to that learning, once again.
"Mr. Pat" once told me the story of a student a few years ahead of me that tragically died after falling from a scaffold while decorating the Eastridge High School gym for a dance. He was the President of the Student Council and universally loved by his classmates...but he had confided in Mr. Pat that he didn't think people liked him because no one ever invited him to parties or nights of cruising the Square. In retrospect, he never got those invites because everyone assumed he had other plans...because he was the most popular guy in school. So, he had no way of knowing how loved he was.
I remember the evening Mr. Pat told me...don't ever let an opportunity pass in which you don't tell someone how much they mean to you. Because they may not know...and they could be gone tomorrow.
With Terri...that's easy. We share those words of affection, admiration and respect every day. And often each day, even when I'm on the road. But, to many of my friends...I have failed to follow Mr. Pat's advice more often than not.
I was friends with almost everyone in my High School class. Not unlike Ferris Bueller and Matthew McConaughey, I hung with with the stoners and the preppies, the jocks and the nerds, the rockers and the kids in band. But, I have stayed connected with too few.
One of the kids in band turned out to be an amazing entrepreneur, author and columnist. His name is Gary Moore (pictured above) and, after decades pursuing our own paths, we reconnected five or six years ago after I saw one of his uplifting columns that was syndicated in my hometown newspaper. I discovered that we were both published authors. I attempted to arrange a book signing and reading here in Madison for him, but it never panned out.
And then, through Facebook, I watched as he struggled with a disease that was robbing him of his body...but not his spirit. He was going to beat this insidious illness...until he wasn't. He inspired people through his column and online. Until the other day, when he posted what he called his "hardest column."
Gary...your books are an inspiration and I've shared my copies with several friends (sorry, I should have made them buy their own). You've led an outstanding life and created an amazing family. And, you made a boatload of money helping others. It doesn't get any better than that. Yours has been a life extraordinarily well lived.
I love you, brother. And, I can only hope we can reconnect in the next life where I can thank you for enriching the lives of so many (and give you a big hug).
Godspeed and safe passage, my long lost friend.
Beautiful message!
Posted by: Lee T | June 21, 2021 at 08:25