I never met the man, but I know him well. I feel his presence even though he's not here. It permeates the space that my most beloveds occupy. At times it is almost palpable. I have met him through stories and pictures. Stories told by those whose lives have been shaped and molded or inspired and driven by this man that lived his life impeccably. He treated others with respect, truth, and kindness and expected the same in return.
His light burned so bright that people couldn't help but be drawn to it. He wasn't a man that wanted attention or the spotlight - it just came to him - because he was good and funny and generous with his love and spirit and patience. He was a phenomenal storyteller. The kind where people hung on his every word. The kind where you were sad when the story ended because you couldn't get enough of HIM.
I have this precious understanding of him because of the people that were fortunate enough to know him and be in his presence and be loved by him.
I have no doubt that I am blessed to know his legacy - his children and his wife. They are mirrors of the stories I have heard. Their humor and their wit; their work ethic and strong drive to provide for their families; their love and bright shining lights - are all evidence of what a truly great man he was. They, in turn, are modeling all of this to his beautiful grandchildren with whom he would have adored so deeply.
Although, I know I can't do him justice with the words I compile - I wanted to honor him today and remind my children of what they should strive for. That even though he isn't with us and they won't get the opportunity to hang on his words or be in his light, with certainty, they too are his legacy. They are who they are because he was who he was. And we can all live a life inspired by him.
No one could possibly fill his shoes - but just by trying to emulate any part of who he was - then truly - we are better people for it.
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