In Remembrance
Very few people have the good fortune of knowing one of life's great people. I'd like to consider myself one of the lucky few who have had that pleasure not once, but twice. In both instances, those great people were taken away too soon. And I didn't get to say goodbye. Selfish of me, I know.
The first was my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. Prof was truly one of the greatest men I think I will ever know. He passed away during my senior year of college. 4 years doesn't seem like enough time, but in that short time he taught me so much. He encouraged me, criticized me and made me better at what I do.
When he passed, I wrote this:
Prof, I hope you knew how many lives you touched during yours and how much inspiration and encouragement you spread to others. You were truly one of the greatest people to have graced my life with their presence, and for that I thank you. Thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, and just being there when things weren’t going my way. You will always be an inspiration.
I still miss him, and those words are still true.
The second was the first director I worked with. Joe. The 40-year tv veteran who played such an integral role in my transition from the world of print into the world of broadcast.
He got sick at the beginning of the year. Cancer. But he was so stoic and strong, I was sure he'd beat it. But life doesn't always work the way we think it should. Joe passed away around midnight.
With the exception of the newest reporters, everyone at the station worked with Joe. He was a great director, and he taught me a lot.
Joe, you were truly one of the greats. I was watching you before I even knew who you were on Fishing With Red. You helped shape who I am as a producer and I will always be grateful for your guidance in those first weeks. I know I wouldn't be as successful as I've been without your help. The station just won't be the same without you.
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3 comments
"I was sure he'd beat it. But life doesn't always work the way we think it should."
ReplyDeleteTell me about it. This post reminded me of my uncle who passed at the beginning of the year. Cancer can hit you before you even realize it and few actually survive it. It's a tragic disease.
It's worse whenever the victims of cancer are so young. 40 is so very, very young.
Christina, I am truly sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteAshton, I know how you must be feeling right about now having lost a colleague who took you under his wing and helped you in your career.
I recently lost one of my best friends from high school as well as a good friend from my first TV station. My father died on Christmas day. Ironically, so did his father!
One of the most important figures in my life was the pastor of my church when I was a child. He was a powerful, charasmatic man who knew how to connect with every member of the congregation. I was devastated when he suddenly died when I was in my teens. Although he is gone these many years I still feel his influence in my life.
Too sad. I'm sorry to hear this, Ashton.
ReplyDeleteTwo of my aunts in my dad's side of the family died of cancer: One had cervical cancer and the other had colon cancer. The worst thing was that we had no idea they had this until it was too late.