On February 29, 2008 I attended the funeral of a man who will continue to have an impact on the lives of generations to come. I looked around me and wondered what would bring hundreds of people from across the country to fill that room.
What did he accomplish? What did he become? What did he create?
I came to realize that Bill’s success was more so a relation to how he helped others accomplish more than they ever imagined possible. It was how he gave others the courage to become their true selves. And how he created a legacy of embracing the moments with laughter that will live through all those who had the pleasure of crossing his path in life.
As I listened to the stories and watched the slide show paying tribute to Bill, my heart actually rejoiced for what Bill has given to us all.
“Coach Bill” Patton was a man who lived every moment with a child-like joy.
Coach Bill was a legendary hockey coach for the West Eagles Learn to Skate Program and Calgary Minor Hockey League. The foundation of his coaching was to make sure the kids have fun — teach them by letting them have as much fun as possible. Through his approach, he has affected the life of hundreds of children. What a powerful lesson to keep close to our hearts at all time.
They say that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, but life simply isn’t like that. It’s more like you are the pilot of an airplane. As you encounter turbulence, you must constantly make adjustments to keep moving in the same general direction. Those who knew Bill knew that his life journey was not always a smooth flight.
Bill’s character was not defined by the moments that he faced in his life but more so by how he responded to those moments throughout his life. Bill’s character was a direct reflection of his consistent actions in the 68 years that this world was gifted by his presence.
Bill left us with a lasting legacy; one I hope we have the courage, generosity and strength to carry on in his name. For Bill Patton, we will remember to cherish every moment as the gift of a lifetime.
Fred Sarkari
To know whether you truly have had an impact on the world, more importantly your loved ones, it is an interesting exercise to sit and write your own eulogy and imagine who would be at your funeral and what they would say, why they are there (to show face or to genuinely express sympathy?). It really puts things into perspective and it is an exercise that makes you come to grips with how you are really perceived. It is an honest dialogue that you have with yourself and at times it is hard to imagine, but it is interesting. What is your legacy? Is it your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren? Your spouse, your parents, your siblings? Or is it work? Or is it People around you who really just come in and out of your life trying to selfishly benefit from what you have to give them? This blog made me a bit insightful. Maybe it is a post-Easter reflection?
That is a great exercise ‘experience’ to take yourself through. I have done that exercise a few times during workshops. What I find amazing is the fear in people just to do the exercise. Its almost like people do not want to know what the outcome truly is. That in it self is a strong awareness.
Fred
In response to your comment… Self awareness is something that is only as good as what is done with that knowledge. To know and not do is to not know – not sure where I’ve heard that line, but I don’t want it to be attributed to me:)
I’m not a blogger, however, where I see the need to add my input, I’ll do so… it’s a bit liberating that this can be done under the guise of anonymity.
That my friend you are absolutely right. Knowledge is irrelevant. It is the action the implementation of knowledge that creates our destiny.
In turn, most people are extremely busy yet not effective as they are will to implement but have not taken the time to become aware in order to know what to implement. So they go from one failed strategy to the next.
Awareness precedes effective change.
Thanks for your input.
Fred