How does the Willie Nelson song go? 'My heroes have always been cowboys'........
You might think my heroes have always been athletes, but not so much. You might think they are successful business men, but not so much. I am a lot more about character than I am about talent although my heroes have had talent. My heroes have been successful as well.
I have always been pretty discriminating when it came to choosing them. Haven't had many. I ask a few questions like: Would I like to be more like them? Would I like my son/daughter to be like them? Would I like my grandson/grand daughter to be like them. I am careful to realize that these heroes are just people, full of imperfection. They have poor qualities as well as great ones. They fail and make mistakes........none of them 'walk or walked on water'.
These heroes have been in my life at different times and changed me in different ways.
My first hero was my Dad. He effected me early on with his drive for competition, hope and optimism. You might say he gave me a terrific start. Losing him this week has been emotional even as it was a blessing.
When I was a teen, Vince Lombardi, came into my life. He knew more about teams and teamwork than maybe anybody on the planet. He was a great leader. I dreamed of playing for him but it never worked out.
Then there was Lou Tice, who we also lost this year. I met Lou in my late 30's and he was a life saver. Lou taught me a lot about how the mind works.......he mostly taught me about about me.
They are gone but never forgotten.
I have one wonderful hero with whom I still get to hangout, George Hincapie. He is an example of how a man can be world class and still be a loving father, husband and friend. In fact, he put the 'class' in world class. I have had tears this week because I know my friend is hurtin'.
I am hanging on to George.
I am also hoping that maybe, just maybe, that I have learned enough from these guys to be someone's hero. It has always been important that world be better place because of me. Lofty expectations? Not really.....just want to make a contribution.
What could be a bigger accomplishment in life than to be a hero, if only to a single person? Particularly, if you aren't a cowboy?
1 comment:
Strong words Randall and an even stronger concept. I am sure you have been through a complete range of emotions this week dealing with every event that has transpired. I admire the way you have kept your head up and your eyes on the horizon in the face of great adversity and change. I don't doubt that you have achieved your goal of being someone's hero. We all see and feel the emotions you are experiencing and your heroic behavior--that character--puts you in the elite company your admire. You don't need a 10 gallon hat to ride like a cowboy.
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