Well-Lived

Today was a tough day, and I am exhausted. It's not because the students were bouncing off the walls (they were actually quite good) or because I had a headache/was sick (I didn't/wasn't) or because we had no specials (we had music). No, it was a tough day because we attended the funeral for our school's music teacher who passed away last Friday.

I thought I could hold it together. After going to the wake last night, I was pretty sure I'd said my goodbyes. But I found that funerals have a way of stirring up strong emotions, old memories, and a few tears.

And so, tonight I thought I'd focus on what a funeral can teach us, but I changed my mind because, honestly, it's more like looking at what a life well lived can teach us.

Here goes...

Life is short, so it must be lived to the full. At 51 years of age, Bob had so much life left to live. The fact that he was taken away at such a relatively young age serves to remind each of us that every moment is precious.

People keep many things private; don't judge a person because of something you see (or don't see) because there's probably a lot more going on than you realize. I had no idea Bob was sick with cancer. He was always so positive and cheerful. His smile was one of his greatest assets. One of our students said that even though she was new to the school and didn't even have him as a teacher, Bob made her feel welcome just because he showed he cared.

Find your passion - and then share it with others. Bob had a beautiful voice and was a talented musician. He gave endlessly of his talents (and, as it turns out, his own money) to build our school's music program and to help create a joy of music in our students.

Have fun, laugh, and celebrate whenever possible. There's a time to be serious, but don't take yourself too seriously. There's much to be enjoyed in a good hearty laugh and time spent with friends. As we learned today, these are things Bob did well.

Thank your friends, teachers, and family when you have the chance - if you wait, there's no guarantee they will know how you feel and how much they mean to you. Nothing is certain, especially the gift of life. Say "I love you" and "thank you" - and mean it.

One person can make a difference. Be that difference for someone else. Bob made a difference for so many people, especially his immediate family and his students. And what did he do to make that difference? He took time for people. Bob said what he meant, and he offered many compliments when things went well. He offered a unique perspective to different activities, especially in our faculty meetings. He always had a smile on his face, and he had a way of knowing which students needed extra help or care even before they, themselves, had realized it. He was extraordinary by doing the little things that matter. And that can inspire each of us to strive to do the same.

Yes, Bob's was a life well-lived. And we are each called to do the same.