I didn't intend to write anything else about Decatur. I felt it violated my self imposed rule about looking ahead not behind.
While driving today I realized that there is still one topic to cover before I close this chapter. I need to thank a very small group of people.
It seems like such a cliche to say that you really find out who you can count on when disaster strikes.
It would be a cliche except for the fact that it's true.
I cannot single you out by name. I would be afraid of leaving someone out and some of you would be left in a vulnerable position if you were to be identified.
I hope you know who you are.
You're the ones who called me when I wouldn't take calls.
You're the ones who emailed and texted me when I didn't really want to answer.
You're the ones who tried to see me when I didn't want to be seen.
You're the ones who had coffee or lunch with me.
You're the ones who sent such beautiful cards and notes.
You're the ones who somehow seemed to find excuses to "drop by" occasionally.
You're the ones who just kept on checking on me, whether I thought I needed to be checked on or not. I needed it.
Many people in such circumstances don't bother because they know how difficult the situation is, they're not sure what to do or what to say.
The difference is you tried and you figured it out.
Many years ago I told my wife what I wanted on my tombstone when the time comes:
"He showed up every day and did the best he could."
I like it and I feel it suits me.
So let me turn it around and send it as a compliment to you:
When I needed it most, you showed up and did the best you could.
That will be the last I speak of my past but it will not be the last that I am grateful for you.
Thank you.
KS
While driving today I realized that there is still one topic to cover before I close this chapter. I need to thank a very small group of people.
It seems like such a cliche to say that you really find out who you can count on when disaster strikes.
It would be a cliche except for the fact that it's true.
I cannot single you out by name. I would be afraid of leaving someone out and some of you would be left in a vulnerable position if you were to be identified.
I hope you know who you are.
You're the ones who called me when I wouldn't take calls.
You're the ones who emailed and texted me when I didn't really want to answer.
You're the ones who tried to see me when I didn't want to be seen.
You're the ones who had coffee or lunch with me.
You're the ones who sent such beautiful cards and notes.
You're the ones who somehow seemed to find excuses to "drop by" occasionally.
You're the ones who just kept on checking on me, whether I thought I needed to be checked on or not. I needed it.
Many people in such circumstances don't bother because they know how difficult the situation is, they're not sure what to do or what to say.
The difference is you tried and you figured it out.
Many years ago I told my wife what I wanted on my tombstone when the time comes:
"He showed up every day and did the best he could."
I like it and I feel it suits me.
So let me turn it around and send it as a compliment to you:
When I needed it most, you showed up and did the best you could.
That will be the last I speak of my past but it will not be the last that I am grateful for you.
Thank you.
KS
DECATUR is a better place because you are a part of the fabric that is Decatur.
ReplyDeleteDavid Tewell
Thank you David, I appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteKS
So thankful to you Ken for starting the first Crossfit affiliate in Decatur. I will never forget my first elements class with you as the instructor. It will be 6 yrs this May and I can't imagine my life without Crossfit and my Crossfit family. Crossfit got me out of my comfort zone where I have been able to do things I never would have. Today I am stronger, more confident and in the best shape I have ever been in. God bless you & your family as you start your new chapter in your life.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicki. You've been an absolute star.
Deletethat was well written. when you impact people, they remember. In His Hands. ws
ReplyDeletethat was well written. when you impact people, they remember. In His Hands. ws
ReplyDeleteKen, I really never knew you - not personally, I mean. I enjoyed listening to you on the radio and I have several friends and relatives at DMH who thought a lot of you. Some might wonder why a person in your position would do things like spend time at a local radio station or teach Cross Fit, but those things just made DMH seem like a place that really cared about the people of Decatur, that the CEO was down to earth enough to mix with the commoners and the community in general. I guess not. It's a corporation without a lot of real concern for anyone on a personal level. I know. I worked for one that let some great people go without much reason and without much concern for them as individuals. Most have ton on to achieve much greater things. A few wallowed in self pity and grew bitter. It's good to see you've taken the high road. God's blessings to you as you begin a new, and better, chapter.
ReplyDeleteKen, I really never knew you - not personally, I mean. I enjoyed listening to you on the radio and I have several friends and relatives at DMH who thought a lot of you. Some might wonder why a person in your position would do things like spend time at a local radio station or teach Cross Fit, but those things just made DMH seem like a place that really cared about the people of Decatur, that the CEO was down to earth enough to mix with the commoners and the community in general. I guess not. It's a corporation without a lot of real concern for anyone on a personal level. I know. I worked for one that let some great people go without much reason and without much concern for them as individuals. Most have ton on to achieve much greater things. A few wallowed in self pity and grew bitter. It's good to see you've taken the high road. God's blessings to you as you begin a new, and better, chapter.
ReplyDelete