My friend and mentor Dan is dying. And, if you ask me, he's dying way too young. Not that anyone asked me. So, why the "lucky man" moniker? Well, let me tell you, watching Dan over the years, I've learned a few things about how people "luck into" a good life. Here's what I've learned from watching Dan.
First of all, be humble and kind. It makes you the kind of person people can trust with their confidences and their hearts. I'm sure it's part of what attracted his wonderful wife Doris to him. Secondly, be fun. Who doesn't want to hang out with someone who has a sense of humor and enjoys life? And Dan has enjoyed life ever since I've known him (which is a long time - Dan and Doris were my church youth group leaders way back in high school. When I got older my husband and I hung out with them and I can remember some hilarious times together, including a crazy dinner party where the guests ate right off of the table with no utensils but our hands and with those hands tied to each other. Cooperation was the key word if you wanted to eat!) Thirdly, be a man of integrity. I've never heard Dan say an unkind word to or about anyone. He's always been a man you could depend on. Lastly, spend your life well. This man has. He's been a loyal and loving husband and father. After retiring from teaching he became a pastor. I have no idea how many people he's visited in the hospital over the years or how many couples he's married but I'd be willing to bet it's a hefty number. Over the years I've watched Dan's life run like a well-oiled machine. He tended that life the same way he and his wife did their little veggie garden, carefully and lovingly. Thanks to wise choices, many of life's bigger soap opera-style dramas passed him by. Someone casually glancing at him would say, "What a lucky guy." I say, "What a wise man." And what an inspiring example! Some of us squander our lives, some of us spend wisely. I want to be like Dan, the "lucky" man and spend mine wisely.
3 Comments
Jeannie
2/28/2011 07:57:17 am
Sheila, What a beautiful tribute to your friend. He sounds much like my father. What a footprint Dan is leaving- if only more of us would just fall into his steps and follow. Thank you and God Bless Dan and Doris.
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Sharon Gillenwater
2/28/2011 08:18:16 am
Amen, Sheila. When he gets to heaven, he'll be amazed at the long list of lives he has touched in his own special way. But knowing Dan, he'll just smile and not take any credit for living out his faith in the best way anyone can.
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Helen Sorenson
3/7/2011 10:37:57 pm
Dan sounds like an inspiration to human-kind. His personality and wisdom will live on. I know this because I had a dear friend and pastor who died years ago, and I still think of him and what he meant to our family.
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