Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Honoring Mr. Pat

At work today, we threw a small going away luncheon for one of my co-workers - Mr. Pat.

Honestly.  He's one of the most extraordinary people I know - definitely in the top ten of the kindest people I've ever met.    Ever.  I've served with Mr. Pat for 11 years at the agency.  I've grown to know him as a man of gentleness, humility and integrity.  Mr. Pat is "retiring" in another week and moving away to Ohio to be closer to family.   We've been mourning this day for weeks.

Mr. Pat poured his life out on others with incredible kindness and goodness. Bus driver, grounds keeper & custodian. He's gone about doing a very humble job of driving our day care bus, cleaning the classrooms at the end of the day, taking out the trash at our office, trimming our shrubs, pulling weeds, changing light bulbs and creating a family with us all these years.    

He's not a man of wealth or advanced education or most people's view of "worldly success," but his wisdom and heart impacts everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.  He may never have a building named after him, but he leaves a legacy of generosity and friendship.   When he leaves Greenwood later this month, there may be no coverage of his departure in the local paper and no street may ever bear his name, but he's leaving his mark where it counts most.   On people's lives.   



I've heard it said that children are the truest judge of people.    If that's accurate, the children in Mr. Pat's life are a only a testament to what I have seen.     They absolutely adore him.     He's been more than their bus driver.   They "see" him, as only children can.   They see his character.    His patience.   His gentleness.  His heart.

So, here's the lesson I took away from Mr. Pat today.    I'm very sad that he won't be part of my day-to- day life any longer, but I also learned a valuable truth from the way he's lived his life.     I'm becoming more and more attentive to the mark I leave in this world.  And, I can tell you this.   Mr. Pat has completely set the bar for me.  

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