Helen Gerald, Mike Roberts... RIP

today's newspaper had a piece on helen gerald. she died on friday having left her mark on the music scene here in little a-town over 60+ years. she played in the symphony forever, under many different conductors. she played the viola and later moved to violin. she started the suzuki strings program here. she touched innumerable lives through her passion for music. my condolences to all whose life is somehow better for having known helen. she was 91. it has been six years since our friend mike roberts was taken from us. mike too left his mark in this world by sharing his passion for fitness with anyone who would allow him a bit of their time. it was his ministry. mike was 53. he left a legacy of caring for others, in a different way than helen, but had he livied to age 91 he may well have touched as many lives as she did. both left this world a better place. considering how many lives were enriched by the two has me wondering what, if anything, will be my stamp on the world. will kind words be spoken on my behalf when i'm gone? will i have touched someone in such a way as to make their life better for having known me? i have my doubts. i read an article in the newspaper this morning about a barber in canyon whose three children have gone on to earn advanced degrees. it spoke of how he showed up at his shop early each morning and through his clipping and snipping and his gift for interacting with people, was able to afford his children a brighter future. a testament to his character is that he gives all the credit for their success to his wife. in a sense that will be his legacy. touching the lives of those who sat in his chair allowed him to pave the way to a better life for his children. perhaps that will be my mark on the world. showing up every day for almost thirty-six years has allowed my three to go forth in the world to do their do. while none are likely to develop a cure for cancer, each in their own way will leave the world a better place when they too are gone. what greater mark could a man ask to make. aio