One of the software companies I worked for, Cherwell Software, had an office in Seattle. The office faced the water and a slice of land called Centennial Park. Every morning I would go for a walk along that strip. To get there from my hotel there is a bridge that goes over the road. At the end of it…just before you descend into the park…is this plaque.
I would always stop and read this plaque as inspiration and ponder – how will I be remembered?
Most of us would love to be remembered for the large undertakings and visionary guidance. After all, those are characteristics of great leaders and great people. I know I would love to be remembered that way. But every time I pondered those words, I kept being drawn to the qualities that may not be as grandiose, but nevertheless impacted those John came in touch with.
Community Volunteer – Who has time to volunteer? I admit, it is much easier to write a check or send a Venmo payment, than it is to sacrifice time. And yet, isn’t that what so many people need in today’s broken world? You and I to show up and give our time? To tell the person receiving our time, our attention, “I see you. You are important!”
Steadfast Friend – “Friend”. Now there’s a word that’s hard to define. Everyone has a different definition of what it means to be a friend. And, in today’s world of social media, its even more convoluted. As an introvert, I don’t have a need for lots of friends. But, on the flip side, I also don’t work hard at friendships. Out of sight, out of mind as it were. But every time I read the plaque I could not get past the word “steadfast”. Regardless of how many friends I have or need, would anyone of them consider me “steadfast”? Would they see me as a devoted/loyal friend who doesn’t change? Honestly, probably not, with maybe a couple of exceptions.
Tenacious Leadership – If someone calls you tenacious you’re probably the kind of person who never gives up and never stops trying – someone who does whatever is required to accomplish a goal. We all could use an extra dose of tenacity, believing enough in a cause, in a relationship, or in a job, to not give up. I do believe there are times when there are times we need to change direction, leave a toxic relationship (that is a blog for another day!), but if we are honest, most of the time our challenge is sticking to something…believing in something or someone…enough to not stop trying.
It’s obvious from the plaque that John was not only this type of man in the large undertakings (I’m sure in the limelight)…but in the smallest projects as well (many of which probably no one even knew he did).
I have never met John Coney, but, to receive a dedication like that, he must be a pretty remarkable individual. If at the end of my road, those words on the plaque is how I will be remembered, I will consider myself a very blessed individual.
How do you want to be remembered?