Learning from adversity
Corporate Philanthropy November 18th, 2009
Eleven years ago today, my best friend of 22 years passed away of melanoma after a noble fight. He was an incredible guy with a passion for living life fully. My last memory of him alive was spoon feeding him in his hospice hospital room. He couldn’t even lift his own hand and 32 tumors filled his brain. That’s the bad part.
There are good parts too:
- I had 22 years to know him, laugh with him, and get in all types of trouble with him.
- I was honored to serve as best man in his wedding and he in mine.
- We had many snow ski adventures together in Colorado.
- We taught each other lots of water skiing tricks and had many of sunset runs on glassy water in a quiet cove (see my post playing catchup) .
- I learned to see the good in bad situations. He was a constant reminder of that.
- I learned about being a good father, a good friend, and how faith heals (though sometimes not as we want).
- I’ve played a role in helping start a melanoma foundation in his memory. To date our foundation has raised almost $500,000. This money is used to help people who can’t afford treatment and to educate people on the danger of over exposure to the sun.
- His family and I have stayed in close contact and recognize both his death anniversary and birthday each year.
- I have had the great pleasure to share part of his story in my keynote speaking all across North America.
Maybe, just maybe, by telling his story, I have inspired someone to change something in their life or to connect in a deeper way with someone they love. I really hope so.
Tim,
Beautiful words. Julia, Kathy, and I had lunch together yesterday to celebrate the day.
Megan Tooley
Hey Tim,
I still think of Bill often and with a smile on my face! You’re right, he was definitely one of a kind! I lost my Dad earlier this year to skin cancer - he had 15 tumors in his brain, and many more in other areas of his body. He reminded me of Bill in that we never heard one complaint from him once he knew what was happening. He also was in the same Hospice facility that I visited Bill in eleven years ago and I too was feeding him milkshakes that the wonderful volunteers there would make for him. I thought of Bill a lot those few days Dad was at Hospice and how brave he was. Knowing Bill’s story, and having your words to remind me of him, reminded me of how important it is to tell every person that is important in your life how great they are and how much you love them not just some days, but every day.
Carla
Hi Timmmmmmm,
Very wonderful tribute to Bill.
I am very thankful for having been in Bill’s life ~ because he passed on the blessing of getting to know you! You remind me so much of Bill and I cherish the times we get together and appreciate keeping in touch with you.
I’m so thankful to have been able to share the years with Bill and the “Fort Collins bunch”. It was always this time of year that we would get together and share an evening of celebrating the holidays. Bill always brought out what was good about friendship, faith, life and laughter. I really miss those days and that guy….epecially this time of year.
I thank you and his family for keeping up the fight against Melanoma in his name and the hope of finding a cure. I continue to think of Bill and I appreciate your thoughts of “Learning from Adversity” through his life. What an honor to have you attribute so much of his life into your inspirational topics. Bill would be so proud and humble.
Thanks for your words Carla. I’m sorry to hear of you losing your father too. I appreciate your closing words and hope to practice letting others know how much I love them more often.
Love you all,
Tim Crites