The Unsung Hero

I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. (Mahatma Ghandi)

I wanted to add a postscript to my recent post about the Cancer Relay for Life. There was another incredibly special person at the event in the form of my sister’s (Kerrie) husband, Don.

Don was the Chairman of the City of Kawartha Lakes Relay. He worked tirelessly and devotedly to make sure that the evening was a success. Typical of Don, right down to the very last important detail, he cared about all the issues, even those that a Chairman shouldn’t have to think about (e.g. was there always toilet paper in the porta-potties? I’m not kidding; that is really, really critical at 3:00 in the morning in a fairground with hundreds of bleary eyed, on the edge of cranky, people!).

The City of Kawartha Lakes no doubt is blessed that Don and Kerrie decided to move up to their area a few years ago after a lifetime in the Greater Toronto Area. Don was a mega-top-of-the-ladder executive at Sony Music for many, many years before he decided to retire. He was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for a long time, and instrumental in signing or keeping happy the major talent that was signed throughout his decades in the music industry. Although Don was always very circumspect about what are conceivably the “mega-superstar-needs” of star performers, you could positively see his skills and diplomacy shining through during our Relay evening. He treated each volunteer and each participant as if he or she were the most important person of the evening. Grammy award winners all.

And so Kawartha Lakes (Lindsay) truly didn’t understand the blessing until Don got involved in the Relay. But those who were there that night did; to wit, every time I turned around people were seeking out Don and his wise counsel. You could also see a look of panic in the seeking volunteer’s eyes if we, his family, were unable to answer the question “Where’s Don?”

Of course, I must admit that Don’s participation has a benefit for me personally. It is clear that volunteering confers many positive health benefits on the volunteer. So, as I watched Don pay careful attention to every nuance of the night, I thought of how we – his family – would ultimately be blessed with many more years of his generosity and spirit.

Thanks for doing good, Brother-in-Law! If you’ll pardon the pun, you truly were the unsung hero of the night. Two hands clapping.