My father, Frank Michael Fells, died on May 3rd 2005. Today would have been his 69th birthday.
It's on anniversaries like today and father's day that I think about him the most. But there are also countless other times, especially when my children say or do something funny, when I think about him not being around, not being here to enjoy the laughter.
My dad always described himself as "the quiet one" but if the truth be told that wasn't exactly accurate; if talking was an Olympic event he would have left Michael Phelps gold medal tally in the dust.
I remember a day when the two of us visited the Imperial War Museum. It was a few years before he died and a rare moment when we could spend some quality time together learning about something that interested both of us.
Having walked around the museum for a few hours we decided to sit outside to 'get some fresh air' (which ironically meant he could squeeze in a quick smoke). We sat down on the long, cold white stone steps of the museum and looked out across the expansive front grass, over the huge naval guns and onto Lambeth Road.
As I looked at the row of beautiful London town houses opposite I started to enjoy the peace and tranquility of watching London go by. I've always enjoyed people watching, especially in a busy city like London, but the moment was interrupted. As we sat there my father started to comment on the local architecture, the history, the people walking by, in fact anything and everything. I started to think about the inaccuracy of his self perception and wondered if he would stop talking so I could enjoy the moment. He didn't and I became a little irritated. He didn't know of course, I just waited for an opportune moment then suggested we return to the museum.
To this day, and probably for the rest of my life, I will regret that moment of selfishness.
Sometimes I imagine how we would all react if there was only 60 minutes left. What would you do if you knew that the world was to going to end in an hour? I think most of us would drop everything and if at all humanly possible spend that time with those closest to us. I think we would hold them and kiss them, we would tell them how much they mean, how the things they have done have brought happiness and joy. And I think we would tell those people just how much they are loved. It's what I would do; no single email, telephone call or TV show would stop it.
And that's when I think about what I would give to relive that moment with my father. Without hesitation I know I would exchange years of my own life to have that moment back. And I would joyfully listen as he spoke about anything and everything.
What does this have to do with real estate, technology or marketing? Absolutely nothing. I just want to share how I'm feeling today and hope that the following video makes you feel as I do every time I watch it. Love those around you, they won't be here for ever.
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