My friend Burt died earlier this week. I'd known him for 20 years, and he taught me some life lessons that I hold dear to my heart: service to others and humility.
The world we live places great value on achievement and acquisition. We are often judged by what we have, not by who we are. Burt did not die rich....far from it. He did not die with many material possessions. He didn't die with personalized licence plates on his car...he didn't even own a car. He didn't have the latest big screen hi-def tv. He lived at home with his parents during his last 10 years as his health deteriorated: diabetes, dialysis, heart problems....far too many ills to catalogue here. And constant pain.
What Burt did have was a desire and an ability to help others, in this case recovering alcoholics. Burt was one himself, sober for 20 years. He showed them by his words and by his example how to lead a better, sober life. He saved a number of lives. That's quite a testimonial for a life lived well.
In the past few years, Burt came to meetings in a wheelchair. Men he sponsored got him to the meetings. It obviously was not easy for him to get there, given his pain. However, Burt always put other people ahead of himself and his pain. He was always there for others, no matter what his circumstances.
Burt never bragged about the lives he saved or the difference he made in hundreds of others. He was humble. He just went about his work....saving lives and asking for nothing in return.
I learned great lessons from my friend Burt, from his works and from his humility. I will miss him, but his lessons will live on in me and in countless others.
Not a bad legacy, Burt!
It's a beautiful, somewhat sad night here on the lake in Reston...hope it's a beautiful day/night wherever you are, too!
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A great personal story Allen and I am so glad you shared it. Burt's legacy is rich in one of life's most admired qualities. Passion.