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Kodak Moment Remembering a Good Man

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Real Estate Agent with Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate 0396717

Kodak Moment Remembering a Good Man

Baugh LewisScrambling over some boulders on a crisp cold morning in Yosemite National Park, my Father laughed as he glanced up and noticed the sign warning people to avoid "scrambling over the nearby boulders".  I don't even remember why we were off the trail but as we reached the path, I retrieved one of those Kodak disposable cameras from my jacket and asked a passerby to snap a photo of us standing beside the sign. I tried to frame it for the person who kindly agreed to our request but composition and color balance are not what make up a Kodak Moment. Ten years ago, Christmas 2001, my family had the great fortune to spend the holiday in Yosemite National Park and enjoy a Christmas Dinner at the Awahnee LodgeWe managed to be a part of a lottery that determined a seat in the annual ritual at the Lodge. If you've never been to Yosemite National Park, it's an amazing place with an abundance of raw natural beauty and one of our country's treasures. Baugh Lewis was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed hunting, camping, hiking, running, fishing, and wildlife conservation. He shared his enthusiasm with my brother and me and spent his life teaching us an appreciation of the outdoors and nature so Yosemite was like an amusement park for us!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and a Kodak Moment is certainly that but even more. The way a simple picture manages to capture an image, freezing in time a moment that inspires an emotion and the essence of a memory. As I mentioned, it's not about great photography though I admit, a beautiful photograph can certainly arouse a wide range of emotions and reactions. For me this photo is a very special reminder of a connection to something and someone so familiar and evokes a response that is intensely personal. Seven months after this picture was taken my Father was died. The Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma he overcame 4 years before returned with a vengeance and he made the decision to die with dignity, at home with our family  around. I feel so fortunate that we had such a loving and supportive relationship and that we had no regrets or unfinished business. Unlike many, we were able to share our feelings, thoughts and ideas during The Living Years. The day of his service, the church was filled with hundreds of people from the community that Baugh Lewis touched in some positive way. Folks from all walks of life came to pay their last respects to a man who had given so much to his family, his business, employees and the community at large. It was living testament to Baugh Lewis, a person who actually "practiced what he preached". I remember the last time I dreamed about you. I told you that I missed you and you replied, "I know" and then put your arms around me. I know you are still with us.

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard.  Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass."  "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply.  "We're raising boys." -Harmon Killebrew

It is often mentioned that every family has some dysfunction but the quote above is an excellent description of my Father's attitude about being a parent and raising a family. When my brother and I were threatened with, "Wait until your Dad gets home!" he would arrive after a hard day of work, survey the situation and almost always find nothing to inspire punishment and simply say, "Boy's will be boys"  and urge everyone to move on. I remember his basic guidelines:

1.      Was anyone physically hurt or injured due to mean or neglectful behavior.

2.      Was anything broken?

3.      What difference does it make a year from now?

And if we saw something that we wanted/needed while out in public,"Does it cost more than a dollar?" Understand that this was in the last century during the 1960's...

Dad was a successful businessman who traveled and was often away from home but we never felt an absence because when he was around, he was always available, patient and incredibly supportive. He taught by example and my brother and I learned so much from him about family, living, giving back to the community, sharing and more than I can ever begin to document here. Several months after he died I was working in his office preparing for the transition of the business when I came across a folder with a mission statement for his life. He had been a Steven Covey fan for years and was always looking at ways to improve himself and the world around. One of the questions on the form was, "How do you want to be remembered?" He was incredibly modest and I was struck by his modest wish that when he was gone, people would say, "He was a good man."  I am still amazed at the powerful simplicity of that  because he was a GOOD MAN and so much more. Dad was the glue that held us together, the wisdom  that helped us thrive and the love that nurtured, protected and allowed us to grow. I look at the picture daily and am reminded of all the ways he influenced us; usually remembering to be grateful as I try and carry his lessons with me as I make my way through each day.

Thanks Dad, Merry Christmas!

 

Posted by

Russell Lewis Luxury Real Estate Broker Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape 

 

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Comments (101)

Not a real person
San Diego, CA

Best wishes for lots of fun and food with family and friends today. Hope Santa brought you some cool toys, too!

Happy Holidays!

 

 

Dec 25, 2010 04:18 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Russell  That is a beautiful tribute to your father and made even more interesting by your story telling capability  Arthur and I just stopped by to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year

Dec 25, 2010 05:46 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Russell, what a beautiful tribute to you father. I just stopped over to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Dec 25, 2010 10:00 AM
Dale Baker
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy and evening to you Russell

Russell, sure do hope you and all the members of your family have had a mighty fine Christmas day!

Merry Christmas


 


Have a Good one
Dale in New Hampshire

Dec 25, 2010 01:08 PM
Pippa Mac
Chevaux Group Realtor, The Woodlands and Spring - The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands TX Real Estate

Russell .... you are so fantastic in your writing!   I hope that you had a wonderful holiday and have an amazing 2011!!!!

Dec 27, 2010 07:20 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Russell!  I came back to see the follow-up on this post and just loved reading all of the comments.  One thing that I didn't mention before is what a great shot of your brother and your dad at the Turkey Trot!  I just KNOW that you guys all enjoyed the annual event immensely and that is such a powerful reminder of my childhood with my Dad as well--we had a blast together, no matter what we were doing!  It certainly did give me a reminder with my boys too--"Don't worry about the small stuff, memories are in the making here which is FAR more important!"

Hope you have a wonderful New Year!  Hopefully we'll get a chance to 'conference' together again.  We need to catch up!

Dec 28, 2010 04:57 AM
Anonymous
Michelle

Russell, your dad would have appreciated that you and your brother recognized and gave him credit for the good things in life that he shared with both of you! What a wonderful gift he was in your lives and your article is a very nice way of honoring him. Best to you in the New Year!

Dec 28, 2010 09:58 AM
#88
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

What a wonderful Kodak Moment you have shared with us.  I think it's quite apparent that your father instilled his goodness in you.  You too are a good man and so much more.  Happy New Year!

Dec 28, 2010 12:52 PM
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

Kinda shocked why this one wasn't Featured. This one has featured written all over it. Your father was a great man and I am glad that you enjoyed your time with him. Many people can't say that about their fathers. Speaking of Stephen Covey,I have to read his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People that has been collecting dust in my car forever. Hope you had a great Christmas. Great post.

Dec 28, 2010 02:34 PM
Sun City Grand Homes Surprise AZ Real Estate Leolinda Bowers Designated Broker Leolinda Realty
Leolinda Realty - Surprise, AZ
Sun City Grand in Surprise Arizona

Russell, your Kodak moment brought tears to my eyes.  You are as kind as your dad, the apple did not all far from the tree in your family.  Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Dec 28, 2010 08:36 PM
Robin Rogers
Robin Rogers, Silverbridge Realty, San Antonio, Texas - San Antonio, TX
CRS, TRC, MRP - Real Estate Investment Adviser

What a lovely tribute to your father, Russell. It's especially appropriate at this time of the year to remember the people who mean so much to us.

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2011!

Robin

Dec 31, 2010 01:56 AM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

Dec 31, 2010 07:35 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

Oh man Russell, I have happy tears in my eyes reading your lovely memories of your father. What a great role model Baugh was on how to live life. Love his quote, "We are raising kids not grass!"

From readng your blog looks like you are living life as he did.

Jan 04, 2011 02:06 AM
C. Bartch
Newark, OH

One more thing...not all photos have to be perfectly taken to be beautiful :~)

Jan 04, 2011 02:09 AM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

The fact that there are 90+ comments on a post that's not featured speaks volumes about this.  You've inspired a lot of people with this tribute to your dad.

Jan 07, 2011 05:46 AM
Anonymous
Merry

Hi, What a lovely and well-written sentiment about Baugh!  I'm sure he would have said something along the "Aw, shucks" line if he could have read it.  But he was always very proud of his boys in life and I'm sure he's grinning from ear to ear in heaven right now over all you have both accomplished.

Jan 07, 2011 10:25 AM
#97
Allysoun Musslewhite
AvenueOne Properties, Inc. - Austin, TX

Hi Russell, just stopped by to see what was new at your blog and...to give you a nudge to get started again! Hope you and the family had a blast in NYC and I will see you at the office next week!

Jan 08, 2011 03:25 AM
Anonymous
Mike

Hi Russell,

Just now got a chance to read this and I have to say that you are surely a chip off the old block. Both you and your brother are fortunate to have had him to guide you along the way. Knowing you both, that is a a positive thing because you also have a little bit of a crazy edge! Hope you have a good 2011 this year!

Jan 20, 2011 07:32 AM
#99
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

I wonder if your dad and my wise old grandmother were related. Sure sounds like it.

Feb 03, 2011 11:33 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

You know, I still keep thinking of this quote you included, and think it very appropriate when I'm about ready to scold one of my dogs:

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard.  Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass."  "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply.  "We're raising boys." -Harmon Killebrew

Mar 24, 2011 05:16 PM