The Others

In a speech, someone sometimes goes unmentioned. It could be a singular tragic moment where a bridge is burned invariably or something salvageable depending on who the unmentioned is.

In my case, there is actually no speech that has been delivered or an opportunity to do so. However, I need to mention a couple of other people who made the award possible. These 2 are neither family nor friends.

The individual who put forward my name for the Community Service award is a Trustee. I met this person maybe 4 or 5 years ago, and continued to meet a couple of times each school year since then. Somehow this person felt that I needed recognition of sorts!

The other individual is the "new" Principal at Hans' school.

And I knew I really liked this person when I met his mother. It was what is called a Professional Development Day in November of last year the day I met his mother. (A PD Day is a day off for the students and the teachers come in to do some continuing education activities or schedule meetings with parents or have sessions to share knowledge with each other.) So this Principal invited his mother to see his new work place that "off" day. When he saw me, he asked me to step into his office and excitedly introduced his mother to me. My first reaction was so darned embarrassing...I simply burst into tears! Those were tears of pure joy and emotion. I let the Principal's mother know that it was wonderful how her son brought her to his work place and I hoped one day my sons would bring me to their respective work places as well. There was something very special about that meeting.

There are few individuals I admire and look up to and there are fewer individuals whom I consider role models for myself. These individuals are not perfect by any means. However, they embody integrity in everything they do. They literally stick to their guns and remain true to who they are no matter what is thrown at them, and they deal with everything with a certain dignity. I can't help but respect such people and I respect very few people. This "new" Principal is one of those few.

Given the above sentimental background information, I was honoured that this man was part of the process that got me an unexpected recognition.

On any given day, even on a super depressing day, I can count my blessings in the form of my family and friends, and cheer myself up. And I feel even more blessed, now that I know there are others that I can include in my count.