Big Footprints

I ran a local 5k this morning. It’s been a long time since I have run a stand alone short  race like that. It was a benefit for the late Brad Schoener, the Upper Darby band director who we lost in March and I have written about previously. It was a pretty fun course with a couple of nice climbs and some cross country elements to it. I was actually able to roll out of bed and walk to the start of the race! More important than the race itself was the cause for which we ran. A guy like Brad Schoener left a massive footprint in this world while he was here. He crammed a week’s worth of living into every day of his life and touched so many people.

And of course we have the passing of another giant … Gary Papa. I never had the pleasure of meeting Gary personally but was I introduced to him via email by another friend and co-worker of Gary’s at 6 ABC. We were able to exchange a few emails over the last year or so where we discussed disease, cancer, survivorship, and strength. It’s obvious by the reaction to his passing that Gary is another guy who left behind a huge footprint. Gary’s infectious smile and enthusiasm made him a daily part of our lives. I think most people felt as though Gary was a part of their family.

I think often about my own personal footprint. I think it’s what drives me to care and always try to do the right thing. Many many years from now I want to be remembered as having made a difference – somewhere.