Set Examples Along the Way

I was scheduled to deliver a presentation on selling integrated print solutions to a peer group in Arizona last Saturday at 8am. Instead I was re-routed and had the unpleasant experience of delivering my mom’s eulogy in New York at the exact same time. While I enjoy speaking in front of groups large or small, the group of family and friends gathered for this speech was a tough one to make eye contact with. You must first understand that I’m terrible at funerals, even when I don’t even know the person! So you can imagine my emotions for this one.

After a nice dinner the prior evening with some family members I sat down and began writing the thoughts that I wanted to share about my mom’s time on this earth. As I began, the words just flowed. It was relatively easy to highlight the key points of her life. Even better, it was much easier to deliver than I could have imagined. Perhaps because the content was clear, meaningful and peppered with a few laughs was able to keep my emotions in check and get through it okay.

It wasn’t until a day or so later that I realized what had happened. Mom had left me good material to talk about. This was a page right out of one of Stephen Covey’s seven habits, “begin with the end in mind” and a not so subtle reminder that we’ll all be the subject matter of one of these speeches one day and that the things we do will become fodder for this final monologue. Has nothing to do with printing but everything to do with how we live our lives and pursue our dreams. 

Comments

[Michael Sanders]

Mike;
I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. It sounded like you had some great memories. I hope those will ease the pain for you and your family.
Best,
Michael Sanders

[Rick Schildgen]

Mike -
Likewise sorry for your family's loss, and very well said post onb this topic. Not sure how I would do in the same circumstances...

Rick

[Kathleen Appleton]

Mike - What a great tribute to your mother's memory. Her legacy of good material is evident in your work. To address key points in a clear and meaningful way is a simple, yet profound statement on effective communication. Kathleen