How Do We Become Who We Are? Or Who Am I Influencing?
My 17 year-old son Kevin lost one of his best friends, Nick Girard, a year ago today. I took Kevin out to lunch today to offer him my support as I lost 2 dear friends at a young age and understand the profound impact that loss has. We had an interesting conversation about how Nick influenced who he is today versus who he might be if Nick was not gone.
We spoke about the values that Nick held, tolerance for the underdog, a positive attitude and zest for life. A warm nature and a fun-loving approach...he ALWAYS had a smile on. Kevin shared with me that sometimes, now, when he might loose patience or begin to focus too much on what he wants, he remembers Nick and how selfless and caring he was. Kevin adjusts his approach to how he sees the world and the actions he chooses to take as a result of Nick's influence.
It does not take a long time to create a positive change in people, Nick was not here long...But there are many Stonington High School students that he has shaped dramatically for the better. And for that I say a prayer of gratitude for Nick Girard and the gift he has given my son just by being his friend.
I encourage you to reflect upon who has influenced your life...then take an action to thank them for just being themself and sharing it with you.
The self-discovery process is sometimes brutally honest and sometimes honestly beautiful. To the beauty in life.
We spoke about the values that Nick held, tolerance for the underdog, a positive attitude and zest for life. A warm nature and a fun-loving approach...he ALWAYS had a smile on. Kevin shared with me that sometimes, now, when he might loose patience or begin to focus too much on what he wants, he remembers Nick and how selfless and caring he was. Kevin adjusts his approach to how he sees the world and the actions he chooses to take as a result of Nick's influence.
It does not take a long time to create a positive change in people, Nick was not here long...But there are many Stonington High School students that he has shaped dramatically for the better. And for that I say a prayer of gratitude for Nick Girard and the gift he has given my son just by being his friend.
I encourage you to reflect upon who has influenced your life...then take an action to thank them for just being themself and sharing it with you.
The self-discovery process is sometimes brutally honest and sometimes honestly beautiful. To the beauty in life.
Labels: inspiration
posted by Michelle Yozzo Drake at 8:42 PM
1 Comments:
My name is Samantha and this article just made my night tonight, I was trying to find Nick's Obituary online because I'm going to write a speech about him for a personal experience for my Intro to Speech class. I go to Roger Williams University in Bristol Rhode Island and i am from Griswold, CT. Nick Girard was my first cousin and we grew up together and his father Nelson is my uncle. I started reading this article thinking it was someone else with the same name, then i realized it is my cousin. He is my inspiration in life and thank you for writing about him it means a lot to not only me but the rest of his family im sure.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home