All too often we see perfectly reputable people around us being taken away what seems to be too soon. Those who have some of the most meaningful impacts with those around them, gone. Car accidents, cancer, no matter the cause, the outcome always appears to be the same: hurt, despair, grief. As friends, peers, teammates, and family to these remarkable people, the question becomes why? Why do these horrific things happen to some of the most outstanding people? The answer could be as simple as, to leave a mark. We remember these inspirational leaders because they left a mark on us. We looked to them and saw that they knew how to live. Two of these societal saints that have left their mark on me are my grandfather and Andy Whitcomb.
My grandfather…show more content… I knew Andy fairly well growing up, as we played hockey together for many years. Andy was a kind and gentle soul, who was consistently focused on putting others far above himself. I can recall several times where Andy leaped at the opportunity to assist and serve the new kids at the rink. He was a true team player. To me, above all, was his smile. He had this contagious, joy-radiating smile that could penetrate the worst of moods. He was the human embodiment of the Fruits of the Spirit, referred to in the Bible. Tragically, at the mere age of fifteen, Andy developed a rare form of stomach cancer. However, Andy was not about to let something as trivial as cancer stop him. Andy was a fighter. He was brave and courageous and was not one to succumb to his circumstances. In spite of his situation, mood, or even his health, he always had on that beaming smile, ear-to-ear, ready to spread his joy. Because of this, he left his mark on just about everyone he met. This could be seen at his memorial service. Even though it was on a Friday night, a large mass of people showed up. The line weaved in and around the entire building, to the point where some were outside. Hundreds of people: men, women, children, teachers, students, teammates, they all came just to see Andy’s face one last time. From Andy, I learned that a simple smile can brighten someone’s day. I learned the power of selflessness and
