Under the Influence

As we walk through life, we never know who we are influencing (good or bad) along the way. We hope that when we our time on Earth expires, that people will have positive memories of us. And perhaps a kind word or two about how we lived and loved.

Hubby and I had the misfortune of attending two funeral visitations this week.

On Sunday it was for a 57-year-old man Jim has known forever. He was found floating in the lake (the one we walk around) only 6 feet from shore. He did not die from drowning, but had suffered a heart attack while swimming and died in the water. The weird thing is I had just met him just a week before when we spent a nice evening with him listening to that band at Anchor Bay. Nice guy. You'd never think you won't see him again. Judging by the long line at visitation, he'll be missed.

Tonight we had a visitation for the 85-year-old father of a family Jim also has known forever. I've known 3 of his 5 kids for years, too. Their dad had some health issues a few years back but was fine now, and even hitting a few golf balls every day. He had more friends and acquaintances than you can imagine. Sort of like my dad... who eerily is the same age. Funerals like that hit too close to home!

I imagine hubby has touched  lot of lives in his dozens of years of coaching. He has been a good role model and I am glad to see Carter is carrying that on.

This week starts a new session of swimming lessons at his job. So that means somewhat different age groups and kids. Since he only works until 12:30 p.m., he is not at the afternoon lessons. One of the moms whose daughter was in his class for the first session in June is taking lessons again. This time she is in the late afternoon instead of morning. Apparently, she cried big time at lessons yesterday because Carter wasn't there to teach her.

Oh boy. Breaking girls' hearts already. I hope that's not the legend he leaves behind.

I may be biased, but I'd have to say I know better.