INSPIRE My Father’s Light
and shining light is a fi tting one. Like most extraordinary people, what he did and how he did it dimmed only in comparison to the lasting effect he had on those around him. Loved by all, no matter how or why they crossed his path, my father was “one of those people” who do not come along often. How lucky am I?! With twinkling blue eyes, Papa, (a name I affectionately called him later in life), was a dedicated and devoted husband to my mother, a hard worker who made time for his children and grandchildren, and a diligent volunteer who gave to others as second nature. He taught us all to be independent and challenged me at an early age to have goals and be willing to work hard to achieve them. From him, I learned to stay focused along with the meaning of persistence and playing full out (some of my coaching clients may recognize this man- tra!). He contributed greatly to the entrepre- neurial success I have achieved thus far. With a passion matched by few, Papa
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loved life, laughter, and learning and often said, “Learn something new every day.” At the age of 94, he was playing Angry Birds on his iPad, texting his grandchildren and reading fi ve newspapers a day. Online! Long before people were writing self-help and actualization books, Papa taught me to view life as something continually opening, changing and expanding with new oppor- tunities and events to enjoy. He taught me about the power of visualized intention and the true meaning of a glass more-than-half- full.
y father was an electrician by trade so the metaphor of his physical and spiritual existence as a bright
He went about life with quiet deter-
mination while living through fi ve bouts of cancer. I’ll never forget the time he was just two days out of major surgery and he asked the doctor about the possibility of skiing that winter. The doctor shook his head and said, “Russ, you’re lucky to be alive!” Not one to be deterred from his passion, Papa defi ed the odds and was shooshing down Wildcat Mountain just two months later. Papa shined on as he walked the talk
of volunteering with the Maine Handicap Ski Program, now known as Maine Adap- tive Sport and Recreation Program until he was 83. Befriending and inspiring even his caretakers at the Osher Inn, he shared his gift of connection and love of life by fi nding the positive in even the most challenging of situations. He valued his deep friendships with his lunch and golfi ng buddies and was a cheerleader to his sick friends, giving them surprise phone calls full of humor, hope and inspiration. Papa playfully had a nickname for everybody, “Big A”, “20”, “T,” and most importantly of all “Wifey”, to list a few. Throughout everything my father ac- complished and did in his rich and mean- ingful life, his family was always his number one priority. Nothing brought him more pleasure than his grandchildren and he rarely missed a sporting event, dance recital or theater production. He cherished his beloved Boston Red
Sox, living to see two World Series cham- pionships. Over the past few weeks, his presence was strongly felt by all who knew him. With Papa’s bright spirit and belief that through hard work and dedication comes success, the 2013 Boston Red Sox were
bound to win. Just as I did by having him for a father. Your Turn: Take a moment to think of
a person who has motivated and inspired you to be a better version of your authentic self. Be it someone you know personally or a public fi gure, close your eyes and think if that person’s inner light and how it speaks to yours. 1. What three words or phrases can you use to describe that person? 2. What actions can you take this month to emulate more of the “shining brightness” of that role model? 3. How are you generous with your time and gifts?
Deb Bergeron, PCC, CPCC, founder of Ocean of Possibilities, is a certifi ed personal and professional life coach. Deb works with high achieving professionals, helping them to realign with their most signifi cant priori- ties so they can live their lives vibrantly, with greater joy, balance, and fulfi llment. In addi- tion to her private coaching practice, Deb is also a speaker and workshop presenter, spe- cializing in stress management and work-life balance. You can fi nd out more about Deb and how she works at www.oceanofpos-
sibilities.com.
DEB BERGERON, PCC,CPCC
18 Essential Living Maine ~ June 2014
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