A Man of Character

Over 15 years ago, when I was still coaching soccer and track, we had an amazing weight room coach working with our students. He not only knew how to teach weight lifting to teenagers, but he also led them with impeccable character, a great attitude, and a positive spirit. He was always fit, and he was always leading from the front. I was devastated when he left our program, but I respected his decision. Out of all of the trainers and weight room professionals that I have known over the years, he is one of two that I would allow to coach my sons.

Coach owned a gym in town. He was married to his high school sweetheart, and his children had finished college. I found out recently that his wife passed away due to cancer. I was devastated to hear the news. I had lost touch with Coach over the years. He is definitely a role model that I should have kept in my close circle of friends. 

I asked how he was doing. I was told that he was run down from the past few years. Not just emotionally, but also physically. It seems that his wife had been terminal for a few years. Being that he owned a gym, he did not have enough insurance for her treatments. To compensate and provide for his dying wife, he worked at the gym all day, came home to eat & care for his wife, and then worked the night shift at the local delivery company loading boxes. The coach was in his 60s. He never complained. He was focused on the love of his life. He sacrificed the body that he had built over the decades so she could have the best care available.  

He is a man of character.

Even though we have lost touch, he is still a role model for me today. Prayers to his family.

Just Be Better

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy.