Will They Light Your Path?

By

It was a cold and rainy night not too long ago where I stood in line, along with hundreds of other people, to say goodbye to a man who left this earth just shy of his 41st birthday.  I didn’t know him as well as I knew his wife; he wasn’t a celebrity nor did he win the Nobel Prize.  He was simply gone too soon.  What I did know about him was evident by the people who surrounded me:  he was a husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, co-worker and cherished friend to many.  He was Irish, he fished and he loved hockey.  Above all, he was someone who was deeply loved and who will be greatly missed.

And truly, isn’t that we all strive for ~ to be loved, to make a positive impact on others and to be missed when we’re gone?

His wife was one of the first people I met when my family moved to Ohio over 11 years ago.  She took care of my children like they were her own, long before she started her family.  I was devastated to learn of her husband’s passing, knowing he left behind an eight year old daughter and six year old son. It’s comforting to know she has a huge support system in her family and friends, but she would much rather have her husband here instead.

After the viewing was over, on the drive back to their home, my friend and her in-laws came upon a sight which stunned them.  During the evening, the neighborhood came together to put luminaries along the street in memory of her husband.  It was their gesture to “light the darkness” they knew the family was going through and to let them know they weren’t alone.  It was achingly beautiful yet bittersweet.  It was a testament to the power of community coming together in times of need.

It made me wonder … would they light my path?  Would they light yours?

In memory of Michael M. ~ gone too soon.  May you rest in peace.

Robyn Reis

Robyn Reis

Robyn began her dental career in 1998 as a marketing and communications director for a large group practice, and instantly fell in love with the world of dentistry. She has spent every waking moment since learning, growing and collaborating with dentists and their teams utilizing her expertise in all aspects of dental practice management, marketing, communications, HR, continuing education, and laboratory sales. Robyn's personal goals are to make a difference in someone's life every single day and to give the best of herself to those around her. Robyn and her family live and play in Northeast Ohio.