I am stunned and quite sad this
morning.  I just learned of the sudden
death of a good man, age 46.  I only knew
one facet of John’s life – his involvement in promoting, judging and coaching
men’s gymnastics.  In his obituary I
learned that professionally he was an educator of, and advocate for, special
needs children.  I am not surprised.

 

I have always described John as
being all about the boys and the sport of gymnastics.  He was actively encouraging.  I think he knew the name of every competitor
in the region.  Judges usually bee-line
it to the hospitality room as soon as their event finishes, but John liked to
hand out medals.  While the rest of the
judges grabbed a bite to eat between sessions, John shook each boy’s hand and
spoke words of encouragement.  He was not
at all obliged to do this task.  He had
every right to be in the hospitality room, but John was passionate about the
sport and each boy’s accomplishment.

 

I most recently saw John in Chattanooga
at the club gymnastics national competition. 
He was coaching his club team from Boston University.  Let me gently say that these girls are not
stars, and yet you would think they were the best in the country.  John actively
brought out the best in you no matter what your best looked like.

 

It’s an example for all of us.  Be an active encourager.  Find the good in every person and purposefully
foster it.