My father used to refer to me and introduce me to all of his friends as "sport model". I always wondered why. When I was 16, I finally ask him why. His answer was, " Kid, you look and operate like a fine tuned sports car, but you break down a lot."

 

Now as the father of a teenager, I finally get it.

 

As I see the news of Colorado legalizing pot, I wonder what were the Colorado elected brains thinking of besides possible political contributions.

 

Are we going to see smuggerlers  trying to tunnel now to the Rockies instead of just across the border? Are we going to start seeing commercials like the Coors spot where a snow covered explorer steps into party and offers the people a legal joint instead of a cold beer? ( It would definately make a good SNL skit)

 

I have sometimes (most of the time) been mentored and bossed by very good people. They have been great teachers and role models. I always remember learning the lesson about the "Law of Diminishing Returns" from a person, who was very  giving of his time, knowledge, experience, and most importantly friendship.

 

Some people I have met along the way do good things only so they get noticed or talked about. My mother was always trying to hide or disguise the fact of a good deed. Didn't recognize it then, but a good role model.

 

Trying to adhere to that principle, I have tried to never turn when I can impact a sitution for the better:

 

#1  Assisted a crippled one legged man from a smokey, fire-filled apartment. Only to find humor in a bad situation, I distinctly remember when a neighbor came to help, he kept reaching for a leg that wasn't there.  He could not see below the smoke line. It was eiry to see how the smoke was thick only about 2 feet above the floor. He had fallen asleep with a lighted cigarette.

 

#2  During an internship, while walking through the Magic Kingdom park at DisneyWorld with the park G.M. we came across a guest having an epileptic siezure. I held him down until the park paramedics arrived. I think this is what got me lunch with Micheal Eisner.

 

# 3 While on a return driving trip from New Orleans, my wife and I were driving home when we witnessed a wreck between a compact car and semi-truck that ended up on its side. It appeared the car driver was dead but along with other people that came to help, we got the front windshield out and helped the driver out.

 

I don't mention these for any other reason than, I hope they are examples of what my Mom showed me of compassion and "doing the right thing." The only people I ever shared these stories with or knew about them, besides my wife, are the people that helped in each situation.