Tuesday 31 January 2017

A role model remembered

Today I attended the funeral of our friend, Jack Giddy. I wrote a blog post a few years ago about Jack who affected and influenced many lives. While listening to his eulogy today, I thought of his fruitful 92 years of life. Everyone chatted afterwards about his numerous accomplishments and achievements, and how no one knew all of them. A few may have been aware that he never spoke of his war experience. Some knew he trained the Sydney Swans from 1986-1990. Many laughed when they heard he was disappointed Mel Gibson chose Hollywood over professional running.😀  Most knew that Jack coached athletics, but not all were aware about his involvement in modern pentathlon, rugby league, swimming, beach sprinters and more.

Highly respected, Jack was an utter gentleman who was widely loved. I remember talking to him once about telling his story and sharing his training knowledge. He said that someone once asked to write a book about him, but he never felt comfortable doing that. This disappointed me for his experience, knowledge and wisdom may eventually be lost. I compared how oral traditions are diluted with time with some facts and details forgotten. Yet today, people might not remember all that he did, but they remember how he made them feel.

Before Christmas, I went over to cut Jack’s hair, as he was unwell. He was so appreciative and grateful, I actually felt a little embarrassed. He complimented me on the haircut and said that my husband, Andrew was so fortunate to have me in his life. Jack and his wife, Snow always made you feel special and loved. Snow rang me later that day to tell me that Jack enjoyed the Snickerdoodles I’d baked and requested the recipe. How could something that took such little time and effort equate to Jack’s level of gratitude and appreciation?

Jack was a wonderful role model and there were many lessons I learnt from him.
  • Be diverse in your adventures
  • Accept and try new things with an open mind
  • Share your knowledge, expertise and wisdom
  • Be grateful and appreciative as it takes no effort
  • Be kind and give compliments…it can make someone’s day!

Surround yourself with role models who inspire and make you a better person.

Learning...it's never ending
@stringer_andrea

Sunday 1 January 2017

Marinate the Mind

My word for 2017 is Marinate.


To marinate is to think about something, have time to reflect or to wait for something to happen.

Sometimes you need to be still or stay the course to deepen your knowledge and your expertise.

16 years of studying, learning, teaching, questioning, reading, connecting, listening, conversing, and researching are the combined ingredients of this marinade, with my professional learning network being the seasoning.


"Happy New Year" &
Thank You #PLN

@stringer_andrea