A Life Well Lived

Last week, I lost a high school classmate. Typically this note would be a note of sadness and despair. While saddened by his passing, the response to his life reminded me of some important lessons.

As a backstory, I have known Jody since elementary school. I remembered him as a gentleman of my height with pronounced glasses. He was a man of few, but always kind words, and a huge smile. That smile was present from the day I met him through the last time I saw him. He was an understated man. He didn’t long for attention, he was not the loudest voice in the room, but he was big in the kindness department. The kind of guy who told me I did a great job after delivering a disastrous speech.

Upon graduation, I left my hometown. During a visit, I was in my car at a stop light. I turned and noticed Jody was working the back of a trash truck. He was dumping containers, sweating, and wearing a signature bandana. My immediate thought was “How could he do that job”. However, I quickly observed a very different picture. Through his work, he maintained that trademarked smile. He enthusiastically waved to everyone he saw. When he noticed me I received the warmest “What’s up”. A gesture that made my day. During subsequent visits, I witnessed the same movie. There was Jody, working the same trash truck rear handler job. He smiled and waved to people walking, school buses, and cars. He had an extra special shout-out to those he knew. He kindly helped older people with their waste cans.

Years passed by. My father worked with him at the waste management facility as an electrician. He would tell me stories of Jody saying hello and asking how he was doing. On the day my Dad was impacted by a layoff, Jody was one of the handful of people who sought him out to check on him.

Through social media, I could periodically see what he was up to. It was clear that he led a simple and meaningful life. He loved his dog Ace, watching the Dallas Cowboys, catching a good WWE match, and meeting aging heavy metal stars. I had a chance to connect with him this past summer at my high school reunion. He was proud of the life he had built. He enjoyed his work, loved his community, and looked forward to his next meet and greet (I believe the last was 80’s rocker Lita Ford).

As news of his passing spread last week, it was clear that he was universally beloved within his community. The story I mentioned above was practically identical to what others were telling. Countless demonstrations of his kindness and thoughtful nature. His work was acknowledged through a letter to the editor from someone writing about his talent, effort, and skill on the job.

I am grateful to be reminded of a few lessons from Jody. Living your passion, no matter how giant or small, builds a life well-lived: Making the most of your job, working with intention, and having fun with it. Doing the things you love. Sharing a friendly smile and a maintaining kindhearted disposition. Not rating yourself against others. Enjoying what you have versus fixating on what you do not have. These are all lessons that we can all learn from to make a difference. I have some comfort knowing that Jody will have a lasting impact on our hometown and those whose lives he has touched. Thanks to him for making a difference.