Folks who know me know there are few times that I am at a loss for words. Seldom does my excitement allow me the pleasure of a pregnant pause. But there are major times in your life when someone says something that just makes you stop and give thanks for a moment, as you cannot find the words to appropriately respond.
I was thinking about that when I heard that Al Trice was getting the Outstanding Volunteer in Education award from Volunteer Southern Arizona on Nov. 17.
I have shared many meetings with Al over the years as members of the Community Leadership Group at Oro Valley Hospital. Al also provided much mentoring when it came to the "organizational" stuff when Deb and I founded the Healthiest Town in America initiative.
When I heard about the award going to Al, it immediately made me think of one of the times he said something to me that had such an impact that I was at a loss for words.
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Last December was a critical juncture in the evolution of HTA - I was so concerned about my role in the initiative that I called Al on his cellphone for some advice.
He took my call even though he was attending a meeting in Atlanta at the time.
After listening to the issues I was facing and what was happening with HTA he said, "Your leadership is lacking (stinks), your organizational skills stink and your delegation skills stink."
I just sat there stunned for a moment as I processed Al's response.
As I stumbled to think of what to say, the best I could muster was, "That's what I told them!"
He had a quick reply: "Well, obviously your communication skills stink also, because they are not understanding the problems."
A truly good friend and mentor does not tell you what you want to hear but rather what is the truth.
So when I heard about the award I thought about all those kids Al has come in contact with over the years - the programs he helped facilitate and all the folks he brought together so he could inspire them to go out and help kids.
As a very pragmatic guy, he always boils things down to the very basics of a job-related issue or a community-based issue. His message about kids was clear to me: They all need the basics. And if we give them basic life skills, they will affect the next generation and the next.
Thanks, Al. You have passed your message on to a whole new group of kids who, like me, may now be at a loss for words but are inspired to reach out to those less fortunate.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy the journey,
Bob
E-mail Bob Oro at northwest@azstarnet.com
