A simple legacy.Our lives are shaped as much by those who leave us as they are by those who stay. Loss is our legacy. Insight is our gift. Memory is our guide. --Hope Edelman I tied my uncle's tie for him. It was right after I helped him put his belt through a loop he missed. He was getting ready to attend the funeral Funeral Viking funeral given to Michael Geste by his younger brother, as in their childhood games. [Br. Lit.: P. C. Wren Beau Geste in Benét, 87] of a friend who, in fact, was many years younger than he. I had just stopped to visit after putting down my two youngest children for a nap at the old home place just down the road. We were back for a brief visit after several months of being unable to travel due to a full plate of commitments at school and work. Through these visits, I try to keep my children, and myself, in touch with our family and heritage. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As I was tying his tie, I remembered that it was my uncle who taught me the proper way to tie one over 30 years ago. I wonder if he knew that at the time he was showing me the way to get the knot knot In cording, the interlacement of parts of one or more ropes, cords, or other pliable materials, commonly used to bind objects together. Knots have existed from the time humans first used vines and cordlike fibers to bind stone heads to wood in primitive axes, and were just the right size, how often I would repeat that relatively simple act in my life. He probably did not, but the impact was just the same. I have worn a tie almost daily in over 20 years of law enforcement and military service. Each time I wear one, it is more than a piece of my uniform or a part of a dress code. It has been and continues to be a simple but important symbol of professionalism professionalism the upholding by individuals of the principles, laws, ethics and conventions of their profession. . Interestingly enough, just like me, few others consciously notice if a tie is worn correctly. However, it is readily apparent to all if it is askew a·skew adv. & adj. To one side; awry: rugs lying askew. [Probably a-2 + skew. , loosened, or missing when it should be there. I hugged my uncle as he was leaving, knowing that it would be several months before I would have a chance to see him again. The kids and I were heading back to the pressures of school and work early the next morning. As I made the long drive back on the interstate in·ter·state adj. Involving, existing between, or connecting two or more states. n. One of a system of highways extending between the major cities of the 48 contiguous United States. Noun 1. , I reflected on the moment. The simple act of tying a tie had come full circle in my uncle's life. The one he had shown was now helping him. It is a simple yet poignant legacy. I am looking forward to the day I can teach my sons how to get that knot just right in their ties; just like their great uncle taught me. Special Agent Jeffrey C. Lindsey, an instructor and program manager in the Leadership Development Institute at the FBI Academy The FBI Academy, located in Quantico, Virginia, is the training grounds for new Special Agents of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was first opened for use in 1972 on 385 acres (1.6 km²) of woodland. , prepared Leadership Spotlight Spotlight can refer to at least three types of lighting:
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion