“You can’t leave a footprint that lasts if you’re always walking on tiptoe.”
– Marion C. Blakey, NTSB Chairwoman
“I know I shouldn’t say anything, but…”
– Pat Heston, July 2, 1936 – November 13, 2006
Mom was her father’s daughter, and, as much as I write about Dad, I am my mother’s son. Not much “walking on tiptoes” is possible if you have my gene pool. My relationship with Mom was much different that the one I had with Dad, but who I am today is as much because of her as it his him. I don’t deal well with accepting the status quo, and I sometimes can’t help but use more candor than a situation might technically call for.
If I had $5 for every time Mom started a proclamation with the quote above, I’d be retired. In retrospect, she was right more often than she was wrong, and the fact that I sleep pretty good at night comes largely to the clarity around right and wrong that she gave me, if not from the tendency to speak out on the difference.
Today, I’d ask two things, in memory of Pat Heston.
First, leave a “footprint.” Maybe on a co-worker or a customer. Maybe on a kid. Maybe on a relative. But leave a mark. Stand for something. Put yourself out there. It’s a time in our history where the really good people need to make a difference, and it would make Mom pretty happy if she knew we took some action in her name today.
Second, call your Mom, if you can, and tell her you love her and appreciate her. And mean it. It’s a call I’d love to be able to make.
Thanks, Pat Heston, for the difference you made.
Ted Kennedy says
Steve,
Pat certainly left a footprint. There was a time when I was out at your folk’s house and had the opportunity to talk one on one with your mom. I remember it was a good conversation, but little else. When I returned home my dad came up to me and said something to the effect that I had impressed Pat (hard for me to believe as well). Dad said that Pat mentioned something like she has confidence in the next generation. I said to him, what did she mean by that. He said, That’s just Pat.
Your mom did leave a footprint. That instance was nothing huge, but it was something that I still think of today. It is important for all of us to leave positive footprints.
Steve Heston says
Ted, this means a lot! Thanks!