Heros cross our path every day and if you are lucky enough you get to actually meet one of them. If you are extra lucky you get to spend an enjoyable long lunch visiting and sharing stories. This week I had the distinct privilege of such a lunch. William Mullan of Scotland, Grandfather to one of our graduating students, came across the pond to be here for his Grandson, his pal, and partake in the commencement celebration.
Not only is William the quintessential Scottish Grandfather he was a Football referee for some very famous games. One being the 1972 Summer Olympics and the match between East Germany and West Germany, which just happened to be the first time that the two countries meet on the field in a competition. There were 80,000 spectators in attendance at the Olympic Stadium in Munich, which filled the stadium to max capacity and when all eyes were not on the players they were on the referee and watching each call very closely.
William is a hero more so in my eyes for the skills he passed along to young people as their physical education instructor and later their Math instructor. And for sharing with me the joys of his life and a few of the tough times also. He is a gentle reminder to me that each and every one of us has the ability to be a hero.
Heros really are just average people doing extraordinary things once in a while and being an example to those around them every day.
High five Friday for Bill ~ hero and our new friend! We look forward to our continued friendship and hope to see him again soon.
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