life lessons
CINspirational People: Avtar Gill
I was reminded this week of Avtar Gill aka ‘The Hat Man’ in Cincinnati, and how he was remembered by a city that embraced him. I got an email out of the blue from a reader of The Cincinnati Herald who had read my editorial. I have written a number of opinion pieces over the years but this one really touched me in a deep way. I had originally written this for my enewsletter in 2014, and I thought I’d share it here too.
Rest in Peace Avtar. Thanks for giving me the gift of this life lesson.
The news is all over the internet. I’ve been reading about it on all of the social networks and traditional news media outlets. Our Greater Cincinnati region lost a beloved symbol of peace, friendship, and civic pride.
Avtar Gill died quietly in the motel room he has called home for many years. It isn’t known whether he had family or what his life was like in his earlier years (at least not that I could find when I searched) but what is known is that he had a huge following.
Dozens showed up this past weekend to memorialize the man known as Cincinnati Hat Man. Hundreds are fans of the Facebook tribute page. And there is talk about how we as a community can more broadly and permanently pay homage to his gifts.
In the final years of his Avtar’s life, he brought smiles to the faces of strangers – thousands of them. If you have attended any large public gatherings downtown, you have more than likely seen him. Dressed in casual slacks and mostly colorful t-shirts, he was always adorned with his signature ball cap attached to a piece of poster board decorated in bright colors with positive messages. Among them – “Mother’s Day: Be proud to be a mother.” “Rejoice. World Choir Games comes to town. Wow!”
He spread good news and welcomed everyone. And he died alone, before telling us his story.
I remember seeing him at events. I remember uplifting billboards. He was hard to miss. But I never said hello. I never asked him his name or why he made it his life mission to quietly spread messages of goodwill. I never told him his signs brightened my day. I never said thank you. Sadly, only now in the wake of his absence, am I learning about the man whose messages of hope and inspiration touched so many in deep, meaningful ways.
How many of you can relate? Why is it that so often we wait until a person is gone to memorialize their gifts? Please don’t get me wrong. I think the outpouring of emotions from people who were impacted by Avtar is beautiful. I have no doubt that Avtar is smiling looking down upon this city right now. I only wish that he could have seen this outpouring of admiration while he was still with us.
In our busy lives, we often go about our routines without taking the time to let others know of their value to us. Or we put off saying what we want to say because there is always later. It isn’t because we don’t care or that others don’t matter. For whatever reason, we just don’t say what is in our heart.
I always say life is one big classroom and every experience is a learning opportunity. Let this remind us that life can be short. None of us know what is in store for our tomorrow. Caring and being there for each other is what makes our time here so special. We need to practice voicing our appreciation.
Our lesson from this if we choose to learn it is to not take our time here for granted. In Avtar’s honor and memory, let’s rejoice in life and in each other. Today, tomorrow, next week and all year, make a point to let others know they are important. Let’s celebrate and cherish gifts in the here and now.
My New Year’s Reflections And Lessons Learned
It has become an annual tradition around New Year’s when my mom reminds me of how much we need to appreciate every minute of every day because time doesn’t stand still. When the clock struck midnight last Wednesday, one more year was behind us, never to be gotten back again. The 2014 hourglass expired.
But not before permanently etching memories into the crevices of my brain. These are the reflections that give me pause on New Year’s. What has 2014 taught me about life and living; and about being a better person, friend, teacher and co-worker? How will I use these lessons to inspire myself and those around me to be better, stronger and more connected?
The Gifts of 2014
It was in 2014 when I became part of a team whose shared purpose is inspiring others to look beyond differences to appreciate each other’s unique gifts that collectively strengthen us all. Through the Cincinnati ReelAbilities Film Festival organized by LADD, Inc., I have met so many people who share my passion for building a community where differences are celebrated and everyone is included.
ReelAbilities gave me the opportunity to get to know world renowned photographer Rick Guidotti. I will always remember how, within minutes of our meeting, I felt as if we were lifelong friends. That is one of Rick’s incredible gifts. It is how he is able to share the beautiful humanity in those with differences, in all of us actually. Through his images, his words and his heart, Rick inspires us to change how we see the world and how we see each other. Thank you to Rick for all that you are and all that you do.
There are so many powerful messages to be told and shared through the ReelAbilities Film Festival. I hope you will make plans on joining us.
It was in 2014 when our region – and the nation – was introduced to a valiant warrior, who, in a few short months taught us about courage and vision and purpose. By now you have probably heard the story of Lauren Hill. You probably even feel as though you know her personally. I have no doubt that her indomitable spirit has impacted you, strengthened that place deep in your soul where hope grows.
Lauren was less than two months into her 18th year when an MRI revealed one of the most insidious forms of cancers with tentacles weaving through her nerves. When she took to the court of her first NCAA college basketball game, it was before an unprecedented sellout crowd of 10,000+. They were her cheerleaders. She was their teacher. She was…is…a teacher to all of us.
photo credit: Carrie Cochran/Cincinnati Enquirer. Please click on photo to read accompanying story in the Enquirer.
Her quote was the headline of a USA Today story, “I want people to know, I will never give up.” Lauren challenged us and challenged herself. Her goal was to raise $1 M for The Cure Starts Now Foundation by the end of the year. With media support and an army of fighters in schools, congregations, businesses, and communities here and nationwide, she met that goal. She looked cancer in the face and said, ‘you have not won.’
None of us know when Lauren’s journey here on earth will end but her legacy will live forever in all of us who have grown from her strength.
What have these 2014 lessons taught me?
Wow, there is so much. Truly, life can be so short. We never know from day to day what tomorrow will bring yet we spend so much time worrying about things that will be insignificant in a year. We stress over deadlines, mistakes, and what if’s. We go from place to place without noticing the beauty around us or the person having a bad day. We don’t stop to ask how we can help. We forget to smile at passers-by. We say we will reach out later to that friend we have lost touch with. We overlook letting those around us – our co-workers, family and neighbors – know we appreciate them. We let our fear of failure keep us from pursuing our dreams.
Time goes by too quickly to take it for granted. In 2015, I am going to pay more attention to smiling at strangers and noticing the scenery around me. I am going to reach out more to people in my life and remind them that they are valued and appreciated. I am going to do more to help others. I am going to make mistakes, and learn from them. I am going to pursue my passions.
What lessons will you carry forward in the new year?
On Mother’s Day, Some Life Lessons I’ve Learned From My Mom
