In Memoriam
The Internet can be intrusive, yes, but it can also be a voice of comfort -- and, in my case, a close friend leaning in to whisper, "You know how you thought your dad was the greatest guy in the world? You were right. Let me tell you why."
I never saw B.B. King perform live or ever met him in person, yet I carry with me a lesson that he taught me many years ago. What B.B. taught me is that it is not so much talent that lifts us up, but rather it is the story of our "inner man" and character that ultimately defines us.
I don't believe this happened for a reason, but it has given us all a reason to be more present parents, more loving spouses, more supportive friends, and more caring leaders. The overwhelming sentiment from everyone who knew Dave is that he inspired us to be better human beings.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Poppies have become the symbol for fallen soldiers -- all our soldiers, of all our wars. Charlie and Jack went on to lead long, productive lives after their military service. They left us peacefully. With every respect and honor for those who died in Flanders Fields a century ago, I dedicate McCrae's beautiful poem to Charlie and our mutual friend Jack.
Perhaps you didn't know him. I wish you had. Yet you know Newsday, once in so many ways his. He said for those in our business, the proof was in the pudding and the pudding was what the newspaper had in it each and every day.
