A Christmas gift for all
I feel compelled to share an opportunity that presented itself to me quite recently. This one incident has reconfirmed to me the selflessness in people; that some people care about others more than themselves.
I recently received an email from a co-worker regarding a friend of his, Greg, who had a situation which we (as film technicians) might be uniquely qualified in helping him with. I contacted Greg to find out what he needed and was told that a generous donor would cover all costs of the design and fabrication. As it turns out, Greg's son, Jay, was killed in a horrific car accident five and a half years ago. What Greg wanted us to do was make his son's car easily movable. Our objective was to design a system which, when all attachments are removed, left just the car in its distorted state. The reason behind this transformation is that Greg's new passion is to educate your children and mine using that vehicle, a vehicle which is such a source of tragedy in his life. His mission is to bring this car and display it to your children teaching about the effects of street racing. His presentation is extremely effective and now he has the aid of a very visual prop.
While we were in the process of making the modifications to the car Greg's other son, Mike came to see what we were doing. He said to me "I haven't seen my Dad this happy in years". Seeing his Dad happy brought him immense joy. The gravity of this statement did not soak in until later when I realized the depth of what a tragedy like this has on a family. No one should have to bury a child. Greg and his family not only had to shoulder this tragedy, but now Greg was also trying to make something positive come out of it.
On the final day after we completed the car we sat down with Greg and talked. I have been driving for 24 years, but after meeting him and listening to his story he has changed the way I drive. Like most people I think I am a good driver, now I know better. I have never met a more passionate informed individual and Greg's ability to connect with people is unprecedented. His loss has already happened. He is now doing this for all of us. He is selflessly trying to save us from ourselves. He is not seeking wealth or acknowledgment; he is just trying to get some simple points across. Think, slow down and wear your seat belt.
My Christmas wish is anyone who can arrange a presentation for Greg to speak at your school, please do so. Parents, demand this from your school districts.
Help him save us from ourselves.
Mark.
