Today I got dressed and went to pay my final respects to a childhood friend. By all accounts Rod Marshall was a healthy guy. A freak accident while cheering for his children, lead to a surgery that ultimately led to a blood clot that took his life. Crazy right, I mean this was a guy who wasn't built tough but was mentality and spiritually tough. He put his heart on the track every time I saw him run. He was a husband, father, brother, son, uncle, coach , mentor, friend, and inspiration to many. His impact on the lives of many people in our community will be felt for years to come. See Rod and I competed against one another in track as youth, and because of a football injury my senior year I didn't get the pleasure of running with him in high school. Though it was athletics that connected us, it was his character that kept us close. As I stood outside the church and watched the hordes of people going in to pay their respects to him, obviously feeling the same way I was, I began to ponder life, its meaning and my own mortality( death has a way of doing that). I then asked myself what would my legacy be? What impact had I made on society and why would I be missed? As I sat in the auditorium and listen to the countless stories by the people who's lives he touch and I reflected on my own, it began to dawn on me. It wasn't the athletic accomplishments that people cherished the most. It was the intimate moments that he had with people that connected us all. He changed society and though it may be invisible to most, it can be felt. He encouraged students, are going to college and will be leaders in our community, they will be mothers and fathers who will pass on the great things he gave them, he mentored young coaches who would go on to coach young male and female athletes to college and pro careers, who too will carry the intensity he gave them, and he was also an ear for his peers who will continue the tradition he started, encouraging and educating young students to not be afraid of the world, work hard and do it with a smile. Some of you may not have known Rod Marshal, but a lot of you will witness his impact and his legacy....I am just grateful I got to witness it on a personal level. I salute my fellow Comet.....my fellow athlete.....and my friend. I declare today be Marshall Law....."Release The Champion"
What will your legacy be when you leave?
