The son of a preacher manA month ago, my wife's eldest brother passed away from cancer. It was a painful, gruesome end to a beautiful man's life, and it triggered intense mourning that Vonne and I struggle mightily to overcome. That's a normal reaction to the loss of a loved one, but Steve's death likewise provoked within me a great sense of unease, like I had misplaced something precious or neglected a sacred duty.
So I ran through the predictable checklist:
Am I taking good enough care of myself? Yes.
Do I carry enough life and disability insurance? Got that covered, too.
Can I be a better husband and father? You bet. Steve set a very high standard there.
Still, I felt I was looking in all the wrong places.
Read on at KnoxNews.
Read on at Scripps Howard.
Comments (3)
I came to your blog because of your work. Reading it has become a daily "checkpoint" in my life because of the kind of man you are.
Have recommended your site to the younger men in my family. You are giving them a rare, valuable glimpse into the real "work" of life and the rewards.
Steve must be smiling down as you are mentor through this medium. This column is evidence that your audiences will only continue to widen.
Continued prayers and best wishes to you, Vonne and the entire family as you miss Steve's physical presence.
Posted by Jane deVos | December 2, 2007 12:19 PM
Tom,
This week you wrote about two men who shaped and influenced your life, Art Cebrowski and your brother-in-law Steve. One only has to read your comments to understand your character.
The wake left by Steve has grown to a tidal wave that has resulted in your message being pushed around the world. It is true that it propelled you the a better life.
In the larger scheme, Steve was insturmental in your work affecting how the world will confront the future. The thousands who now stop to consider your ideas, do so because of the efforts of those who encouraged you. For that, they have my children and their childrens gratitude.
Posted by historyguy99![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.thomaspmbarnett.com/weblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 2, 2007 12:54 PM
Dr. Barnett,
Please accept me condolences on the passing of your brother-in-law. There are too few good people so its very hard to lose one.
As for he future, I have a suggestion. You might consider a life style change. In short you travel too much! There is some probability that the occasional illnesses that you occasionally encounter are directly due close proximity of too many people in a recycled air environment.
You also must waste considerable time due to various travel delays. Your work is important enough that people will come see you, rather than the other way around.
The suggestion then is to develop a facility that you can drive to in an hour or so. Your clients will then come to you and learn. Use of video conferencing is the second fix.
If you do this, you make a giant productivity leap. You also will gain something that has no price: more time with your immediate family.
Joe
The only caveat might be that is would be very likely that in 2009 you will get a call for government service. You might have to do this, as I sense that you put your country, if not your duty to humanity, ahead of any personal gain.
Posted by J Canepa | December 3, 2007 9:15 AM