Mahler's Monday Morning Motivator # 60 - Mr. T

[Mahler]

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 60 – Mr. T

Good morning guys and a special good morning and thank you to Hockey God for this sadly true but inspirational story of Mr. T. Hockey sent this to me when I was feeling pretty low about the death of my father-in-law earlier this year and I held on to it for a while, reading and re-reading it often. Now I think it’s time I shared it with you.

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Well everyone can remember that one teacher that taught at high school, the one who everyone loved. The one who when in a bad mood, could make you laugh. If you needed help he would help you. If you just wanted to talk he just wanted to listen, The teacher who truly enjoyed his job.

I never took tech class in my junior years of high school, but after hearing the funny stories of Mr. T’s classes I wanted to take a wood working class. I signed up, and I got the other teacher. Oh well, that happens. Mr. T got word that I was a pretty good goalie and wanted me to play on his team. We introduced ourselves and already we connected. He is always cracking jokes and is very quick and witty. I couldn’t play for him that year but in my senior year, when I was struggling to find a place to play he willingly took me in and would bend over backwards for me. It was the most fun year of hockey I have ever played. Even though we didn't do as well as we would have liked to, it didn't matter. The times our team shared together were more important.

Mr. T is the kind of guy that doesn't take your BS. You give him your respect and he gives you twice as much back. His students and players are the second most important people to him in the world. We all know that his family would be number one. The way he treats his students is an indicator of how much of a family man he is. His two sons and he fish, hunt, build, play/watch hockey, and whatever else a father-son relationship consists of.

A week ago Friday, Mr. T’s eldest son was tragically killed in a one-car crash. It was believed that he hit black ice. When I heard the news I immediately prayed for the family and thought of what I could do to help out. There isn't much that anyone can do in these type of situations. The man who everyone looks up to when in need of support, help, comfort, a friend, is in need of all of these things now. His life has been turned upside down.

The wake was scheduled to have two viewings; 1-3 and 7-9. There was only one viewing that lasted from 1pm until 1am. That’s right. The man who would bend over backwards to help everyone had 12 straight hours of support. He could not believe that this many people were there to pay their respects to his son and his family. When I hugged Mr. T. I immediately got teary eyed and became speechless. It was the first time that we ever saw each other and didn't have a smile on our face.

There was a memorial hockey game to honor the family and to raise money. Mr. T was behind the bench doing what he loves most coaching. His youngest son was playing in the game and rallied 2 goals and an assist. Mr. T coached to victory and showed how strong of a human being he still is.

Mr. T doesn't try to be the nicest man in the world; he doesn't try to be the likable teacher; he doesn't try to be a role model, he just is. His character is unbelievable and I think that at the wake he realized how special he really is and how well he raised his two sons. Twelve straight hours of visitors is unheard of. Lots of his son’s friends, lots of his family, lots of his wife’s friends were there, but what shocked him most was how many of his student/players were there. He didn't realize that he had touched so many people’s lives and I am a true believer that treating somebody the way you want to be treated is the only way to go.

What goes around, comes around. ... Set an example.

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Hockey wanted me to add some inspirational quotes to this story. Hockey, there are none needed. Your story says it all. The story and you are my inspiration for the week. How we touch other’s lives is often hidden from our eyes until tragedy strikes and the veil is lifted. Thanks, my friend.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler