Life is crazy. Sometimes I don't get it....okay most of the time I don't get it. As a God-fearing Christian I find the ultimate test of my faith is to not question Him when something goes wrong. It's SO hard and something I struggle with often. I attempt to find refuge in the fact that when life begins there is a plan created. Bigger than anything I could ever dream of for myself. I feel that once we carry out that plan, we have done the work God intended us to do on this earth & He calls us home....
A great man was called home yesterday. Dan Callahan was one of the most incredible people I have ever had the privelege to meet and know. He was extraordinarily passionate about people. He was caring, selfless, compassionate, sincere, and probably every other adjective I could find abut being a "good person". I valued and trusted his opinion. I can't even being to count the number of lives he touched between the community of southern Illinois, his Saluki family, his family & friends, and even just people involved with the game of baseball. It's amazing to me that one person could have so much impact on so many people and if you met Cal, even once, you knew he was a lot of things to a lot of people. Son, husband, father, uncle, cousin, coach, friend.
There are countless stories that will be shared among friends over the next few days and for a lifetime. I think everyone who reads this has probably gotten a hand written 'Thank You' card from Cal or a hello and a handshake. I would bet all the money I could get my hands on that if he was shaking your hand, he knew your name and if it was the first time meeting you, he'd never forget it. I think everyone has a different definition of a 'great person' or qualities that make up those people in your life who you just know are special. It's amazing to me that we can all agree Cal would fit into that role in all of our lives.
A great man was called home yesterday. Dan Callahan was one of the most incredible people I have ever had the privelege to meet and know. He was extraordinarily passionate about people. He was caring, selfless, compassionate, sincere, and probably every other adjective I could find abut being a "good person". I valued and trusted his opinion. I can't even being to count the number of lives he touched between the community of southern Illinois, his Saluki family, his family & friends, and even just people involved with the game of baseball. It's amazing to me that one person could have so much impact on so many people and if you met Cal, even once, you knew he was a lot of things to a lot of people. Son, husband, father, uncle, cousin, coach, friend.
There are countless stories that will be shared among friends over the next few days and for a lifetime. I think everyone who reads this has probably gotten a hand written 'Thank You' card from Cal or a hello and a handshake. I would bet all the money I could get my hands on that if he was shaking your hand, he knew your name and if it was the first time meeting you, he'd never forget it. I think everyone has a different definition of a 'great person' or qualities that make up those people in your life who you just know are special. It's amazing to me that we can all agree Cal would fit into that role in all of our lives.
When I was a Grad Assistant at SIU & covered Baseball for two seasons, I got to know Cal pretty well. He never called me Ashley, always Ash. Even little things like that - felt like he truly cared about you. We kept in touch over the years. Would always enjoy seeing 'dcal' in my email inbox. When I was working for the St. Louis Blues a year after I had graduated, I got a card from him at work thanking me for caring so much about Saluki Baseball. Just this last spring, Chris Stone, Katie Louis and I went to a game. He had e-mailed me the day before to make sure I was coming. He said I don't care if we lose by 10...you come see me after the game. Well, SIU lost 13-1. I walked over to the dugout and he gave me a hug and talked to Katie and I for awhile. That's the last conversation I ever had with him in person and I'll never forget it.
When we lose people we love we are fast brought back to a reality we are all guilty of ignoring. Its almost as if we get so busy living out our day to day lives we forget about the things that really matter. Knowing the man that Cal was makes me want to be a better person. I am guilty of taking for granted the people in my life and Cal never did that. Think about that the next time you meet someone new.
Its funny how when you first meet someone you never really know what purpose they will serve in your life. I had no idea the day I met Cal that he would become a man I have grown to admire so much. His zest for life and for all the people in it are something I hope to carry with me forever.
(((hugs))) to all who read this. May you find peace and comfort in knowing he's in a place where there is no hurt. I feel more than honored and beyond blessed to have known Coach Cal, the epitome of a truly great man...I hope you are too.
until next time...
Its funny how when you first meet someone you never really know what purpose they will serve in your life. I had no idea the day I met Cal that he would become a man I have grown to admire so much. His zest for life and for all the people in it are something I hope to carry with me forever.
(((hugs))) to all who read this. May you find peace and comfort in knowing he's in a place where there is no hurt. I feel more than honored and beyond blessed to have known Coach Cal, the epitome of a truly great man...I hope you are too.
until next time...
