little drops of light everywhere

You never really know the impact of someone on your life, until they are no longer here. 

I learned earlier today that Sean Adams, a college friend and fellow athlete, passed away of an unexpected heart attack this morning. Besides being in utter shock, as everyone else was... my eyes filled with tears. 

From college, over 25 years ago, my thoughts:

Sean was an athlete. 

Football and track at ACU. A long, lanky athlete. Nappy. (lovingly referred to by many of us.) And that smile... It would reach across campus. There is a common core link amongst athletes in addition to just a college buddy, or someone in class... At least it was to many of us at Abilene Christian University. We shared a common love for one another, as we represented our school, went through hardships, and faced our fears on and off the court, field, or track.

Sean was crazy. 

The good kind of crazy. The crazy that made you smile and gut laugh to the point of crying... Everyone loved him. He had this mysterious light that seemed to attract all. His profession after college proved to be very fitting. Whether is was sharing his stories, offering advice, or making you think about things you really wouldn't think about unless you were prompted, he was just a good guy.

Sean was a professional. 

Always had respect. Might not have liked all the outcomes, but never did I see him act disrespectful. He always knew what direction he was headed, and he didn't let anything get in the way. Very positive and realistic, he was a man who had loads of ambition and an undeniable passion for what he believed.

And then today happened. Gone too soon. A wife lost the love of her life. Children lost their dad. Many lost a great friend and confidant. Others lost the reassuring voice they had come to love over the airwaves. A church lost one of their own. And many people whose lives were touched by Sean, no matter the duration or location, be it in person or on-air, will be better for knowing him. 

Very sobering. 

Tell those that you love that you love them!

In college, I didn't really think of someone being a Godly influence on my life. I just knew who had the light, and who let theirs shine a little more. That's who Sean was, and ultimately lived his life leaving little drops of light everywhere he went.

I'll leave you with Sean's thought for the day from 8/28/17 that stayed with me:

"Help who, where and whenever you can.
Humanity relies on those who can. Let that be you."