Success

Through out all the ages, people have had a different definition of success. Some believe that the wealth one amasses shows success, how big a house, what kind of car (you get the picture). Today, I have a new definiton of success:
Success is being respected by hundreds of people who, when you pass from this life come to honor you on your last journey. Last night we went to the viewing of a man who did not live in a mansion, did not drive a flashy car, and who did not in this life amass a fortune, but he was a success. The viewing was to start at 6 PM, we went at 6:10, and did not even get into the room until 7:30PM. It was 8:00 before we made it to the family. When we finaly got to the book to sign, 230 people had signed before us, (remeber, we arived only 10 minutes after the viewing had started),and the line behind us still went out of the Gym and down the hall. Yes, I did say Gym. Now I know you are thinking Who would have their viewing in a Gym. Well, it just so happens this Gym had been named for him. Who was he? Not a famous singer, not a polition, not a millinare, not any of those things you might think. He was-a retired high school teacher and coach. He was a man who was true to his values in every situation, a man who lifted his students rather than tearing them down. He taught by example everyday of his life, and those he taught came to honor him this one last time. Several of the flower arrangements were not from individuals, but from classess. "To Coach fromt the Class of 68" or "Graduating Class of 1988", and even "The class of 1944". Coach Wilbur Braithwaite was a success in every sense of the word, and if you can't understand why hundreds would honor a mere school teacher, Google his name, and prepare to learn the real definition of a success! Thanks Coach, for everything! We were blessed just to have known you.