On the Anniversary of My Father’s Death

A tribute to my dad from his basketball days at Fordham University (poster design by A. Aggari)

My dad died a year ago, August 2^nd at age 85. He carried a copy of this saying in his wallet for decades and, later in life, framed and hung it in his room as a reminder about what was really important. He did his best to live by these words, and I am grateful to him for so many, many things.

Success

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people

and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics

and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by healthy child,

a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.