In a world where
darkness seems to sometimes overshadow the good (at least if you watch the
news), a few thoughts on instilling brightness to those around you, in relation
to the passing of a fellow meteorologist, Dave Schwartz.
Life.
It’s such a fleeting thing when you think about it. Here one
moment, gone the next, when you least expect it.
Several months ago, Dave Schwartz was on The Weather
Channel, providing his good natured, folksy delivery. Now, sadly, he is gone. A
victim of cancer’s unrelenting battle. Yet Dave survived much longer than
expected.
Ten years ago, he was told he only had months to live. He
defied the experts and cancer that time, and the second, but could not do so
thrice.
Life. It’s too short in many cases.
We never do know when our day will come, yet (most of us) I
argue, take our days for granted. I’m absolutely grateful for the wonderful
blessings I have had in my life and that of my family and friends but I dare
say most of us don’t pause long enough in the hectic “day-by-day” grind to
acknowledge that tomorrow might be it.
What are you doing today
to bring joy to yourself and others? What experience are you relishing? What
memories were made?
Dave Schwartz created many memories for people via his
delivery of weather information. This was clearly on display with the #RememberingDave
hashtag – people sharing memories of his work. He also inspired countless young
people to immerse themselves in meteorology, including myself. Dave was part of
a host of individuals in the 90s and early 2000s that showed me weather was
fascinating and fun. I remember numerous times sitting on the couch, watching
Dave, wondering what odd phrase he’d use next. You never knew what he might say
or how might make you chuckle. He always made you smile.
You can say the same about life – you never know what’s
around the corner. But approach each day with a smile, try to showcase your
zeal for life to others, and engage people positively, life will be pretty
bright for you and all around you.
Although I never met Dave, the reflections of his friends and
colleagues show he lived out this philosophy every day.
Thank you Dave for brightening
the world and being one of the many who inspired me to pursue meteorology.
