A Tribute to Pete McDonough

There was a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of his birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
we spent alive on earth
And those that love us most
Know what that dash is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

- Adapted from The Dash by Linda Ellis

***

Peter Edward McDonough (1949 - 2012).

The Good Lord called his son, Pete McDonough home January 31,2012.  His life here on earth ended accidentally and tragically. He begins his new life in heaven purposely and magnificently. Purposely because it was God's plan to call him home. Magnificently, because he has seen the face of the Lord and now lives with him in paradise.

I can't begin to explain why God called Pete home in a sudden and tragic way.  But, I can tell you that it was God's plan, and God's plan is always the right plan.  Many will wonder why now, why so tragic. Those questions have no answers in our human existence.  There is no way that one could even begin to comprehend God's plan.  Unlike our earthly plans, God's plan is a divine plan.  Our earthly plans are subjected to external circumstances and our own human failings. Whereas, God's plans are executed with perfection and with divine intent.  It is in times of loss, sorrow, and pain that it is most important that our faith serves us and reminds us that God's plan is always the right plan.

The Dash tells us that each one of us has a beginning date and an ending date.  Our time between those dates (the dash) is both limited and precious.  Because we do not know when our ending time will come, time is our most valuable resource.  Time is not renewable and there are no "do overs."  You've heard it said, "What I do today is important, because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it."  The Dash also tells us, "What matters most is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash."  There is no doubt, Pete McDonough made the very best of his dash.

I did not get a chance to spend a great deal of time with Pete McDonough.  However, the time I spent with him was most enjoyable.  He was always friendly, upbeat, positive and looked for the good in people. Perhaps his most endearing quality was the way in which he made you feel special.  Pete McDonough had a gift.  A gift he shared with many.  To me, Pete was as person of  influence, not so much because he was well respected in the business and community circles.  But, because he was genuine, kind and cared about people.  Pete McDonough had a way of touching your heart.  I cannot think of a greater type of influence than to touch the heart of another.  When someone touches your heart, a part of them becomes a part of you; that's what you call influence.

Yes, it was God's plan.  January 30, 2012, Pete McDonough was called home.  Pete stood before our Heavenly Father, who took him into his arms, held him tightly and said  "Well done my son, well done!"

It may seem somewhat strange that a person who writes motivational and inspirational musings would venture off track and write about a topic that might be considered morose.  However,  I felt compelled to write about Pete McDonough.  Pete truly was a great guy and was an inspiration to many.  But more importantly, I write, because I'm one of those people that he made feel special.

Rest in Peace, Pete McDonough,
Rest in Peace!

***
Its your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD