Are you making a difference?

Typically, there are only a handful of people who make a real difference – both good and bad – in our lives. Some that have had a positive influence on me have been my dear parents, two special uncles, a few true friends and a junior high school English teacher.

Others who have made a change in my life I have met through my various jobs and my involvement with associations and groups.

One such individual who was a big influence on me was Robert J. Deierlein. He and I became close friends. Sadly, Bob died Sept. 1, 2014, at home peacefully of natural causes. He was 86.

A Dean

Many of you industry veterans may know Bob. He was an executive for a trucking company for 22 years and then a writer and consultant for the trucking industry for 38 years, becoming a Dean of the North American truck press corps.

Bob and my paths crossed in the early 1980s when I first got into truck trade journalism. We would run into one another at various trucking industry events.

I can remember thinking that this cigar-loving guy was a board-certified, cranky curmudgeon. However, I soon came to realize that beneath that gruff exterior was a loving, caring person. His grumpiness was merely an act, albeit a very good one that fooled many people.

Bob was the kind of person who was always first to lend a helping hand and provide sage advice and guidance. Moreover, he was a compassionate listener.

Actively involved in trucking, he was awarded the Technology & Maintenance Council’s highest honor, the Silver Spark Plug; SAE International’s Forest R. MacFarland Award, which recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to the organization; and the Truck Writers of North America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bob served as a mentor to me, helping me hone my skills as a journalist, offering career advice and providing both professional and personal enrichment. He had a dry, razor sharp wit and was quick with a comment or joke, and just plain fun to be around in general, once you got past his dour act.

We shared many memorable experiences – both personal and professional. I will miss him greatly.

Make a Difference

I end with a paraphrased passage by Loren Eiseley, a writer, science educator, teacher and philosopher:

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man and that what he was not dancing. The young man was reaching down, picking up small objects and throwing them into the ocean.

The man came closer still and called out: “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young man replied: “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”

“Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.

The young man replied: “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die.”

Upon hearing this, man commented: “But young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference.”

The young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said: “It made a difference for that one.”

This New Year

It is customary, at this time of year, to reflect on all that has transpired during the year about to end, contemplate adjustments and make our resolutions for the New Year.

For 2015, considering adding one more item to your New Year’s resolutions. Resolve to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Best wishes for a New Year filled with only good things, especially good health and much happiness.