My mantra has always been … Everything happens for a reason.

This thought takes me back to a couple of years ago.   My story begins with a Project Manager on my team who was having a very difficult time on a small job.  He was not being treated fairly by the owner and was in a dilemma.  The amount of money being disputed was small, but the issue and the way that he had been treated was significant.

So I decided to travel the “principle” path and go down a long legal road.  I did this for two reasons; to show this Project Manager that I supported him and also to show the entity that their behavior was improper and illegal.

Fast forward two plus years – the depositions have been taken, the facts recorded – and before a trial, we are sent to mediation.  Typically with mediation both party agree to split the fees for the mediator.  I tell you this, because it becomes pertinent later on in this story.

As I was writing this blog, I happened to be at home in sunny, 70 degree, Florida when the date arrives to travel to court in Woburn, Massachusetts.  Heading to the airport and thinking about the weather in New England and what I am traveling into, has a full-blown “poor me” event springing to life in my mind.

Once through security and at the gate I received an email from my wife that described an unbelievable situation that a family in our community was living through.  Two of their three small children suffered from a very rare and newly diagnosed disease that requires multiple trips to Boston Children’s Hospital from Florida.

All of a sudden my self-pity mood dissipates as I realize how lucky I am to have never had to deal with the pain and feeling of helplessness that accompanies an event like this family lives with every day – times two.

The next morning, mediation begins.  The parties involved are all here.   And in comes a gentleman, arms full with files, brief case and a basket of snacks sent by his wife for all of us. The day began with introductions.  The mediator, Judge Paul Chernoff, is a semi-retired judge and justice of the peace.  His life is filled with volunteer work which includes a strong interest in helping disadvantaged and disabled children, and he has an informal association and a profound respect for the Boston Children’s Hospital.  Once again, I start reflecting and realized that my “exercise life” was born at the children’ hospital in Boston.

After I quit smoking I began riding a bicycle, and I do mean began. My first experience was a two mile ride that barely took me to the end of my street and back.   Forty-five minutes later, I lay on the living room floor thinking I was done.  But, I had to do this because I committed to ride a bike in a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital.  No big deal, right?  Except, the ride was 112 miles in 1 day – and I couldn’t do 2 miles without a struggle.

Sixteen weeks later the ride was complete, and the “ALI Fund” raised enough money to build a playground.  This event held on behalf of Children’s Hospital, transitioned me as an out of shape middle aged bicycle virgin into a lean mean bicycling machine (only my opinion). I went on to do many more century and multi-day bike rides.  On one of those bike rides, a car collided with me causing a head issue.  When other doctors couldn’t help me, Children’s Hospital in Boston arthroscopically separated veins and arteries in my head by entering an artery in my leg.  Problem solved!

Back to mediation.  During Judge Chernoff’s introduction, he mentioned he was a runner and had completed marathons and continues to run 5 days a week.  Later in the day, my attorney mentioned my running experiences and added that I would be heading to Antarctica soon.  Next thing I knew, the Judge brought out a book that he had written at his wife’s request.  He explained that he wrote it because his parents and grandparents had passed on without documenting their life story and he needed to document his for his grandchildren.  He signed and gave me the book.  Surprisingly, he was amazed at my accomplishments when I was completely in awe of his.

When we were leaving, the judge asked how old I was – 57, I responded. I asked how old he was – 76, he said.  It then dawned on me that one of the things he had said at the beginning. He does this mediation pro bono, for free as a service to small businesses and to people who do not have the resources to pay a private mediator. So the mediation went well – resolved for all.  I thought it was going to be a waste of time and now realized I was determined that the day would have a successful outcome – as to not disappoint my new mentor.

I reflected on the day’s experiences on my way back to Florida that evening.  During the plane ride I read the list of short stories about his life.  It was amazing to me that all this could have been done in one lifetime by one person!  I decided, I would try to emulate the amount of volunteering and good that this man had done.

I wanted to thank Judge Chernoff for his community service by donating the money we would have paid for mediation to the Grover Family for transportation costs to Boston.  I have given Hans, the dad, the copy of the book to read and wanted him to understand it was the inspiration of a man I only recently met that needed to be recognized.

So, like I said in the beginning everything happens for a reason.  Over two years ago, because someone did the wrong thing, we were all able to do the right thing and hopefully help this family now and going forward.  We also pray the treatment will be a success. – Everything happens for a reason.

 

Note: References to the Grover family are made with permission of the family.  They have provided a brief update regarding their family to share with readers of the blog.  If you are interested in learning more about this inspirational family, please read the update they have provided in the Grover Update 2015.