Yesterday I taught a class and while I was teaching I remembered a person named Dennis Hadlock. He was a very excited, ambitious person. He had a zest for life that you could not escape. Hadlock was engaging, anxious and always on the move. He had a mission to “make every day count.” In my brief encounter with Hadlock I learned that doors that were normally closed, would easily open when he was around. People that would normally avoid a conversation would eagerly want to talk to Hadlock. You just could not help from feeling inspired when Hadlock would slowly walk into a room.
Slowly because Dennis Hadlock was 94 years old. He quite literally only had a few years, maybe even days left. He was going to spend the last few days of his life wearing it out trying to achieve what was the most important to him – which was serving others. He jokingly would say that he did not have much time left and had to show God that he was in it to win. There were days I would come to Hadlock’s house and his wife would shake her head and tell me that he was unable to get out of bed today, but that if I came back tomorrow he would be ready. When I came back the next day – he would be sitting in his living room with a cane in his lap and a look on his face that said – “game time.” As soon as I walked in he was up and heading to the door and with a fist pumping action that only 94 year old Hadlock could do, yell – “let’s go!, no time for chit chat – I wasted a day yesterday – I have a lot of make up work to do!”
I share my impressions of Dennis Hadlock – because in his tiny little 94 year old frame – he embodied the spirit of the 365 commitment. So this morning as I pack up and go out the door to accomplish my 365 list I will remember the sparkle in Hadlock’s eyes as he was excited to be out an about just one more day. I will pump my fist and say ‘let’s Gooooooo!”
Guy Reams (16)
365 Member
