At one time or another, most everyone encounters a well known person; a sports star, Hollywood celebrity or even a bona fide American hero. In ALIVE humor columnist Mike Copeland’s book, ALIVE & Kickin’, Mike devotes an entire chapter to his encounters over the years with famous people. When then ALIVE fitness columnist Lorrie Sullenberger’s husband famously landed his plane in the Hudson River to become miraculously transformed into a celebrity, Lorrie and Sully found themselves on a first name basis with the likes of “recognizable” folks like President Barack and Michelle Obama, Harrison Ford and Sean Penn.
This month we have two stories that tell of personal encounters with well known individuals. In the first article by author Bob Fish, you’ll read about his personal relationship with one of America’s — indeed, one of the world’s—most notable people, the first human being to walk on the Moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong. Then, in our second feature, you’ll learn about ALIVE retired Marketing Director Joe Redmond’s “up close
and personal” relationships with Hollywood notables like Shirley MacLaine, Natalie Wood, Debbie Reynolds and even Marilyn Monroe!
It is exciting to meet other people who are well known. I suppose it has to do with the fact that we all appreciate accomplishment, and by connecting with others who have done things that are highly valued by many, perhaps a bit of their celebrity status will rub off. It’s why most of us cannot resist name dropping when the opportunity presents itself.
Even so, and although it is a well worn cliché, we might all do well to remember that even famous people “put their pants on one leg at a time.” In the end, what makes a person great is not how many people know of them (or follow them on Twitter), but by what their actions say about their character.
That said, there are individuals who, while they may not have yet garnered an invitation to the red carpet, I deeply admire and respect just the same. The two authors of our features this month, Bob Fish and Joe Redmond, are prime examples. Those who know Bob and Joe know that they both have accomplished much in service to others and to their communities. They may not be celebrities, but because I know their character, in my eyes they are every bit as deserving of recognition as any of the aforementioned individuals.
As much as we fawn over Hollywood celebrities and pay fitting tribute to genuine heroes like Neil Armstrong, we can all recognize admirable character traits—even greatness—in those closest to us, if we will but make the effort to see it.
Leave a Reply