'Daylight' and dignity

Seldom, if ever, have I responded to an editorial column. Not that I have necessarily agreed with all that Bill Carlino has written, but the passion for the issues had never driven me to write - at least until now. His column on Gene O'Kelly's book, Chasing Daylight, ("Chasing balance," April 3-16, 2006, page 6) was a marvelous reminder to us all.BKD's managing partner before me, Jim Glauser, met a similar fate. He was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer 30 days after transitioning his duties to me. He spent the following 18 months undoing his and Rosemary's initial plans for retirement - selling a Florida house, boats and other "retirement toys." Like Gene, he never wanted pity or optimistic encouragements.

There is something else that Gene and Jim demonstrated that the column did not mention, but I feel is equally important to work/life balance, and that is how to pass with dignity. If any of us are ever dealt the same fate as these two gentlemen, we would do well to pass with the same passion for life and acceptance of reality as they did. We should consider their deaths as one final lesson taught, in what in my case, with Jim, was one of only many.

Thanks for the opportunity to write. These lessons hit all too close to home!

Bill Fingland
BKD LLP
Springfield, Mo.

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