Football, Life and Walt - My good bye to a friend

Yesterday I went to the "celebration of life" for a man who was a confidant, mentor and friend. He helped me through some tough times and shared in some very good times. My friend was always full of advice and quotes, some better than others.He lived a life of adventure and compassion for his fellow man. On the 23rd of February my friend Walt lost his battle with lymphoma. One of the "stories"/advice that he gave often to those who hurt, a little lost or confused and that I try to practice goes something like this.....


"Life, he would say, is like a football team and you are the quarterback. You are in charge of calling the plays and the leader on the field. Your not alone out there God is the coach over on the sideline and you can talk to him anytime you want to get plays, advice or direction. But, you are the QB. God has picked a great team to help you get down the field. You are not alone, God is your coach and you have a hand picked team. But, you are the quarterback it's your job to get down field."


" You are the quarterback you are in charge of team. Your running backs are Faith and Hope. On your line your guards are Strength and Courage. Your tackles are Love and Patience. God is the coach, you can talk to anytime you want, you are QB and you have to get your team down the field. Now God has picked your most important player, the center. On your count he snaps you the ball and starts the play in motion. He is willingness. Lastly, the endzone and goalpost thats heaven." 


"Remember, in life there are no timeouts. God is your coach and you can always talk to him and get the right plays. Your team is assembled and ready. But YOU are the quarterback and YOU are in charge, the play starts when YOU say so, whether YOU have talked to the Coach or not. So, go get the RIGHT play and get going." - Walt Chaney 1938-2011


I will miss my friend! But, I will pass on the advice, quotes and antidotes that Walt gave me to others. I have survived some pretty dark and tough times (often only in my own head) but, it was guidance like this, from Walt and others, that got me through them.


Walt, Thank you for sharing your life with me. 


Time to get the play and get going.......