Decennial Retrospective: A Tribute To The Great One

Ten years ago today I lost my grandfather. I can't believe it's been a decade. This is the eulogy that I gave for him a few days after Christmas in 1997, on behalf of his grandchildren. He is one of the most significant influences in my life. Not a single day has gone by without my thinking of him. I don't remember much about giving the actual eulogy; I was in a trance, focused on the magnitude and sadness of giving such a difficult and important speech. Right after the funeral, my grandmother walked up, took my hand, looked into my eyes and said, "He would be so proud of you." I don't know if she knew how influential and comforting her words were to me, but I like to believe that she did.

A Tribute To The Great One

based on a story by Jacqueline Goldstein

If you were to look through the records of American history and politics, you would find so many people who were considered great. Their contributions to society vary. Some are brave and decorated war heroes. Others are fearless, determined leaders who had dreams for a better tomorrow. We take great pride in these countless men and women who contributed their hearts, minds, ideas and lives for our future.

Yet there are so many names that will never be found in these pages of history. They will never stand among the elite, the remembered or the revered... except within the hearts of those who knew and loved them. Though not universally known, they are equally deserving of all our accolades and praise; their hidden and seemingly insignificant contributions are relevant nonetheless.

Recently, one of the greatest of these people was taken from us. You won't find his name in any history book or in the headline of any newspaper. He didn't fight any heroic war battles. He didn't make any huge discoveries that will save millions of lives. He never signed a treaty that will promote world peace... he was just one man. And yet, that is what makes his life great, and makes his memory a legacy.

One man... one person... one contribution.

It is so easy to forget about the individual, this power of one. In a time when we continually look to others to make a profound difference in our own lives, we forget about the consistently forgotten. We often see greatness in terms of its community and social significance, but we fail to see that the most important roles that people portray are those of parents, children, siblings and grandparents. The person destined for greatness is never considered within the boundaries of these roles. Are these people any less great? Do they contribute any less? I think that our definitions of greatness have to be changed to include the common, everyday people who fundamentally touch our lives.

These individuals exemplify the power of one. Their lives profoundly touch the rest of us... they guide, teach, discipline, care... they love. They are what directly makes us who we are. They are a layer of ourselves, a part of the whole which we present to the world each and every day. They are a distinct part of each success and every failure. Yet they are so often forgotten, pushed behind the walls of consciousness and insignificance.

All around us we see monuments that praise people of greatness. They strive to remind us that these stone vestiges embody bravery, commitment and honor. But do they personally, individually affect you or me? Are they really a part of us?

They are a part of our history granted, but we often forget that they simply serve as symbols. While these statues are meant to prove the greatness of their likeness and their immense significance in this world, are they truly an accurate measure of greatness? The man I knew and loved has no great statue created in his honor. In a hallway around the corner, there is a simple, small marble slab among countless others which whispers that he once existed. In modest lettering it reveals his simple identity:

"Ralph S. Wolfe. June 3, 1911 - December 26, 1997."

This is his great monument.

One man... one person... one contribution.

And yet if that is all we see, we are not looking deep enough. His legacy does not lie behind some ostentatious symbol. It lies within every individual that had the honor of knowing him. He stands behind every action I take. He is my words, my thoughts, my opinions. He has instilled in me a profound sense of humanity, humility, and perception. He has given me the tools to create a legacy of my own, to make my own contribution to this world. His mark may not be of historic proportions but it is just as brilliant.

It burns just as bright as the great men and women that are immortalized in the pages of history. Yitzak Rabin was one of those great figures and yet who was it that delivered his eulogy? Who was it that told his story? Was it one of the prominent heads of state who worked closely with him to promote peace within the Middle East? No.

It was his granddaughter.

I am sure what made him great in her eyes was not the same as what made him great in ours. His legacy to her is far different than what history dictates it to be. It is much more profound.

Three days ago, the world lost a great man. His name is Ralph Wolfe and he was my grandfather. His legacy lies within the contributions that he made to this world and all that had the privilege of knowing him. We will continue to love him and remember him. His departure epitomizes a great truth: greatness is in the eye of the beholder. Knowing him has shown me just how magnificent and profound that truth really is.

I love you, Grandpa.

Wishing you a very jurisprudent holiday

I saw this quoted in a "PC World" article by Steve Bass and thought it was pretty funny. According to the article, the woman who submitted it works in a San Diego law firm.

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non addictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the recipient of said wish.

By accepting these greetings, you are accepting the aforementioned terms as stated. This greeting is not subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself/himself/others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

The Faraway Land (2000)

Standing in solitude

At the edge of the great Canyon,

I looked out across a wide expanse.

In the distance, I could see the faraway Land.

A lush, inviting, beautiful place,

Offering the promise of solace and peace.

Dreams of this place consumed my days.

Visions of happiness, liberation and ecstasy

Filled my soul and gave me comfort.

At times when I was overpowered with

Feelings of distress, anguish and sorrow,

I would turn to thoughts of the faraway Land

For reassurance, contentment and tranquility.

As I looked down and surveyed

The vast expanse of the great Canyon

I recognized that the journey to the faraway Land

Would be long, arduous and filled with adversity.

Realizing this dream would be exhausting,

And the effort required would be tremendous.

Do I possess the strength for this journey?

Would the rewards be worth the struggles?

Could the promises that the faraway Land proffered

Be ample sustenance when continuing seemed hopeless?

Strong ambition and good intentions alone

Are not enough to pave the road to this place.

Standing in solitude

At the edge of the great Canyon,

Despair and doubt overwhelmed me.

The faraway Land all at once seemed too far away,

And the rewards seemed not worth undertaking

So arduous and perilous a journey alone.

Suddenly, as my heart was dark and heavy

With the pain of sadness and failure,

I felt the warmth of a hand in mine.

Fingers, intertwined with my own,

Tightened around mine and gently imparted

An extraordinary strength I had not possessed before.

Soft yet secure, the touch of this hand in mine

Gave rise to a new sense of competence and power.

My spirit for adventure was reborn,

And I rapidly found my desire to begin my journey

To the faraway Land reaching a feverish intensity.

Solace and peace were finally within my reach.

I know that I could not undertake such

An adventure without the energy and love

Given me by that hand – your hand – in mine.

Alone, failure would have been virtually certain.

But with you next to me, the long journey

To the faraway Land and all its beautiful rewards

Has become the wondrous adventure of a lifetime.

(for BD)

I Am Reminded Of You (1998)

The cool evening breeze flows through my window.

As it caresses my face and soothes my mind, I am reminded of you.

The gentle rain falls against my body.

As it splashes onto my warm skin, I am reminded of you.

The soft clouds roll across the night sky.

As they calmly traverse the heavens, I am reminded of you.

The tranquil night will soon give way to the dawn of a new day.

As the moon acquiesces to the rising sun, flooding the

landscape with brilliant light, I am reminded of you.

The cool evening gives me peace and serenity,

as you do with your tenderness, compassion and love.

The gentle rain awakens my senses,

as you do with your wisdom, clarity and thoughtfulness.

The soft clouds set my heart free,

as you do with your humor, passion and zest for life.

The transformation of night into day

renews my sense of being and warms my soul,

as you do every time I think of you.

(for JH)

People Everywhere (1997)

People everywhere
Rushing, dashing, racing.
Destinations, known and unknown,
Await those that are destined for them.

Where are we going?
What will the trip be like?
Will it be pleasant once we are there?

As I travel through life,
I have experienced many adventures.
Some I would rather not remember
And a multitude that I will never forget.

Time,
Once a seemingly senseless voyage,
Has transformed itself into a
Wonderful quest for me...
For us.

People everywhere
Arranging, preparing, laying out
Plans for the future.
They think they know what will be.

What awaits us?
Will we achieve what we desire?
Will the fates be kind?

The recent past has taught me
That I can not always know what is to come.
I once thought I knew what to expect,
But you have proven me very wrong.

Now, no matter what happens,
I realize that I am wholly prepared
For whatever may lie before me.
For I am no longer alone on my journey...
I have you by my side.

People everywhere
Searching, seeking, pursuing
That unique, special person which will
Fill the emptiness in their lives.

Why must they elude us?
Do they exist?
Will we ever find them?

With each passing day,
My expectations are consistently exceeded
By your generosity, devotion,
Thoughtfulness, patience and love.

My soul is calm and my heart is light.
For, in you, I have discovered
The answers to all of my questions.
I have found the one that makes me complete

Beyond my wildest dreams.

(for CS)

'Twas The Year Before Christmas (2001)

'Twas the year before Christmas

Two Thousand and One.

What an amazing year

To be an American!

The terrorists and anthrax

Caused us anger and fright.

Yet we rallied together...

Stand and Unite!

My priorities have shifted

Like many others I know.

I'm taking more time for myself

But I'm still on the go.

I haven't left Business Objects

Or the Southwest sales team.

I'm now a Technical Manager

And the job is a scream!

I manage the tech guys

Who help our software to sell.

We work with the sales folks

To ensure the deals all go well.

I'm still living in Dallas.

Thirteen years now... Oh, my!

I simply cannot believe

How the time has flown by.

I moved in the Spring

To a suburb up north.

In the last six years,

This house makes my fourth!

I liked downtown living;

The location was cool.

But I wanted a place

With a hot tub and pool.

My new home is fantastic

With a sprawling floor plan.

And the back yard is perfect

For a swim and a tan.

I live with Brandon,

Who is my best friend.

I cook and he cleans...

I like that trend!

My Jeep's running great...

She is one tough mule.

And my dog, Maggie,

Can't get enough of the pool.

I hope that the holidays

Are wondrous for you.

May your new year be joyous

And your dreams all come true!

'Twas The Year Before Christmas (2000)

'Twas just before Christmas

In the year Two Thousand.

It's the era of cell phones,

DVD and web browsin'.

I'm grateful the boon

Of technology is still strong,

Since I'm on my computer

All the day long.

My job with Business Objects

Is going quite well.

I'm basically a tech geek

Who helps the salespeople sell.

I haven't left Dallas...

I'm renting a house near downtown.

I would think about buying it

If I could get the price down!

I'm still liking Texas

As the years roll on by.

There's just something about

That endless blue sky.

In these wide-open spaces

One needs a trusty steed.

So I sold my old Jeep on eBay

For a handsome sum, indeed!

Since I bought my last one

Way back in '93,

I decided it was time

For a new Grand Cherokee.

I'm driving it home

To Ohio for Christmas.

But I'm keeping this Jeep on-road.

I won't even drive on an isthmus!

While I'm in Dayton

I'll miss my dog, Maggie, for sure.

She's such a loveable pup.

(But she's still immature.)

My plans for next year –

Since this one's foregone –

Are to keep the weight off...

And keep the hair on!

I hope that your new year

Finds life full of bliss.

So, until then...

Happy Holidays from Chris!

'Twas The Year Before Christmas (1998)

'Twas the year before Christmas

Nineteen Ninety-Eight.

The year began badly,

But it's ending up great!

I'll start with the sad news...

We lost the Big Guy.

He's gone to that golf course

Way up in the sky.

I really miss Grandpa.

I can't believe he's gone.

But the memories are great ones

And life does go on.

Now, for the good stuff...

Where shall I start?

I've made many changes,

Some foolish, some smart.

(I'll let you judge

Whether my actions were sound.

When I told Mom about them,

Her jaw hit the ground!)

I now have a puppy...

Maggie's her name.

“Which room shall I pee in today?”

Is her favorite game.

This doesn't sit well

With my new roommate, Eddie.

His cat's not too happy, either...

Its nerves are no longer steady.

Aside from the pet fights,

My new apartment is grand.

It's got wood floors, big rooms,

And rent I can stand.

I still have the Jeep

And the payments are done.

It now has a brush guard

And huge wheels for more fun!

I quit Maximizer

At the start of the Fall.

(Now comes one of my choices

Mom didn't like at all!)

So I went to Colorado

To sort some things out.

Offroading in the mountains

Is what life's all about.

I needed some time

To put life back in perspective.

I've resolved many issues

And have a whole new directive.

I've got some good prospects...

I'll be selling software again soon.

I can't wait to get going,

So I can be a VP by June!

May your holidays find you happy,

Healthy and care-free.

And I hope your new year

Is the best it can be.

'Twas The Year Before Christmas (1997)

'Twas the year before Christmas

Nineteen Ninety-Seven.

Life's going well...

It's practically heaven.

The year's been a busy one

But everything's great.

There's just too much to do...

That's why I sent this so late!

I'm still working hard

For Maximizer Technologies.

I'm learning the sales ropes

And I make no apologies!

I'm the regional manager

For the Southern U.S.

I can manage the territory;

Now I need to work on the stress!

I'm working with Christy;

She's my partner and friend.

We used to be roommates

But, sadly, that came to an end.

So I moved right downtown

Into the heart of Dallas.

I've got a great new apartment;

It's like my own little palace.

I live with my friend Richard.

He's always on the go.

We don't see much of each other

Except at the parties we throw!

It's fun living in the city.

And the nightlife is grand.

I like all my neighbors...

It's just the rent I can't stand!

I've still got my Jeep

And she's running great.

The mileage is awful,

But I love that V-8!

I've kept my weight down,

Though it's not always easy.

I miss the pizzas and beer

And those nachos so cheesy.

My plan for the next year

Is to work hard and have fun.

And to have more accomplished

When the day is all done.

I hope your season is merry

And your new year a blast.

If `98 is like this year,

It will go by real fast!

'Twas The Year Before Christmas (1996)

'Twas the year before Christmas

Nineteen Ninety-Six.

It's been a good year,

And I've learned some new tricks.

I quit ISI

And, later, joined Maximizer.

The time in between

Made me poorer and wiser!

I now do sales support

In the South and East Coast.

My software's the best!

(But I don't want to boast.)

I went on a diet

That did not know any bounds.

I struggled and starved

And lost ninety pounds.

I work out a lot
And put less on my plate.
I'm slimmer and trimmer...
I really feel great.

I left my apartment

For a house that's so cool.

It's got lots of space,

A big yard and a pool.

I'm living with friends

Named Christy and Sonny.

We're having a blast

And spending serious money!

I went back to Camp Jeep

Just outside of Vail.

I biked and rode horses

And hiked a long trail.

I motored up mountains

And then down below.

There was only one place

That my truck couldn't go...

I drove through some water

That didn't look very deep.

And yet within minutes

There was a lake in my Jeep!

My Jeep has dried out now,

So I'm driving long miles

To be home with my family

And friends for a while.

May your holidays be happy

And the new year care-free.

If you're in Dayton when I am,

The drinks are on me!

'Twas The Year Before Christmas (1995)

'Twas the year before Christmas

Nineteen Ninety-Five...

The year was a long one,

But I'm still alive.

I really like Texas

And Dallas is great.

All the people say "Howdy!"

And the steaks are top-rate.

I am still working

For Image Sciences, Inc.

It's fast-paced and hectic

But worth it, I think.

I got a promotion

Into Sales Support.

The job is exciting

I'm glad to report.

I'm traveling a lot,

Just about every week.

Doing laundry on weekends

When my clothes start to reek!

Spent some time up in Vail

With Beth and my Jeep.

Went off-road and had fun,

But the trip wasn't cheap!

I'll be home in December

To relax and hang out

With my family and friends.

That's what Christmas is about.

I can't wait for Mom's cookies

Or to see Ralph and Jo.

And if I'm real lucky,

We may get some snow!

Have a wonderful season

And a happy new year.

If you're in Dayton when I am,

Let's go have a beer!