You might have read my reflection last week on the death of Gen. Robert Barrow, a former US Marine Corps commandant, a war hero from my own hometown who had accomplished many great things in his life. In my post, I lamented how I wasted many opportunities to visit the great man when I'd go back to St. Francisville to visit my own family. I knew Gen. Barrow was there, and figured I'd learn a lot from spending some time with him (I never met him) ... but as always happens, I put it off and put it off, and then one day, he was dead. Because of time and my neglect, the opportunity was lost forever.
Well, this just got published to the thread under that post:
Rod ... I'm Gen.Barrow's son. Your reflection on not visiting is an appropriate message and lesson for others, but don't think you would have learned about medals or conflict. Dad had more humility than any man I have ever known. He spoke of his own career activity only for official records, records needed by the USMC. Most of Dad's legend was gained by talking with those who served with him, those who benefited from his policies, those who's lives were saved. Dad spoke more often of his boyhood, his values and his faith ... He would have welcomed your visit, but you would have quickly found yourself talking about yourself. He had a knack of turning the conversation quickly away from himself. God bless you. God blessed Dad long ago and often. God blessed me with having him as a Dad.
What a man the general surely was. And more than that: a mensch.
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In line with missed opportunities, two months ago I found out my grandfather, a Marine in WWII & Korea, had been good friends with Gen. Barrow. I intended to write Gen. Barrow, but put off my efforts until today when I read the news of his death.
It is no wonder that sloth is a sin.
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