The holidays are a time for families to get together and share memories of the year gone by. Often, it seems the year was much too short; time passed us by.
The holiday season is also a time for hope. A new year approaches. Perhaps this year, time won't be so quick to escape our grasp.
Time.
There's never enough time.
This column is dedicated to a man named Leonard. A man who used time to the best of his ability. A man who shared time with his family, friends and profession. He often appeared to stretch his talents, yet had time to participate in everything he believed in.
For Leonard, there was never enough time to do everything he wanted to do.
Time ran out too soon.
Leonard was a wealth of knowledge to anyone who took the time to know him, both up-close and from a distance. Even those people who hardly knew him were aware of his accomplishments in the medical field.
He earned a degree in osteopathic medicine in 1966, and operated a private medical practice for over 20 years. He was on the executive board of a Detroit-area hospital. Leonard was also chosen to be president of the Oakland County Osteopathic Association.
He didn't brag about his accomplishments. Even some of his closest colleagues were unaware of Leonard's pre-medical career.
Prior to becoming a physician, Leonard had been a civil engineer for the Wayne County Road Commission. He quit this job to attend medical school because he wasn't happy with what he was doing with his life.
We students are often told our careers should be something we enjoy. Not many people would have the courage to quit a profession - no matter what the pay - to return to school for the sake of starting over.
Leonard did.
He was a political man, too - not a rebel or activist, but someone who believed in what was morally right. He was open and honest with his feelings.
During the Vietnam era, he accompanied the American flag with a peace-sign flag, because he felt the war was wrong.
In January 1973, he went to Washington as part of a mass protest against the war. Held the same day as President Nixon's re-inauguration, it stemmed from the famous "Christmas bombings" over Cambodia.
He also read countless articles and books on political hotbeds such as the Middle East, Nicaragua, Argentina, Chile, Haiti and The Philippines.
Leonard was a man who cared about life. As a physician, he tried to assist those who needed his help.
He was so conscious of cancer-causing products, he refused to use pesticides on his lawn, theorizing the chemicals would get into the water supply.
When it came to his family, Leonard was there for love, comfort and support. He tried to guide his children with his knowledge to the best of his abilities. To open his children's minds to new vistas, new opportunities. To not suffer from tunnel-vision when looking at the future.
To guide and teach.
Leonard tried to use his time wisely. But time caught up to him this past August.
Four months ago today.
He was a good man. An honest man.
As I prepare to graduate, I hope to pass to you some of the knowledge, love and trust Leonard gave me.
Time.
Use your time wisely, for time is precious.
Take time with your families this holiday season. Tell them how much you care for them. How much you love them. Because you never know when your first holiday without a father will come up.
Leonard H. Gaba.
Happy holidays, dad. I love you.
This article originally appeared in Central Michigan Life.
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