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818 Pheasant Cove
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
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smeyer@cityofcapegirardeau.org
573-339-6320
Management Insights
September 2010
Reflecting on the Things that Really Matter
Have you ever had that experience where your life flashes before your eyes? Well, I guess that’s what I had on Friday, Aug. 13. It really didn’t go like the flash backs you see in movies.
First, I want to say thanks to all who have expressed their concerns and said prayers for me and my family. It is humbling to say the least to hear from people who truly care and want to help.
My wife and I were headed west on the divided four-lane U.S. Highway 60 in Howell County, between Mountain View and Willow Springs. I had pulled in to the passing lane to go around a few slower-moving vehicles going through the rolling hills, with my cruise control set at 68 or 70 mph around 9 p.m. We crested a hill to the sight of two lights headed right at us in our lane...less than a second to impact.
My thoughts were, "Where did they come from," and, "Is it all over?" No time to review, regret, repent or even react much. After the crash and spinning stopped, Susan said out loud what I was thinking, "We are all right. We’re going to be all right!"
It was only after we were safely out of the car that the time to review, regret and repent regarding one’s life kicked in. There was plenty of rejoicing that we had been spared! You aren’t supposed to survive hitting someone head on at 70 mph. That’s like doing 140 mph, Nascar style, into a brick wall. We truly had a guardian angel in our back seat along with our dog, Copper, who is getting over his soreness. Unfortunately, the other driver lost his life. Please pray for his family during their time of loss.
The loss last week of one of Cape’s great citizens, Wally Lage, in essentially a freak accident has affected many in our community. We survived a head on crash, while he dies in a slip at a boat dock. It just doesn’t make any sense.
So...what have I learned?
You can’t figure everything out. My engineering mind has analyzed every aspect of the accident looking for answers. Sometimes you just have to accept the grace of the Creator.
Don’t put off doing the right things and making things right with people. You might not get a chance to do the right thing. It is apparent that Wally Lage didn’t put off those things.
Life is fragile. It is a precious gift. Don’t waste a single second.
WEAR YOUR SEATBELT. Without seatbelts, Susan and I would not be here.
Dedicate yourself to a bigger purpose. As public servants we are involved with a bigger purpose as a part of our careers. We, as a team, get to make our city a better place for Cape’s citizens. It can be more than a career; it should be part of your purpose in life.
That which attempts to unite us is greater than that which would attempt to divide us. When you look at our bigger purpose, and in the context of how fragile life is, the things that attempt to divide us are petty. I want to be a leader that is able to put pettiness aside and focus on the greater good!
Please join me in our journey together as we have the privilege to continue serving Cape Girardeau!
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