tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600575121886358008.post2139121123461173756..comments2023-04-28T05:53:41.295-04:00Comments on Vintage Leaf Memories - Michael Langlois: A VLM reader with a touching memory of meeting Darryl Sittler more than 30 years ago- and a lasting life lesson for all of usMichael Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17526281022840514679noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600575121886358008.post-56254836911152599102012-09-20T20:03:20.304-04:002012-09-20T20:03:20.304-04:00I, too, hope that somehow Sittler will come across...I, too, hope that somehow Sittler will come across this post, so your thoughts will reach him. <br /><br />What you have so beautifully expressed here does indeed go beyond your own personal "story", and speaks to something that can reach a lot of people.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing it, InTimeFor62.Michael Langloishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17526281022840514679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600575121886358008.post-12724419885107138492012-09-20T19:46:32.053-04:002012-09-20T19:46:32.053-04:00I appreciate your kind words Sean and Michael.
...I appreciate your kind words Sean and Michael.<br /> <br />In most respects I have forgiven myself the exuberance of youth whenever I think on the matter… what has been missing is the opportunity for a sense of possible conciliation that can only happen if the one harmed receives the apology. <br /><br />This incident was a grain of sand irritating the oyster of my life, as a result of which, I hope a pearl has developed that may be of benefit to others. I have attempted to expand the scope of my action in this writing (without exaggerating its proper perception) in order to bring healing to a broader field of injuries amongst readers (and athletes alike). It is my hope that the insights are generic enough to help others who have been injured in greater ways than the actual harm I caused.<br /><br />When I spoke of the potential for a hardness developing (i.e. ‘caring little for others’) in the hearts of people who might justify themselves (in order to get what we want), I was observing the impact of my own actions with Darryl upon another event some 5 years later. I gave myself ‘permission’ to meet a singer (Cliff Richard) at a show in London, so that I could ostensibly ‘help my sister’s singing career.’ This second time, my actions were quite intentional (and successful), but I only had to sell out the truth in order to get what I wanted. Cliff, too, was very kind (though his agent/buffer was obviously displeased). It was following this incident that I fully turned in the other direction, so that I could remain true to myself and the standards I hold dear: Standards that I would always hope might be in the hearts of those who would deal honourably with me.<br /><br />I am thankful for this ‘anonymous’ opportunity to send out an apology and to recognize the small role I played in diminishing a fine man’s appreciation for his fans. <br /><br />I realize that the weight of a million feathers is enough to bog down the life of the anyone living under that burden - I am hoping to ‘blow them away’ (and remind players why they play in the process - and it's not about being recompensed for the burdens we put on them - it's for love of the game!). <br /><br />Perhaps it is too large a goal or hope, but significant and positive transformations of any culture can only be accomplished when unreasonable goals are first identified! <br /><br />Deep down, my most practical hope, is that Darryl will one day find this post and be able to read and accept my apology in the comfort of his own heart and mind. I hope what I've shared will help to heal from wrongs done to him as a result - I don't expect to know, but I hope and believe it CAN happen now. This opportunity lets me fully release an old error, by doing what I perceive to be the right thing in this case. <br /><br />I hope it will do the same for Darryl and others. <br />InTimeFor62noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600575121886358008.post-91293627343353205122012-09-20T16:58:55.179-04:002012-09-20T16:58:55.179-04:00Thanks Sean....that was my thought as well, that I...Thanks Sean....that was my thought as well, that InTimeFor62 was being awfully hard on himself! But a very nice story....Michael Langloishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17526281022840514679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600575121886358008.post-19844216818899143542012-09-20T16:42:00.089-04:002012-09-20T16:42:00.089-04:00I would say Intimefor62, you are being unduly hard...I would say Intimefor62, you are being unduly hard on yourself.While you make a good point about seeing athletes/celebrities as people as opposed to idols, please forgive yourself the exuberance of youth. I am sure Darryl appreciated being informed about Terry's condition while he was in the area...so my opinion is at the very least you performed a service in that regard.seandelvillehttps://twitter.com/seandelvillenoreply@blogger.com