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The other day, I blogged a little tribute to Al Arbour. Today, I want to share some very personal thoughts that have gone through my mind over the past year when we've lost the likes of Al, Jean Beliveau, Marcel Pronovost, Mikhail Galinovski and others.
It always saddens me when icons and legends leave our rolls. There is no doubt that there is relief for all of the caregivers when a person who was once hale and hearty, is released from suffering from insidious ravages of Alzheimer's and dementia, cancer or whatever the case may be. The loss of dignity in life is no longer an issue is a relief for the patient and the family, too, but the pain of loss is still strong.
When people fall victims to these cruel illnesses -- especially those that are larger than life in their heyday like Al -- it takes its toll on the patient and on those who are so used to seeing this person as the giant that he or she was. We grieve for people like Al and certainly for their family and friends but, somehow, I think we also grieve for ourselves.
We are faced with the fact there really is no such thing as immortality in this world. We are confronted with the reality that these diseases associated with age and seniority are really cruel for all involved and in the very real possibility that they may also eventually happen to us.
Somehow, when I forget a phone number, a person's name or an appointment that I needed to be at, I am struck at least momentarily by the fear that I am beginning to succumb to the same sort of illness that took Al Arbour, Ronald Reagan and many others; that it may be lurking on the edges of my life. It scares the hell out of me.
But until then, I will run full throttle and pray, Rest in peace, gentlemen. We were glad you were with us and we will all miss you.
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Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Today, Stewart is an officiating and league discipline consultant for the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and serves as director of hockey officiating for the ECAC.
The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.