Matt Haughey, my son-in-law, recently gave the eulogy at the funeral father, Jim Haughey. Matt described his father as a man who answered the bell.
The phrase comes from the sport of boxing and refers to boxers coming out of their respective corners to “answer the bell” that signals the start of each round. To answer the bell is to stand up, move toward the next challenge and successfully meet that challenge.
Matt gave a few examples of his father answering the bell. He was there to support his family when his three-week old daughter passed away and when his 10-year-old son had cancer. He was there when Matt or his older brothers got into trouble. He answered the bell countless times when neighbors or colleagues experienced challenges in their lives. And, as a colleague at the funeral shared, Jim Haughey never complained when answering the bell and never had an unkind word to say about anyone.
Jim not only inspires me to answer the bell, but to answer the bell with grace and dignity.
Reflection:
- Who has been an inspiration for you to answer the bell?
- What’s a bell that you have answered?
- What’s a bell that you are currently be asked to answer?
From our Top 20 team…Willow, Kevin, and Tom…who listen for and answer bells.
Paul Bernabei, Director
Top 20 Training
paul@top20training.com
651-470-3827
