Markers

I carry in my pocket a wooden token that I received from children’s book author, Peter Reynolds. When I worked for the Children’s Defense Fund, Reynolds was promoting his book, “DOT” and I was invited to be part of a small group that got to spend time with the author. To each of us, he gave the wooden token that has printed on it “Make Your Mark.” It’s a clear and important lesson: be the difference that makes a positive difference.

As a society we celebrate and mark individual and corporate achievements as a way to call the community to remember and also, I think, to inspire.

In Pittsburgh many of our public markers center on sports. This week on my statues walk on the North Shore I also went in search of the monument to the “Immaculate Reception.” It’s located past Stage AE and before Heinz Field at the exact spot where in 1972 Steelers running back, Franco Harris, made what has been called the “greatest play in NFL history” and that birthed the Steelers dynasty.

In yesterday's “Post Gazette” was an article recognizing the latest faces to be added to the “Wall of Fame” at the original PRIMANTI’S BROTHERS in the Strip District. What caught my attention was whom they honored --- Dan McCoy and Josh Wirt, members of the Mighty Penguins sled hockey team. Sled hockey is ice hockey where players navigate the ice on sleds affixed with blades and use short sticks to hit the puck. The game is made for persons with disabilities to play ice hockey.

We each want to make our mark.

We each are capable of making our mark.

The point is however you do it, make your mark, use your talents, and respond to the opportunity provided.

One may not make it on the wall at Primantis or have a statue. The most one can hope for is to do that which shines some light on the path others will travel and bends that long moral arc of the universe a bit closer to what is just.

Go for it --- make your mark;

sj;