Tribute to my father

Dr. William Simon Shaw

A beautiful person passed away on August 27th 2009 with his children and wife all around him.

One of my life’s greatest blessings was being the daughter of  William Shaw. He was my father, guide, supporter, mentor, friend and hero.

Whether I was sailing, golfing, running, playing tennis or the piano – always he would say: “Edie , You’re a natural!”  He encouraged me to study nutrition and health – knowing that it was going to become an ever increasing issue in the coming years. He was also a role model for taking care of one’s body: eating whole grain breads when everyone thought that white was the greatest thing since…well, sliced bread. Oatmeal, beans and greens were his favourites.  He also enjoyed homemade pies, but would ask for just a sliver – or maybe two slivers!

Dad was a gentle man, a deep thinker, and a man of great integrity and strength of character. He felt respect for all of his fellow humans and treated all persons the same – everyone he met on the street or at his door was greeted with a hearty hello – as if they were the only person he wanted to see at that moment.

His spirit continues to inspire me in my work , social and  home life – but his hugs and smiles are still terribly missed…

Please enjoy  Desiderata, a poem that he read to me as a little girl, and one that he loved and lived by.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.