To Mr. Parks

For those of you who don't know, Mr Parks was my college band director. But he was more than just a director. he was an inspiration and motivator. He lived his life the best way he could and taught all his students to do the same. In the marching band world, he was a God. On September 16th he died of a heart attack. The band was on a trip to Michigan state for a football game. They had performed at an Ohio high school game and shortly after the heart attack occurred. I was called by Stephanie Chueng in a matter of hours after it happened. Luckily, it was a Friday at work and I had very little classes so I was able to pick up and talk to her for a little while. I thank her so much for that call.
I've been struggling with myself how to feel about this event. I know I am sad, but the best way to celebrate him? memorialize him? In Korea, I've finding it quite hard. No one else knew who he was or what kind of an impact he had. Those around me, especially Stuart, are trying to be helpful. However, no matter what they don't know the full of it and will never know all of it. I miss my band family, my sisters, my color guard. Marching band helped fully shape 8 years of my life. It helped me to grow into a leader. It helped me to stay motivated. Yes, it will still exist without Parks, but he was the biggest influence in my knowledge and love of marching band. he influenced many of those who influenced me in high school. he influenced my mentors, my friends. Personally, I don't know if Parks knew how much of an effect he had on my life. I only hope I can pay it forward to those who I've been teaching and those who I encounter in my life. I will take his influence and continue to do it "My Way."
This weekend was the homecoming where there was a two hour memorial service. I was able to watch online here. http://www.umass.edu/umhome/parkscelebration/
Thank you Allison Norton for the link.
I guess my thoughts for right now are thank you to everyone who has had even a remote impact of my life. Also, I miss you. All of you.