A couple weekends ago we went to a Doobie Brothers concert (yes, they are still performing) and the place was packed. Best I can tell, there are still three of the original Doobies performing in the group and yes, they are old, but they still sound the same.

A couple years ago, I lost a dear friend in my same line of work to a sudden heart attack. His funeral was like going to a hotel investor conference. The who’s who of the hotel industry were all there to pay their respects. So back to the concert, there was a guy there directing people that could have been my friend’s twin. I took a picture and sent it to a couple of buds that I used to work with and each one had the same reaction. It was like looking at my friend who passed away.

I came away with a (not unheard of) profound epiphany. When you pass away, everything you have accomplished (business wise) quickly fades away and all that is left is the mark you leave on your family. Did you leave them knowing you loved them unconditionally, did you teach them the right values, will they be ok after you are gone, and many more similar questions. As I sat there listening to Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers sing songs from 50 years ago, I realized how fragile and temporary life really was.

Shortly after you pass away, all the business accolades and accomplishments will fade away and you will only be remembered by your family on how well you did as a father, mother, husband or wife. Everything else fades away. Choose wisely on where you spend your focus. KT