The best people are often unknown

It can seem to us that the best people are famous; Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa, Mr. Rogers … to name a few.

But fame is not a requirement for a good soul (indeed, fame can even become a hindrance to such a goal).

The fact is we will never know the names of 99.9999 per cent of the very best humans who have ever lived. Once upon a time these good, humble people were born. They lived their lives. Then they died. There is no record anywhere that they ever even existed. Billions of people.

However.

That does not mean such people did not, each in their own humble and anonymous way, make the world a bit better place for us all while they were here.

When we personally know such unsung people in our everyday lives, we should consider shedding some light on their good works.

As I will now attempt to do here:

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Once a football and track star at Bristol VA High School, Allan Eccleston now works miracles at Girls Inc. of Bristol, where he is the program director.

I have personally observed Allan in action over a period of years now, while we take the Girls Inc. girls hiking together each summer at Sugar Hollow Park.

When Allan needs the girls’ attention, he simply says one word (in a surprisingly deep, but completely non-threatening tone of voice).

“Ladies.”

That one word is all it takes. The girls immediately stop whatever they’re doing and focus on Allan’s next words, whatever they may be. I’ve seen it happen countless times now.

A young, handsome, gentle, compassionate, single, athletic man - with no children of his own - working directly with young girls? Is that the best person for such a job?

Tell me … who could be better?

Below is a pic of Allan holding my granddaughter, Lenna Kate, who came along for one hike this summer.

Lenna Kate is “very particular” about walking up to strangers and letting them hold her. She simply does not do that. However, near the end of our hike this past week with Allan and the Girls Inc. girls, I bent down and asked my granddaughter to go over to Allan and let him hold her for a pic. She grinned up at me and whispered, “He Popaw’s friend,” then eagerly walked toward him for the pic below.

Allan is a role model as to what a “real” man and a “true” gentleman are really like. In his quiet but powerful way, he also inspires the girls to be the best they each can be; strong, smart, and bold - as is the Girls Inc. motto.

My friends, I hope you have enjoyed my spreading the light on one of Bristol’s best people. May we all do the same, whenever we can, for the “unknown” good people we know.