THE LIFE OF A GOOD FRIEND
In the movie "The Last Samurai" in the end the emperor asked Tom Cruise "Tell me how he died". Tom Cruise answered the emperor with "I'll tell you how he lived".
Ask anyone to name a teacher. Everyone will be able to talk about one particular teacher. The teacher will be mentioned by name, and stories will be told of how the teacher affected the storyteller's life. I often ask people why they chose a particular direction in life. Almost invariably the answer is "Well, there was this one teacher..."
Michael Pillarella was one of those teachers. Michael has passed away, but he will never be gone. He took from the substance of his life and gave to others through his teaching. The difference he made in others will live on in them and will be passed on down through the generations. What he was will never die because it has become a part of the substance of life.
Thank you Michael. I am a changed person because of your influence in my life. Your legacy will live on in all of those whom you touched.
Good bye my friend, and may you rest in peace.
Eric