REMEMBERING SIR PATRICK STEWART
INTRODUCTION
“Someone once told me that time is a predator that stalks us all our lives. I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment, because they’ll never come again.”
Those were words spoken by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, as he and Commander Riker stood amidst the remains of the Enterprise-D on Veridian III.
That was thirty-two years ago, and I think them to be most appropriate for this subject.
This past Wednesday evening I learned of the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart, and I immediately cried out, and began to weep uncontrollably.
I fell to my knees several times, praying for his family. It was a very surreal thing that left me with more questions than answers.
As I thought about why I had cried, I realized those emotions were real. There has always been a deep and heartfelt respect and love for Captain Picard.
He was a tremendous influence on me growing up, and was also one of the first people whom I learned about being a leader from.
As an adult, there have been many times when I have thought back upon the wisdom of Captain Picard, and how it applied to wherever I might be, or whatever I may be going through.
TO BOLDLY GO…
I was eight years old when Star Trek The Next Generation first aired on television in 1987. I do not recall if I watched it season by season.
What I do remember is watching it in middle school. My time there from 1990-1993 was a nightmare.
I was severely bullied on a daily basis. I was picked on, spat on, mocked, and kicked while sitting at my desk. I endured being assaulted in the bathroom, the cafeteria, and in the hallway.
At one point I was beat up on an almost weekly basis. I was jumped walking home, and on one occasion I suffered the permanent disfigurement of my nose.
Another male student began hitting me while standing outside waiting on my ride. He placed a metal bracelet across his fingers before hitting me in the face.
I did not know at the time that I was autistic; all I knew was I was afraid of everyone, and angry at them for being bullied.
I hated school, and everyone there. I did not want to go back. Every afternoon after I got home I would watch Star Trek The Next Generation.
It was one of my coping mechanisms, and it allowed me to escape the horrific abuse and torment that I was forced to live through.
It became not just a source of entertainment, but one of learning as well. I have always been passionate about science, and the show offered a glimpse into astronomy and physics that were mesmerizing.
AT THE HELM
At the center of it was Captain Jean-Luc Picard. I was impressed by him as a leader, but he was so much more than that.
He was a diplomat, an explorer, and a humanist. He never ceased to search for the best in those around him, and he never asked anyone to do anything that he wasn’t willing to do himself.
The wisdom that Captain Picard imparted to his peers and subordinates alike became the basis for a future book on leadership.
I saw in this character someone who cared, who inspired, and who was not afraid of the challenges which he and his crew often faced.
A LASTING LEGACY
There will be many who remember Sir Patrick Stewart in different ways. To those closest to him, he was their family.
For others, he was a fellow student, a colleague, or even friend. Others recall his many roles from his time in theater, while some simply nodded in affirmation of his presence while passing by.
He was I believe someone used by God, to be an example. To give hope, to inspire, and to entertain. Though his time in this life may be passed, the gravitas of his presence remains with us.
“He was a man. Take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his kind again.”
