Remembering John Denver
Tom Crum
 This past month I've done a number of interviews with NPR, Oprah and Friends, and others, regarding my old buddy John Denver. It's been ten years since his airplane crashed into Monterey Bay on October 12, 1997. I talked about how he was more than just a great singer/songwriter and activist, an American icon. He somehow spoke for all of humanity, and to the environment, and to the possibility of being truly human.
Even though it's been ten years, he's as close as he ever was. I can still see JD's contagious smile and that total commitment to make a difference. Heck, he was a difference! Even when I walked with him, I felt like I was jogging to keep up. You see he had a contribution to make, and he didn't want to be late. I still laugh when I recall a championship Squirt hockey game (nine and ten year olds) in which John's son Zak and my son Eri were playing. Only about 60 people, parents and family, were there. John was so pumped he didn't know what to do to help. So, impromptu, he stood up and sang the National Anthem! We all stood and sang with him. Well, we won that game. He took everybody to a pizza joint and bought dinner for all the hockey families. Then he bought dinner for everybody else in the place too! He could not help but contribute, wherever he was. He was a major force in getting the Alaskan Wildlands Bill passed. We'd be somewhere, like an important congressional meeting or watching a panel of experts debating, and I could see John sitting there and starting to fidget. I knew he was bubbling over about to speak, and I'd be think, "Oh man, he might not have all his facts together or be as articulate as some of these experts." And he may not have been. But that didn't matter. John would stand up and speak from his heart and bang! Everyone got it. Heart to heart.
My heart smiles when I listen to John's music, knowing that today that old country boy has no need for shoes and no need for time. I sense he soars with the eagles and rides on the wind, his songs echoing through the canyons of our minds, reminding us how right it is to care. He's with us everytime we pick up a fallen friend, or even a piece of litter. He laughs when he sees us living joyfully. He whistles when he sees us living in harmony with nature. And his spirit sings out everytime we see what is Possible and live a life that shows it.
If you can, listen to some of John Denver's music this week, and feel how his spirit soars, taking yours right along for the ride.
|
|
New Audio CD by Tom
Tom's keynote speech, "A Centered Mom is a Happy Mom," from the 2007 Momference Global Telephone Conference will soon be available on audio CD.
In his talk, Tom discusses the nuances of his Three Deep Breaths practices. This presentation, while directed at Moms, discusses principles essential for anyone with a goal of living a centered life.
Order on our website today for shipping in late November!
|
|
Sign Up Now for Magic of Skiing!
 NOW is the time to register for the Magic of Skiing. Join Tom and his team of ski professionals in Aspen for both skiing and snowboarding. The dates in 2008 are January 12-19 and February 2-9.
Imagine -- skiing, snowboarding, learning, living and loving life in the winter wonderland of Aspen and Snowmass. You will learn to turn your skis like never before, turning fear into power and skiing into a totally revitalizing and enriching experience.
Learn more and register on our website.
|
