I went to a wake today.

When my mom passed away, we held an afternoon/evening wake the day prior to her funeral. A number of relatives and family friends came to pay their respects. In spite of my large local network, only one came. One.

I didn't even know Keith Langille that well,. We were professional colleagues and had met at a few events. He asked about my mom and and we chatted about her life.?He didn't stay long.

That short visit had a huge impact.?To this day, I still get emotional that he had the interest and took the time to show up. This gesture has stayed with me all these years. He made a difference.?

I went to a wake today.

I met Gerald (Art) Donovan over 50 years ago when, as the newly-arrived assistant manager of the Woolworth store in Smiths Falls, Ontario I rented a room in his home. Art also worked part-time at the store.

I immediately liked him. He had a great personality and a positive attitude. He was a hard worker and always left you feeling better for having been with him. A few months later, I left to pursue my career.

I didn't see Art much after that. The only connection we had (my wife went to school with him) was through serendipitous and infrequent meetups at Tim Horton's as we drove to the cottage. He never changed.

Last Thursday we received an online notice of his sudden passing. We could have sent an email or text. Instead, today we got in the car and drove the 100+ kilometers to be with his family and share our memories.?

I know we made difference.?

This week's tip: In today's warp-speed digital world,?it's easy and convenient?to tap a few keys and assuage our sense of duty.?Instead, stop for a moment?and think about showing up. You may be the only one.