Sage Advice from a Courageous man

A friend of mine, Jim Griffin, passed away Sunday at the tragically young age of 47, leaving behind two beautiful young daughters and a lovely wife.

He also left behind an amazing legacy as a High School Counselor and Coach over the past decades and more, positively effecting thousands of young lives with his attitude, lessons, and wisdom.

The Principal of Jim's High School wrote a wonderful letter to the community about Jim's rare character and his passing, and passed in some terrific advice that Jim had given him upon learning of his grim prognosis of pancreatic cancer.

I have copied the letter below for you to read. Please do.

Jim accomplished so much in his short 47 years through his dedication to so many young minds and he will truly be missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Please pray for his family's peace, strength, and healing during this terrible time.

And please remember and take to heart his words to not waste a single minute of our lives, and to not take anything for granted as life can truly change in an instant!

Stay Strong and God Bless!

http://wayland.patch.com/articles/principal-tutwiler-comment-on-death-of-wayland-high-counselor

Principal Tutwiler: Comment on Death of Wayland High Counselor

Jim Griffin, longtime Wayland High School counselor, passed away Sunday after a battle with cancer. By Brooklyn Lowery | January 16, 2012

Wayland High School Principal Pat Tutwiler provided the note below.

It is with deep regret that I write to inform you that our dear friend and colleague, Jim Griffin, passed away on Sunday morning after his valiant battle with cancer. For his colleagues and friends here at Wayland High School, there are no words that can describe our profound sadness at hearing this news. Given the enormous impact Jim has had on the lives of students and the wonderful relationships he developed and nourished over the years with parents and other members in the Wayland community, I know this news will be equally as devastating to all who read this letter.

Please know that we have organized the appropriate resources for your children and we are prepared to support them in partnership with you. Wayland Public Schools counselors, Wayland Youth and Family Services, and Human Relations Services have all volunteered to help us support students and faculty through this difficult time. Given Jim's role in the WHS Guidance Department for so many years, members of that department may not be readily available over the next few days. Nonetheless, there will be plenty of support through our WPS colleagues and outside partners. We realize that, for many students, the best support vehicle is a normal school day. Accordingly, classes will be held as scheduled. Students who require support should report to the Guidance/Main Office suite.

I ask that you keep Jim's family foremost in your thoughts. I continue to have the deepest confidence that if there is a community that can come together in a time of loss such as this, to support those in need and to supporteach other, it is the Wayland community.

I am equally confident that Jim's legacy as an educator, mentor, and friend will live on through the countless achievements of our young people and through the Wayland community, which was so fortunate to have been the community to which Jim decided to contribute his talents and his time.

When Jim delivered the difficult news of his sickness to me back in the fall, even then, he was selfless enough to extend a piece of advice to me, not as a principal or an educator but as a man, as a father.

It was this: don't waste a minute; don't take anything in your life for granted because life can change in an instant. Even at his darkest moment, Jim never stopped giving guidance. I share this advice with you now because I know that Jim would have shared it with you all if he could.

As a community and family, let's honor Jim and live that advice.

Best, Pat

If you are interested in contributing to the Jim Griffin Family Support Trust, please send your donation to:

Jim Griffin Family Support Trust c/o Middlesex Savings Bank 150 Commonwealth Road Wayland, MA 01778