Steve, Steve, and Stevie
My three favorites Steves. Okay, actually it's my two favorite Steves and my favorite Stevie. I can see their faces now. I can hear their voices. I can watch them and see them in action. And I can know their impact. The thought of these three Steves brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face. Allow me to introduce you to them.
Senior
That’s one of my all-time favorite Steves. Steve Miller Sr. is my dad’s brother and in a way, he’s just like my dad. If my dad were stuck in “fast forward” mode. Uncle Steve is a hard worker. He can finish a job faster than he can explain what he’s doing, and tell twenty jokes along the way. I worked for him when I was a teen, and every day I felt like I was getting paid to watch a show. I carried boards, swept floors, and spread gravel on the work sites for free. The real pay was watching this great showman. I spent most of my work days in stunned amazement of this craftsman and his design and problem solving skills in high speed action. I spent the rest of my work time just laughing at his rapid fire one-liners. It would be fascinating to step inside his mind and see the speed of those gears moving. And it didn’t seem to matter if anyone was listening to him or not, his mind and his humor wouldn’t slow down or wait for you. With a grin on his face, he would roll on whether you were on board or not. If you got on board, it was quite a ride.
Coach Mak
Another top Steve is my coaching mentor. I don’t think I’d be a coach if it weren’t for Coach Mak. I was late to the game as a tennis player, starting as a junior, but Mak was always patient and positive with me as a player. He was a non-stop encourager who made me feel like the most important person on the team. I only later found out he made EVERYONE feel like the most important person on the team. And in the classroom. Steve loves people and loves to watch them shine. He loves watching the learning process and has the patience to see the big picture. He was building curious minds in his science class and motivated athletes on the tennis court, but what makes me smile is how he enjoyed, and still enjoys, building positive relationships that last a lifetime. I’ve had a lot of coaches, but none has had more impact on me and my relationships than Coach Mak. The more I watch Steve interact with kids and adults, the more impressed I am with his huge heart for people. His smile is infectious and everyone is his favorite. He is an awesome role model and a teaching and coaching craftsman.
Junior
And now, my favorite Stevie. My cousin, who most people call Steve or Junior, but he’ll always be Stevie to me. I grew up with him, and he is more like a big brother than a cousin. As a kid, I spent countless hours looking up to him as I was getting mercilessly beaten by him in basketball, fishing, hunting, and target shooting. Stevie was and is still one of the coolest people on the planet. He has a huge smile and a magnetic personality that just draws people to him. He can do it all and everyone just adores him. After high school, Stevie’s life plans were altered when an accident took the use of his legs, but that didn’t slow him. In fact, his spirit and drive became even stronger. His grit and determination continues to be an inspiration to so many people. In spite of everything, he's not one to complain and, like his dad, he continues to work hard all the while inspiring and entertaining those in his path. One of my favorite Stevie one-liners was at church one day when I said “You rock!” Without missing a beat, he replied, “no YOU rock. I roll.” Stevie is a craftsman of life who has not let huge obstacles steal his zest for life and joy of living well. I love my cousin/brother Stevie.
Some Honorable Mentions
Maybe there’s something about Steves. And Stevies. And Stevens and Stephens. I have a lot of them that I admire. Steve Martin, the comedian craftsman who I always wanted to be when I grew up. Stevie Ray Vaughan, the guitar craftsman who inspired me to play guitar. Stephen King, the storytelling craftsman who dazzles and terrifies countless millions. Stephen Colbert, the craftsman of satirical wit and insight. Steven Pressfield, the craftsman of doing the work and showing us how. I’m drawn to these Steves, but Steve, Steve, and Stevie are by far my favorites.
Too bad his name isn't "Steve."
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