As we all sat on the boat, the song, “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw came on. I sang along to the lyrics and realized how that song represented so much of what Gene is going through. He is doing the things he has always wanted to do and continues to live each day with a positive attitude and an incredibly good sense of humor. As we listened to the song, Joey asked Gene if he wanted to try skydiving, to which Gene responded in the affirmative. The two buddies high fived one another and I just grinned because I had no doubt that Joey would be on the phone, setting up their next adventure within the next week.
While so many of us whine and complain about minor and trivial things in our lives, Gene never complains. He never wants to be a burden on anyone. He wants to continue LIVING…not dying. At the lake on Saturday night, a bunch of Joey’s friends came to the house for a barbecue. Who was the chef? Gene Pino. He grilled steaks and corn and made sure that everyone else was doing okay, not for a second taking himself into consideration. The next morning, Gene was up doing laundry and dishes and cracking jokes with all of us. I know so many people who would have quit under similar circumstances. Not Gene! He has become stronger in his resolve and has become an inspiration to every one of us who has the privilege of knowing him.
So there you have it. Thank you, Dana, for truly capturing a weekend of personal perspective and priorities in life. Always remember Habit 3, “First Things First.” No one on their deathbed ever wished they had spent more time at the office. Remember to also, “Live Like You Were Dying."
Gene Pino is a life long educator of 39 years in New Mexico and currently Assistant Director for NMAA. He will be inducted into the NMAA Hall of Fame for his selfless contributions to students and athletes in March during the 2016 State Basketball Tournament in Albuquerque.
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Gene & Joey at Elephant Butte, NM