Ode to you, Gordon Swaby
Its an amazing thing when someone has the trait of inspiring you to be a better person. That trait becomes even more significant when you’re friends with said person, instead of hearing or reading about them. Therein lies a difference between a common ‘friend’ and a good friend. Gordon Swaby is a good friend. IDK why I’m getting all mushy and dedicating a blog post to him, but I guess his impact on me has been undeniable so it was only a matter of time before I did.
Also, I guess its suddenness may have come from him saying to me one Saturday ‘Don’t die’ before going our separate ways.
At the time, it was a joke, but subconsciously when he said it, my mind went to work. ‘What IF you never tell someone how you truly felt about them? Why do humans do tributes AFTER someone dies? Why not before?’ Well…Gordon. this is your before.
How I met the runt
Come to think of it, it was pure coincidence how I met him or heard about it rather. It was through a mutual friend of ours Leethan, who shared a link to his blog where he rambled about product placement in Youthlink, a magazine I work for. (See http://bit.ly/bMDbRQ). Then I added him on Facebook
I began to read his blog and found it witty, alert, sharp, funny. The harsh truth in the tone of his blog posts reflected it. Shortly after, I finally met him in the Gleaner’s lobby after a series of Facebook messages asking him to make a website for Byron Buckley, who at the time was running for PAJ (Press Association of Jamaica) president. To my best recollection, here’s how to conversation went down
‘Gordon Swaby?’
‘yes, oh! Sean’
‘Yeah, (hand shake) welcome to the Gleaner.’
He asked a whole lot of questions. Up the elevator, in the office, while meeting Mr. Grandison (The Gleaner’s Editor in chief) and with every answer, he either had another question or suggestion.What stood out for me in that initially was his sheer curiosity.
In many ways we’re complete opposites. but he also represents aspects of what I want to become- uber confident, independent, influential,go getter, seizing opportunities at whim, rich conversationalist, more open minded, different. His mindset is amazing.
It’s weird, there’s a lot o things I could say about him, but then I’d feel robbed if I didnt put every moment he imparted some knowledge on me.
I’m glad I met him. He’s made life a little more interesting.
Quotes
- I need to stock up on money.
- You have to be confident but humble at the same time
- “I believe will power can get you ANYTHING, as long as there is no doubt whatsoever in your mind. The only reason you don’t get something you want is because of self doubt. Nothing else in this World can prevent you from getting what you want”
