The Quitter

Below is a poem written by Robert Service that has served as a guide post and mantra to my brother, Christopher Hadley. It is no wonder... for my brother has lived his life with the utmost of determination, perseverance and character. This weekend, I got the opportunity to celebrate these qualities that he embodies as he received his law degree from Suffolk University. He had successfully weathered the storm over the past 3 years - going to law school.. while working full time in a firm.. while getting married... while having his first child. His ability to persevere and stay focused astounds me and serves as a gift of wisdom to me. The never give up, never quit attitude is something that many of us fail to completely realize. I am grateful witness these qualities in action, for they have taught me the value of dedication and commitment. Upon returning from Boston, I reflect on how I can deepen my dedication and commitment to my personal vision and goals. What will it take for me to reach and realize them?

Thank you, Shmadley, for inspiring me daily. Congratulations on your hard work, perseverance and dedication. You deserve every ounce of victory and reward.

The Quitter
When you're lost in the Wild, and you're scared as a child,
And Death looks you bang in the eye,
And you're sore as a boil, it's according to Hoyle
To cock your revolver and . . . die.
But the Code of a Man says: "Fight all you can,"
And self-dissolution is barred.
In hunger and woe, oh, it's easy to blow . . .
It's the hell-served-for-breakfast that's hard.

"You're sick of the game!" Well, now, that's a shame.
You're young and you're brave and you're bright.
"You've had a raw deal!" I know -- but don't squeal,
Buck up, do your damnedest, and fight.
It's the plugging away that will win you the day,
So don't be a piker, old pard!
Just draw on your grit; it's so easy to quit:
It's the keeping-your-chin-up that's hard.

It's easy to cry that you're beaten -- and die;
It's easy to crawfish and crawl;
But to fight and to fight when hope's out of sight --
Why, that's the best game of them all!
And though you come out of each gruelling bout,
All broken and beaten and scarred,
Just have one more try -- it's dead easy to die,
It's the keeping-on-living that's hard.
-Robert W. Service