His ‘dash,’ his amazing legacy

I HAVE been talking about the importance of our ‘dash’ for a while and today I would like to highlight the ‘dash’ of an exceptional person.
Colin Ming
17.08.54-O2.04.2021
That Dash between those dates has great significance to every person because it represents the life we would have lived. I have viewed many tombstones in my life, but in the last decade when I am more conscious of how meaningful that small dash can be, I started thinking about what it represented for those lives. I began to think more about my own Dash and what I desire for people to remember when they look at my tombstone. Death is inevitable and most people prefer not to discuss it, but I certainly don’t mind.

On the 1st day of the new month, I decided to visit my very good friend Stanley Ming. We were supposed to meet a week before that date, but as they say, everything happens for a reason. We have had numerous empowering conversations while sipping tea and eating nuts. I have never had a conversation with Stanley and did not take away something I can apply to my life. That day I had a double dose because Colin, his younger brother, was in his office. We spoke about life, including the pandemic, politics and sports particularly golf. Over the last few years I saw Colin at the Lusignan Golf Course and we engaged in small talk. The most meaningful conversation was that day in Stanley’s office while he was enjoying his parched nuts. I was having cashew nuts and Lipton’s tea. We started to chat about the driving range and the golf programmes in schools across Guyana. He was passionate about creating opportunities for people to give the world the best version of themselves and not only in spokes. His passion for one day having pro golfers emerge from Guyana was evident. He had donated a large number of golf clubs to the Nexgen Golf Academy founded by Aleem Hussein. He joked about his trigger finger preventing him from training the young golfers, but it is getting better after consistently soaking it in hitter water. I was curious to learn more about this discussion and he enthusiastically shared the info on this condition. Stanley joked about the advantage of having such a condition that will be used if you ever want to be a hitman lol. It was an obvious, strong connection and relationship the Ming brothers shared. We all had a good laugh and little did any know that we were creating the last of precious moments. Less than two hours later, Colin met with a fatal end. I was hoping it was one of the 1st of April pranks but soon knew it was real. Then came the devastating news of his death which took me down memory lane. I lost my brother and dad 11 months apart and it still hurts so bad. I knew Stanley and the rest of his family are totally devastated.
“I have lost a significant part of my being” Stanley said to the media. He shared these memories that I am sure will have a permanent place in his memory bank.

“Colin and l developed a bond over the 66 years of our very close association as brothers.
At 27 John Street, Campbellville, where our mother had bought our first home, with a mortgage from the New Building Society, we tended a large kitchen garden where we planted callaloo, pak choi, bora, ochro, boulanger, kerila, banana, tomatoes, passion fruit, pumpkin, corn, etc. to supplement our father’s small income.
The highlight on Saturdays, when the corn was in season, was to roast same on an open fire and have a feast with the rest of our family.
We also went fishing with hooks and cast-nets, almost every Saturday, in the canals around Campbellville, Lamaha Gardens, and the Lamaha canal (the Blaka). Patwa, hassa, houri, yarrow, sunfish etc. were quite plentiful.
We had lots of quality time over the years, doing everything together, including working at MPS.”
The feedback from people from all walks of life, sharing their experiences as a result of Colin a part of his life with them must be very comforting to the family.
I saw a touching tribute from Kenisha Odelly Phillip that would have had half the word count for my column, so I decided to share an excerpt.
“Mr. Ming started as someone who supported my athletic journey but quickly became family. After I got my scholarship he still supported me. He always wanted the best for me. The best included getting my degree which was as important to him as my running.”
We all should have a desire to make a difference in others’ lives. When you achieve that you will have a legacy that will never die and Colin has achieved that.
“You don’t replace someone like Colin. We just have to hope someone comes along who comes close,” Dave Martin wrote on FB. I would certainly say Stanley and him have the same DNA and heart to serve humanity, no matter what. They both are awesome mentors and role models.
We made pacts to work together to see the first pro golfer from Guyana. He is no longer here with us, but I am sure we can work together because it is possible for Guyana to have not just one, but many.
“See you on the golf course“ were the last words I said to him as he left the office just a few minutes before I left for a presentation at German’s Restaurant.
Let’s be thankful for every breath we are privileged to have, because we can easily take for granted that the next breath will be there. Take a minute to inhale and exhale and listen to the sound of your breathing, Thank God, all your organs and everyone that is contributing to your life as we continue to celebrate this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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