Yep, the “P” word. It can be overused, but let’s not talk about the negative of the word rather let’s celebrate the positive.
Passion pure, simple, unadulterated can make things happen. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare, speed vs slow and steady progress? I’d argue it is an example of competition for the sake of winning vs passion for a cause greater than one’s self.
A person passionate about a cause is, most times, a sight to behold. Just talking to them you see the gleam in their eye and their vision come to life. And many times these passionate folks are like the tortoise, glad for any forward motion toward their goal.
I live in Fairfield County Ohio or as my honorary-Irish neighbor likes to say the “County of Fairfield”. We have a lot history in this mainly rural county, and through the 
generosity of people many historical sites have been donated to the Fairfield County Historical Parks Commission. The Commission – a party of one – is attempting for the 10th time to gain public funding to the development and upkeep of these treasures.
David Fey (the party of one) keeps pushing forward with his meager budget towards his passion of preserving and restoring historical treasures. Really, how much can one do with an operating budget of $181,000 overseeing 18 properties? And yet, he has managed to assemble and set aside properties opening five to the public and undergoing a major project to restore the landmark Rock Mill through volunteers.
Without the passion of this individual these sites would have continued to decline, lost to the future, and a piece of this County’s heritage.
The Parks Commission was created 29 years ago, so the forward movement is definitely tortoise-like. Who knows when the public will get behind his passion and support the cause with funding?
I’ve never met David Fey, but I’d be willing to bet he has a gleam in his eye as he describes his vision for the future and if slow and steady wins the race, I hope he gets his trophy soon!
For more information, please click here to read a recent Columbus Dispatch article.
I like to give because it feels great and helps people.
