John Burk
Gary (and Glen) were among the first people I met when I began working with CarePartners in 2011. Before he introduced us, Earl Shelp spoke with a fondness for them both, and I understood why shortly after we met. During those early years we had a project at work about which we frequently consulted Gary. Earl and I would meet Gary for either breakfast (Kenny and Ziggy’s) or lunch (Luby’s in the Galleria). After the main conversation was out of the way, Gary and I always turned to one of our favorites: fishing.
We discovered our mutual love of fishing early and Gary took it upon himself to show me some of his favorite honey holes along the coast when I first moved to Houston. Over the years, we have spent more than our fair share of time mostly being outrun by trout and reds in brackish Texas backwaters, hooking the occasional keeper, swapping stories, and laughing a lot.
But two things happen when I fish with Gary: there is always a moment when Gary pauses, looks around (usually as the sun yawns into its morning brilliance), and asks, “Do you know how lucky we are?” He means it rhetorically, but he asks it genuinely.
The second thing that happens is that we will spend a good portion of our morning in the bays talking about the literacy efforts in which Gary has invested so much. He tells me about the programs, which ones are succeeding, which are struggling, how many bikes they’ve collected, how many volunteers they have, what they need and, of course, how I can help. It only took a couple of fishing trips before I realized that, yes, Gary loves fishing. But Gary loves fishing in part because it gives him the opportunity to talk to his friends about the things he really cares about. And what motivates Gary is his love for other people, especially those who may not have been as lucky as we have been. It is always a treat to listen to someone speak with enthusiasm about something that really moves them. Listening to Gary talk about the literacy needs of children is no exception. It is much like listening to a coach who loves his players.
Not long ago I commented to Gary that his demeanor—friendly, grateful, joyful—has always been one I have admired. Gary is not one to be damned with praise, so he shrugged the remark off, but I meant it sincerely. I don’t remember if I’ve ever answered him much beyond a mumble when he asked me if I knew how lucky we are. But the answer is yes. I do know. I know I am lucky to have seen many Texas sunrises over the bays. But more than that, I know how truly fortunate I am to have seen them with my friend.
