The Ultimate Measure of a Man - A Tribute to Steve Cary

 

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Thursday, October 13^th, 2011, Steve Cary saved 3 lives. The life of his wife, Gloria, the life of his 12-year old niece, Savannah and the life of a stranger who’s truck came smashing head-on into that convertible he was so proud of. I can’t imagine what thoughts he must have processed in those split seconds before the crash, but somehow he managed to angle his car just enough so his body would absorb the majority of the impact.
 

In a mere moment, my Uncle Steve faced the ultimate challenge…and he took a stand. He chose to protect the lives of his loved ones, at the cost of his own. Why he was placed in this position, I don’t know. I will probably never know. For now I take comfort in remembering him in life, not in the moments before his death.

Each one of us has our favorite memories of Steve. For me it was a quick chat about photography at a family gathering. Or sitting under the stars in Yosemite talking about traveling the world during his Navy days. Or simply pointing out how cool the bird that just flew by was. And that’s what was so great about him. He was always curious, always learning and always teaching.

Steve was also a solid man who could be counted on when storms were at sea. For my sister Savannah, he picked up where my dad left off – acting as the father figure she so desperately needed in her young and already arduous life.

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to such a heroic man. His sacrifice has humbled me to my core. I am a better person having known him and I will never forget all that he has taught me.