Every now and then I use my blog as a way to spotlight someone that has made a distinct impression on me. Today, I'm using my blog to spotlight my friend Dave Soucier. I met Dave last year and after running into one another at various social gatherings we finally became friends. I can honestly say that Dave is one of the most genuinely nice people I have ever met. Dave is 29 years old and he works at IDEXX here in Maine. He's somewhat of a middle man between veterinarians and labs they send their patient’s blood work to be tested.
One thing about Dave that is most impressive is his giving and compassionate nature. He's not only a very family oriented person, but he also has what we all call his "little." That would be his little brother from The Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program. Dave takes his job as a big brother very seriously. He's also a volunteer soccer coach for kids ages 3-13 in his local rec program. This is the kind of guy that you want in your community. Because he not only understands the importance of being a good person, but he understands that it takes good people to build good communities. Don't get me wrong, he's not this untouchable golden boy by any means. He also happens to be very down to earth and incredibly funny.
I think what surprises me most about Dave is that he's not married with kids of his own. I know that he would one day love to find the perfect woman and settle down and raise a family, but he also knows that he'd rather wait for the right woman than marry the wrong one for the sake of getting married. He'll make a great husband and father. What kid wouldn't want a dad who will take them to Red Sox games, play catch with them in the yard, and take them fishing? What woman wouldn't want a husband who treats her well, surprises her with flowers on occasion, and knows his way around a kitchen?
I see a lot of people go from relationship to relationship with a reckless abandon that borders on desperation. As if they're dating everyone they can until they find the right one. Kind of like trying on jeans in a store until you find the ones that fit the best. I try not to judge, but it gets annoying when every time you run into one of your serial dater friends, you risk getting your head bitten off if you ask about their boyfriend or girlfriend. Because they're beginning and endings are always so dramatic. I try to avoid the serial daters. I just don't have the energy to keep up with their love lives. And it's a huge pain in the ass trying to get to know their current flings well enough to feel comfortable around them, but not too well that they latch onto you when the relationship ends hoping you can make them feel better.
I've also had to listen to my fair share of people who complain that there aren't any good men out there. So they date losers and can't figure out why they're always unhappy or being treated badly. I think some people just enjoy the drama.
Then there's Dave. An attractive, successful man who supports himself and actively works to make his own community a better place. He wants kids of his own, but he also understands than until he has kids of his own, there are kids in his own community who can benefit from his good nature. He wants to meet the right girl, but knows there's no point in sleeping or dating his way through the female population hoping to find the right one. He knows the best way to meet the right woman is to just put his best foot forward and be the best "Dave" he can be. I have confidence he'll meet the right woman. Someone who gives so much to those around him has to be rewarded by the Powers That Be.
I'm lucky to have Dave as a friend. It makes me think of a line from the song "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol. "I need your grace to remind me to find my own." Having a friend like Dave reminds me to always be the best "Wil" I can be. It's really all we can do, right? Be good people. Be compassionate. Give back. We should all have a friend like Dave, someone who's good nature reminds us to be good people. If you don't have a friend like Dave, be that friend to others.
A disclaimer, Dave had nothing to do with my posting this blog. He did not pay me nor did he feed me BS about him to make him look better. What you read is what you get. Though Dave if you read this, you can buy me a few drinks sometime.... :-)
Happy New Year to everyone and as always, thanks for reading!
