Peter Zezel’s passing is a tragedy to the hockey world and all those who knew him, but it’s also a realization to each individual that we all possess a beating heart, one that is capable of accomplishing many things–even changing the world, one person at a time.
I’ve never met Zezel personally, but my good friend Bruce “Scoop” Cooper, who has worked in hockey for over four decades in Philadelphia, knew him from the time he was drafted. Scoop enlightened me on many stories involving Zezel, and his bright personality. Zezel was an individual who understood the concept of life. He unraveled its dilemmas by searching within, and as each obstacle was hurdled, he became a stronger person. In the end, it helped him understand the greatest concept of all: If you reach out to someone, and help them realize how special life is, you’re not only changing their lives, you are changing hundreds, thousands or even millions.
Let me start by stating that anyone can change the world. Every individual plays their part, and we all have a place in our hearts and minds which enables us to think outside the box, we just have to realize the complexities of life, and the many mysteries it entails. And these mysteries aren’t a bad thing, on the contrary, they are the essence of life, and they allow us to push forward.
There’s a concept called “pay it forward.” This concept, unlike many others we are accustomed to, is perhaps the most important in regards to unraveling the mystery of life. We will never know everything, but instead of sheltering ourselves from the answers, we can help each other–whether it be a good deed, a personal talk, anything. In the end, this helps us not only understand life, but also ourselves, which in turn helps us enjoy the many aspects that makes life such a special place. The key is, you must ask the individual you helped to pass on that wisdom to others, so this feeling (this is the best word to describe its power) may be shared by others.
If you are familiar with the concept, perhaps it is because you viewed the film, which was released in 2000. The film had an inspiring message that everyone, I believe, relates to. The question is, do they realize it yet? Here’s a quote I particularly liked:
“What if the world is just a big disappointment? Unless, you take the things that you don’t like about this world, and you flip them upside down.”
I believe that every individual has the power to change their thoughts. In order to alter our thought process, however, we must first realize the strengths and weaknesses. Once we do that, it’s about training our minds to change. Life was meant to be lived and enjoyed. So why think negative and neglect our minds from happiness and growth? Just think about it, when you see someone who is truly happy, and is successful in life, how do you think they attained that level? By being miserable and unhappy? No, by realizing that WE control our thoughts, and WE have the power to make a difference.
These are all lessons I’ve learned from my good friend, Scoop. He, like Zezel, understands how to reflect on life, and how to grow as individuals from the many obstacles we all face. The only way we learn is by making mistakes.
While Zezel’s passing is a tragic affair, I don’t believe his heart has stopped beating. It beats. It beats in all the individuals he helped during his rewarding life.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
May 27th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
A wonderful, thoughtful, and affecting blog Ron. My friend “Zez” was a wonderful human being and touched so many in his short life. While he is gone in body, his heart and spirit remain live on the thousands of lives he touched. Bravo Peter for such a wonderful life so richly lived. And bravo Ron for such a heart felt blog. Scoop
May 28th, 2009 at 12:25 am
R.I.P. Peter Zezel, I will always remember watching him as a kid, always put a smile on my face.
May 28th, 2009 at 1:38 am
I was a young when Zezel played for the Leafs but when I heard the name on the news it still hit me, as I recognized it as someone I had watched on the Leafs as a kid. Rest in peace.
May 28th, 2009 at 8:35 am
R.I.P.
May 28th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Good blog, death is a hard thing for people to deal with. We don’t know the answers of what happens after we die. Many believe in the after life and it’s impossible to prove that there actually is an after life or a God for that matter, we cannot prove or disprove it’s existence. That’s why I appreciate the angle you took on this blog. It’s an encouragement to live a life that impacts those around us in a positive manner. If we all carry this philosophy in our daily lives no matter of interests, religion, race… we will for most part create a positive environment.
~
Peter Zezel did impact many lives, from what I hear he was a great family man. His tragic loss hurt many deeply, his memory and impact on the world will live on
May 28th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Wonderful blog Ron. I was actually very lucky to have known Zez for a short period during his initial years with the Flyers. Zez continued to play soccer in the off season with Toronto Italia and the North York Rockets. I was one his opponents and directly opposing him as he was a striker and I a centre back. Over the 90 minute games we talked about a long list of things that cannot be repeated but it was different, Zez had this fire to succeed but still respected you. Following the game Zez invited me for a few pops, that changed my whole perspective of him and I have to say in future games I eased up on him so he would not get hurt. Zez loved soccer and quietly told me it was the sport he loved most. I am not sure why Zez gave it up, there were rumours that the Flyers would not allow him for fear he would get hurt. It was a shock when I first learned Zez was ill in 2001 and then watched him from a distance as he battled the illness. Zez was a class act and always treated others with possibly more respect than he was afforded. Having known Zez has made me a better person and I will be forever thankful.
May 28th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
this was an absolutley fantastic blog Ron.
.
i was in my 20’s when Zez joined the Leafs. I never met him in person, but i was always a fan of his. he brought a lot of the intangibles to the ice, every shift. i knew of his illness, yet the news of his passing was shocking nonetheless. i just saw him on OTR last month, and he was in great spirits, as always. the world has lost another good one, for sure. although, not surprisingly, he did donate his organs. even in death he has helped other lives. absolute class.
May 28th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
RIP…ZZ
May 29th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
The man walked away from an NHL contract to be with his dying niece, I think the story was. This is what I remember, and I could be wrong.
Maybe it’s true, that God does take good people away from us while they’re still young. What else do they have to prove to Him anyway?
RIP Pete, and thank you.
May 29th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Excellent read…RIP Peter Z.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Your article is write very well, I like it very much ~
ghd Hair Straightener
ghd Hair Straighteners
ghd straighteners
GHD
hair straighteners
bose in ear headphones
bose on ear headphones
bose in ear
bose on ear
bose headphones for sale
buy bose headphones
nike sb dunks
nike dunks
I wish you have a wonderful day!Thank you.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
her time raiding her mother’s closet (um, so would we),
ugg bailey button or scouring the racks of NoLita vintage store Resurrection. classic tall ugg boots She’ll hit up the typical Paris haunts
classic tall boot
December 20th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Ugg Classic Cardy Boots On Sale! We are professional supply Ugg Classic Short Boots , Ugg bailey boots on Softugg.Inc,is your best choice,Enjoying shopping now!
Christmas is coming,Want to buy new Classic Tall Ugg Boots ,We are professional supply Ugg Bailey Button Boots online,get a pair of cheapUgg Nightfall Boots this winter,free shipping and nontax,only need 1 week to your hand!