Trailblazer for Inclusion and Diversity

Toni Pini, a FIRE 20/20 Board member since our inception five years ago, had been battling cancer for eight months. He died on December 8th. When I visited with Toni and his wife Elaine in July, I gave him a poem that attempts to express how much his wise counsel, sincerity, and taking a stand on inclusion and diversity has meant to me. In this final stage of Toni’s wonderful life—which has been blessed with accomplishment, friendship and love—I’m sharing the poem ‘Hero’ hoping that as you read it, your voices will come together to send Toni and his family comfort and peace.

Hero
© 2009, Larry Sagen

You are a courageous man.
Not for the dragons you slay.   
But you dare to stand
and challenge the fears
That cry out to keep us the same

You are a compassionate man.
Not for the care you provide.
But you’re there to support
All in your path
To discover their light inside.  

You are an enlightened man.
Not for the bugles you wear.
But you travel the road
And with every turn
You see a new chance to share.

Hero, hero
With vision to see
All that can be.
You’re a hero,
A hero to me