Life’s Experiences: Lesson #6–“Put the Cigar Down”
Life is FUNNY!
My Life’s Experiences blog articles are designed to show us that almost any individual habit, tendency, and outlook can be traced back to a prior life experience. For me, it’s smoking a good cigar.
As I was growing up, my father, who was my idol during my younger days, smoked Bering Plaza Cigars. Or should I say, he chewed them and proceeded to smoke them. To this day, the smell of a cigar triggers memories, both good and bad. It reminds me of my father and the good times we had together as well as the very few times we shared those special moments.
In my early thirties, I had the privilege of developing and facilitating an important training program for Nissan of the Nederland’s. This was my first trip to Europe and I was intrigued by the culture. The training went well and after the training class was complete, my good friend Mr. Frank Rameckers invited me to join him and some associates for a drink. As I was enjoying my beverage and the lively conversation, a server came over with a box of Cuban cigars. Mr. Rameckers insisted I have one. And so my education began.
First, I attempted to light the cigar with a match. I was corrected by one of guests who lit a piece of wood and then lit my cigar with flame from the wood. Second, I shifted the cigar to the inside corner of my mouth, prepared to bite down on it (like my father had done in the past), and immediately Mr. Rameckers told me “Put the cigar down.” He then began to educate me on how to smoke a cigar “like a true gentleman.” He started, “When you smoke a good cigar, you smoke it slowly, enjoying every second…” The lesson continued.
To this day, more than 26 years later, I still follow the “Frank’s lesson.” I only smoke cigars while listening to soothing music, enjoying a cocktail, and most importantly when in good company. The memory I have on the rare instance when I partake in a good cigar is a powerful one; I remember two men who had an impact on me and made a difference in my life.
In short, the message is simple. Life is short. Enjoy what you do and the process of doing it. Whatever you do – do it well, do it right, uphold high standards and never settle for less than your best.
Life is FUNNY!