Having a mentor that helps our growing youth or offers wisdom and guidance as an adult is not always available to everyone. Ed Bonner’s past is different. He really hit a home run. Ed has had three mentors in his life.
His Dad was a tremendous influence to him and his friends. He was a teacher, counselor and coach; all wrapped up into one. Not only was his Dad a beacon for Ed, but Jack Sanchez (HS track coach and teacher) and an elderly gentleman by the name of Paul Yokote provided guidance, wisdom and an example of what good can be gleaned from life with the right attitude and reasoning.
Polio changed Paul’s life at 13 years old. Ed remembers Paul Yokote as a wheel chair bound gentleman who didn’t complain or consider his health circumstances as a restriction. Great opportunities found their way to Paul. Ed feels that Paul’s behavior, his enthusiasm and attitude inspired everyone; to such a degree that one of the High School buildings was given his name.
All these gentlemen in Ed’s life presented a tremendous gift to those that came in contact with them; the gift of giving, a contagious attitude and an unconditional acceptance to others.
These traits will also serve each of us when the unexpected and uncontrollable circumstances occur in our futures.