What's on Your Trestle Board?

Master Mason Drawing on his Trestle Board

September 15, 2023, started like a typical day. On the way to work, the Waze App indicated that my usual route was still the best option. There was nothing unusual about the drive. My focus was on the road and the podcast playing in the background. Two miles from work, a slight tingle shot through my right arm, and suddenly, a bright flash coupled with a blow to the back of my head took my breath away. Within a second, I could see in my mind's eye Aubrielle (1.5 years old), Gabriella (21 years old), Thomas (18 years old), and my wife, Kim. My life was undoubtedly ending at 45 years old on San Antonio’s Interstate Highway - 35. 

After a few seconds, the episode passed. I realized my truck was coasting on the highway at around 20 mph, my right arm was completely numb, and my vision was greyed out in my right visual field. Somehow, I pulled over safely. Grabbed my phone and called my wife. I had no idea where I was or what was happening. Using the Life 360 App, Kim told me where I was located. She helped me remember my coworker’s name (Jack, Jim, John,...Jeff) and told me to call him. I called Jeff and told him I needed help. Realizing I was on a small shoulder on the highway, I drove two exits to a gas station so Jeff could find me easily. Jeff picked me up and drove me to a hospital. I was treated in less than 20 minutes, and in less than an hour, I had a diagnosis. “Mr. Galloway, you had a stroke,” the ER Neurologist shared empathetically. 

By this point, the feeling returned to my right arm, but the vision in my right peripheral field was still gone. The Neurologist explained that the stroke occurred in the area of my brain linked to vision, and the overall cause was Prephrial Vascular Disease. “My mom died of PVD two years ago,” I responded. The Neurologist shared that the PVD is genetic, and to treat me, he prescribed aspirin and blood thinners for the rest of my life. “Hopefully, it won’t happen again anytime soon,” he concluded. 

I contemplated my life for the next couple of weeks following the stroke. I recently started my dream job, and I’m fully engaged in my work with the Grand Lodge of Texas Committee on Education. I have a Masonic book publishing company, and I have two kids in college with a new baby at home.

 What is God’s plan for me?

 Surely, my work in the quarry of life is not complete?   

Trying to answer the reflective questions mentioned above had me wondering about my life plan. My benchmark for my life goals has been my vision board. In my mind, my vision board is a life trestle board inspired by the subtle nudges of our Great Architect. I have updated it several times because many things have come to pass on my trestle board. What stood out during my reflection is that my trestle board is full of measurable finite items. These trestle board items have limits, such as getting a particular job, vehicle, vacation destination, or income goal. In other words, the work is done once a goal is reached unless a new item is placed on my board. 

In my usual vocation as an executive coach, I coach school leaders on strategic planning, visioning, and goal setting. We tie in much of Simon Sinek’s work from his books Start With Why and The Infinite Game. Sinek shares in his books that leaders should have a purpose greater than themselves and lead with an infinite mindset. A purpose that puts others first and a mindset driven without ego leads to success without a finish line. This vision continues long after we are gone from this world. If this is what I coach transformational leaders on, why would I not apply this to my own life?

Since my brush with death, my trestle board is now full of goals to empower others. Instead of reaching a particular position, my trestle board focuses on transforming as many lives as possible through teaching and coaching. Instead of checking off another exotic destination on my bucket list, my trestle board inspires me to provide my family with memorable travel experiences. Instead of having a particular revenue goal in my Masonic publishing business, my trestle board reminds me to focus on helping as many brothers as possible achieve their dream of publishing a book. As long as I have a purpose, the sands of time will continue to flow through life’s hourglass. 

As we start the new year, consider revisiting your trestle board; if you don’t have one, create one. It does not have to be an elaborate collage of pictures. Take a piece of paper and write down how you want to be remembered after you have laid down your working tools. You will not be remembered for the number of things, money, or social media posts you collect. It will be the impact and experiences that you created for others that will cement your legacy. Time is limited, so we must make the best of it while we are here. So I ask you again:

What is on your trestle board?