TRACKSIDE TALES & TOASTS

On August 15th, close to 40 guests gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of PLF founder, Paul Lammermeier. The Trackside Pub in Glendale was the perfect backdrop to share cherished (and often humorous) memories and gratitude for the impact Paul had, and continues to have, on so many lives. Guests perused old photo albums, shared a “toast” to Paul, and connected with old and new friends. 

With a well-timed train rumbling past, PLF board president, Tom Green, shared a few thoughts about the meaning trains held for Paul. 

“Why here next to the rail lines? Paul loved trains – many of us know that. He loved counting train cars, reading train magazines, and simply listening to trains.  What we didn’t know until recently was the deeper why behind his train love: it reminded him of God – was in some ways his image of God. You feel God’s rumble before you see him, and you don’t need to see the train to know it is running by. Paul would listen to cassette recordings of trains for hours as he did chores in Lima, and he would meditate on God’s power and love as he did so.”

Special guest, St. X High School head football coach Steve Specht, spoke about how he plans to spend the week leading up to the PLM Cup focusing on the value of giving back with his players in memory of Paul.  Guests even got to enjoy a quick Q&A on the upcoming football season.  In his message to those gathered, Steve shared,

“Paul was different. We all spent a lot of time with Chops when we were at school and were impacted by his desire to do great things for other people. It was always other centered. One thing we try to hammer kids at St. X about – why are you here, “men for others,” what are you doing for other people, how do you get involved? 

Everybody in this room has made an impact and gets what Paul did – what Chops did – and his legacy continues. How do we carry that on? How do these young people get to know what he did?  And here’s how they know. There’s going to be one week every year. It’s seven days where the entire focus is about giving back, and we focus on Paul Lammermeier and what he did. These young people hear about this for seven days out of the year, but those are seven important days.  If we don’t continue to sell what Paul did, and what his message was, why are we here?”  

The crowd was energized. Guests felt hopeful and connected. Paul was truly present each time a train roared past. As the room trembled and voices quieted, we were reminded of God’s presence in the world through the example of Paul’s life. Thank you to all who attended this event in honor of Paul and join PLF in carrying on his legacy.  Check out our Instagram page @PLFkidsperu to see live videos from the event.