Simmons First National Bank Chairman and CEO J. Thomas May spoke Wednesday at the Clinton School about the journey of his life, from founding Simmons First to being diagnosed with and living with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Introduced by Clinton School student Burt Hicks (’13), May regaled the audience with anecdotes from his life, showing that even through his perils he has retained his good humor, at one point comparing himself to actor Christopher Reeve and his famous Super Man role.
May said his story shows how life’s lessons prepare you for the good and bad that everyone faces. He said the greatest thing anyone can do in life is help others help themselves, a mantra he returned to throughout his talk.
May also spoke of how blessed Americans are to live in a nation with freedom, prosperity and opportunity. He stressed that we live in a society of plenty, but that we often forget to be thankful. He stated that he tries to remind himself every day to be thankful for his life.
There is a crossroads in every journey in which decisions must be made, May said These decisions become defining moments, which enable you to mature, love, hurt and be thankful.
Throughout his presentation, May credited his faith with helping him through some of his hardest times. May also credits one of the greatest lessons he learned to a friend: what appears to be the end may simply be a new beginning. He stated that he plans to keep working, volunteering, playing with his grandchildren, and telling his story.
*This post was written by Clinton School student Veena Rangaswami (’13).
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