On May 22, 2009 the greatest mentor I ever had in my life
passed away.
My great mentor lived to the age of 100, passing away 2
months before her 101st birthday.
This extraordinary woman defined the habits and character so
many people, like myself, strive to live each day.
In her spirit, she lived the attributes of extraordinary
kindness, compassion, and she was a friend to all.
How lucky I was to have mentor like this.
My mentor never met a stranger in her life and took an
immediate interest in the welfare of others. She ALWAYS
looked for the good in others, never complained, and never
wanted anyone to worry about her as she aged.
Writing down people's birthdays, and calling them or sending
a card, was a habit she lived for decades.
How lucky I was to have mentor like this.
This individual always lifted me up.
Always.
Even though, we only saw each other 2 or 3 times a year
because she lived in Florida, in almost every call for at
least 20 years she seemed to add, "Michael, you're terrific."
This made me feel great and increased my own belief in
myself. I'm not sure if she ever realized the impact those
few words made on me.
How lucky I was to have mentor like this.
For at least 20 years, we ended every single phone call
saying, "I love you" to each other.
Every single one.
Even though, she's not here with us today, I can still hear
her saying, "I love you too. I think you know that as well."
I sure did.
The greatest gift my mentor shared with me is how to live.
The art of living.
She was the finest example I've ever met of the person I
desire to become.
Her life was a living example of character, integrity,
service, gratitude, and love.
My mentor lived these principles every day of her 100 year
life.
She always quoted Shakespeare's line of being 'true to
yourself', and always told me to do the things I don't like
to do first, and to get them over with.
How lucky I was to have mentor like this.
I always felt that when my mentor passed away there would be
a void in the world.
Something missing because of the love she expressed daily.
Now that my mentor passed away, I'm not sure if I was right.
In a way, she's still living in the hearts and minds of the
people she touched.
I know she's living in mine.
I learned from my mentor that the greatest thing we can pass
forward is being a GREAT EXAMPLE of a successful life. She
taught this to me through her actions, not her words.
I see this clearly over the last 2 weeks.
My mentor lived a quiet, peaceful life.
A life filled with self respect, taking care of her health,
and friendliness.
What a physically strong woman my mentor was for her entire
life.
How lucky I was to have mentor like this.
What an incredible mentor my Grandma Rita Litman was to me my
entire life.
How lucky I was to have a Grandma like this.
On May 22 at 7am, I received the call.
My Grandma has given me so much to remember, so much insight
on how to live a great life.
Let us all strive to be like my Grandma Rita Litman and to
pass forward a shining example of a successful life to
others.
Thanks for being the greatest mentor I could have ever asked
for.
I love you Grandma. Always.
Michael
