The Legacy

As I said goodbye to my 95 year old Mom last week, the pain of her passing was tempered by the good memories we shared together, and the lessons she gave to me by her example.  She was a pioneer among working women, starting her own businesses at a time when all the other Moms were homemakers.  She did so not only to supplement the family income, but also to challenge herself and to grow and realize her potential.   As I return to a more normal work life this week, I celebrate the many ways in which she influenced my success.

First, she gave every task her best, no matter how mundane.  After she retired, she decided to be a school crossing guard in order to get herself out of the house every morning.  She told me when she started that she was going to be the best crossing guard in her school district.  Within a year, she won just such an award and was celebrated in the local paper.

Second, she saw a productive work life as a way to enhance her life, not just a way to make an income.  She enjoyed getting to know every customer, every vendor and everyone who worked with her.  She was the center of every office she worked in, because of her positive and outgoing attitude.

Third, she was never afraid of new challenge.  She was fearless when starting a new business, never thinking she could fail.  She learned as much as she could before taking the leap, but the last part of the journey to a new enterprise was always a leap of faith.

Fourth, she knew how to get away from it all.  Quite often, we would sneak away after school and before her work was done to take a walk on the nearby beach.  She would return to work in the evening, refreshed.  She knew the value of rest and time away from the task at hand.

Finally, she was a lifetime learner with a thirst for knowledge.  I find that as I move through various aspects of my own career, that an inquisitive mind is a powerful tool.  We seldom are presented with tasks for which we are completely competent.  She knew the value of study and the importance of education.

Will I miss my Mom?  Of course.  Is she with me always?  Absolutely.  Like the very best mentors in our lives, our parents bring that special gift of reminding us that we can reach our highest potential if we only take time to remember the lessons they gave us.