My Mentor and Guide

I missed last week because my 99 1/2 year old mother passed away.  Her funeral was on Monday and then I spent the time in Syracuse with my family.  Because she was someone I always admired, I am taking the liberty of posting my euology to her on this blog.  She was my inspiration.

All my life, I’ve been asked who my mentor was—and all my life I’ve always said my mother.  She gave me incredible strength and even a better direction in life.  She made me face reality, always be accountable and stand up to whatever life handed me.

I’m a better person because of her and have accomplished what I have because of the opportunities she gave me.

This from a woman with a 10^th grade education who was the smartest and wisest person I knew.  She had her peculiarities as we all do, but she believed in her convictions and when she loved you, she really loved you.  And when she didn’t, you’d better beware because she wouldn’t even look at you.

My favorite remembrance of this was when I was in college and auditioned for a dancing part in a show.  They asked my partner if we were separate.  I said yes and he said no, because I thought they wanted me.  But they wanted him, not because he was a better dancer, but because there were no male dancers in the 50’s.  When I called my mom crying my eyes out, she said, “Grow up.  Get over it.  This isn’t the big time.  If you can’t take it here, you’ll never take it out there.”  And she was right.

 

When my husband didn't want to go on cruises anymore, I started taking my mom and she loved

every minute of it.  She saw Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and also came to other places in the states where I had meetings.  She always enjoyed her trips and picking up little things for the house.

She went to my speeches, fashion shows and also spent 30 years of winters with us, cooking for us and nurturing my animals, even cooking special dishes for them and feeding them by hand.  Those are irreplaceable times and I am grateful for them.

And so, to my Mom, who was one of a kind, you are now with Daddy, the only man you ever loved.

We all love you and will miss you terribly.

And you will always be my guide and mentor.

I love you.