November is a month for gratitude – it’s National Inspirational Role Model Month. We thank all sorts of role models at this time of year. We thank veterans for their service on Veteran’s Day, and we come together with our families and friends on Thanksgiving to share and celebrate our good health and fortune. We may be having dinner with extended family and want to show our gratitude before the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Who is your role model? Sometimes it is hard to identify just one. But my favorite was my grandfather.
His name was John Brown. He was an immigrant, not sure if he was legal or not at first, but he came here on a ship and did not see his family back in Ireland until he was in his mid 80’s again. I can’t imagine that. I had a hard time adjusting to moving four miles away from my previous home. It took so much courage to do what he (and all my ancestors) did. He worked so hard, he bought a house down the shore and that is where all of his grandchildren spent most of our summers.
I learned to swim in the ocean, thanks to my grandfather. The beach is now my happy place. I learned what it feels like to have someone happy to see you, just because you showed up. It did not matter how much money you made, or how tall you were or how fat or skinny you were, my grandfather was just happy you showed up. And if you happened to cook him something or take him to Kelly’s Tavern in Neptune, that was even better.
I hope I am like that when I get older. He had a wicked sense of humor, still liked his lady friends, still liked his shot and a beer, but he just loved it when you showed up. No expectations, no judgments. Just Pop. He was awesome. I miss him. If you have an inspirational role model in your life, be sure to let them know and say “thank you” if you can.
We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our role models – our clients, peers, and our families for being a part of La Magra Consulting’s journey. Thank you for your support!
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy National Inspirational Role Model Month!