I attended a funeral with my mother recently for a man who died too young. The service was packed, and the first person to speak was a colleague of the deceased. She stood up, shakily, and said, “He believed in me when no one else did. I was an alcoholic and a drug user, and he gave me another chance. I graduated from the wrong colleges and the wrong law school, and I networked with the wrong people, yet he taught me how to be successful.”

This mentee gave specific instances when the deceased had helped her, and she cried almost uncontrollably when she considered what it will be like to confront her work without him. Later during the service, the mourners were asked to stand if they had ever worked with the deceased. People popped up like spring flowers all scattered throughout the audience. Yes, the large room was filled with friends and family, AND it was also filled with colleagues.

The deceased was a mentor to so many, a trusted peer to others, and a welcome smile to still more. As many retold their stories throughout the afternoon, I learned just how much he had lifted up his family, friends, and colleagues. He gave others energy and ignited the brilliance in each one of them.

I wish all of my readers a long and healthy life! And when your life ends, what will your colleagues say about you? Who will you have touched?