I learned that my favorite Uncle had passed away at the age of 86. I usually limit my personal blog posts to my personal blog, but life changing events often force us to stop and reflect and find meaning in ways that our day to day life does not often allow. So, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on how differently my Uncle Benny and his generation led their lives as compared to how we of the "social media" generation lead ours.
My uncle Benny was a classic representative of the Greatest Generation - a man who grew up in the depression and fought in WWII. He won numerous medals in the tank corps and even used yiddish to assist the allied troops by translating both with german POW's and Jewish refugees. He was the consummate salesman, always with a quick smile and a strong handshake. By today's standards of assessing wealth he was not wealthy in the traditional sense, but he was rich with friends and loved ones. He was loyal and humble and true. He had a smile that would light up a room. For as long as I can remember he and my Dad checked in with each other on a daily 11am phone call. The call may have only lasted a minute - but it took place - daily, for well over 40 years. That is an amazing track record.
What stands out the most to me is that men like my Uncle (and my father) were humble and modest - they were men of action and little chatter. They had a strong sense of self and right and wrong. They knew who they were and where they stood. They were grounded. They were not after glory or fame, they left legacies in their actions and deeds. They led by quiet example.
In a world that is increasingly externally facing and ego-driven it is a sharp reminder that our actions, friends and the communities we contribute to are what lasts and define us in the end. It is what we give not what we take that is most treasured.
[Note: I am sorry that I was not able to participate in DLD this year. To all my friends who have been pinging me wondering where I am, now you know. Thanks for all your condolences and thoughts.]
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