I just – in these last hours – received the very sad news that someone has passed away, someone who has been enormously influential on my life, a great mentor and a true friend.
When you are young, you instinctively look for mentors. And one day, if you are fortunate, you encounter someone who has chosen to travel a noble and perhaps difficult path through life, who one day smiles at you and says “Come join me in my walk – you and I might enjoy travelling together for a while.” Of course you know that the journey is more than a simple walk. For when you stumble – and you will stumble – your mentor’s guiding hand reaches out to steady you, while gently teaching you how to steady yourself.
Part of my heart refuses to believe that he is really gone. Yet in an important way he is not really gone – he will never be gone. His light even now continues to shine upon me, and within me. And if I am brave enough and strong enough to honor his example, that light will continue to shine upon some of those who come after me. It will shine every time I reach out to a young traveller in friendship and fellowship, every time I show my faith in the potential of another, and every time I offer an encouraging smile and a steady helping hand.
No I wont say the usual – I am sorry for your loss. Yes, sure I am. But I am happy – no not happy – grateful perhaps – for you to hear that your relationship has been so deep that he will stay in your heart, your soul and live on there, that he will be with you until you face your final curtain.
I think that is what this all here is about and we should be deeply grateful for the times we can enjoy each others company and advice, when we stumble along the road of life.
Quite a lot of clumsy words that just try to send you a big hug.
I’m sure your mentor will continue in you – as you are a mentor to many, many folks. Sympathies and safe travels to you.