If I die …
In his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen R. Covey recommends beginning with the end in mind when working on your personal leadership.
I took Covey up on his challenge and thought about my funeral and what I would want said about me: by my mother, a friend, a colleague and a fellow Jehovah’s Witness.
First, I would want my mother to say how I never stopped growing. From infancy, I strove to be the best person I could be. I never let obstacles like my cerebral palsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder stand in my way. When I could not type the traditional way because of the cp, I taught myself to type 50wpm with my two index fingers. I did not use my ADHD as an excuse – I harnessed it and used it to my advantage. I was not complacent to say this was the best person I could be. I constantly analyzed my behavior and tried to make improvements – like trying to talk less and listen more. While it was not always easy being my mother, she would not have wanted any other daughter. I was her best friend.
Second, I would want my friends to say that I was loyal. No matter what he or she needed, I could be counted on to be there. I could also be counted on for an honest opinion. There was no guessing with me. I only knew how to be me and I was always that person. I was not fake nor a game player. If I liked you, you were in forever. If I didn’t, it was going to be hard to get in. I was strong and independent, but also thankful for a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. I had a love for live music, tv, George Clooney, shoes, the New York Yankees and the Duke Blue Devils. And, because they knew me, they were changed for good.
Third, I would want my co-workers to say I was smart and dependable. No matter what the task, I attacked it with gusto. No matter how close to the deadline, I always got things done. I could also be counted on for an alternative solution when something was not working well or was too expensive. I was an advocate for the individual employee – always asking what a program or process change meant for them first. I worked hard and was fun to be around. I also showed personal interest, not just in the job at hand, but in their lives. I was the ultimate team player, not caring who got the credit and only hoping for successful outcomes.
Finally, I would want my fellow Jehovah’s Witness to comment on my love for God. While I was busy, and possibly too busy at times, I always made time for God. He was the center of my universe and that is what made me a good daughter, a good friend and a good colleague. My desire to please him and the lessons I learned from his word the Bible made me a better person.
So mom, friends, colleagues and fellow JWs – if you are called on to speak at my funeral, I gave you an outline :-).
Goodbye my dear friend
Hello world! My first musing is about a remarkable woman named Pecolia Reider, who I affectionately know as Ms. Penny. She has been a constant fixture in my life since my mother became friends with her 14 years ago. In November of 2001, the dreaded “c” became a constant fixture in her life. A misdiagnosed baker cyst in her leg became metastasized cancer spreading throughout her body. It began to take her body bit by bit, including one of her legs, but, through it all, she remained a beacon of light. Even when I was supposed to be cheering her up, she cheered me up. She had a zest for life like no one else I have ever met. She loved to smile, laugh, love, the New York Yankees, food and shopping. Even with only one leg she still loved to find the perfect shoe. On Friday, April 18, the bravest woman I have ever met could fight no longer and she succumbed to death. It really is hard for me to imagine that we now live in a world without her. My heart is full of sadness and I pray for those who loved her. She is survived by her loving husband Ed and her daughter Theresa … both were with her in the end. She has a large family with brothers and sisters who will miss her dearly. And for those of us not related by blood, we were related by spirit. She meant the world to me. Goodbye my dear friend. While I am sad you are no longer here on earth with me, I am glad you suffer no more. Cya soon Ms Penny! xoxo … Tiffany
