Memorial Day

Memorial Day is officially designated as a day to honor those in the military, especially those who gave their lives during their service to our country. Although focused on those in the military, it is really about honoring and remembering those who have served.

I have decided to use this day to honor and remember one special friend who served my life through the last 30 years of my journey on the crooked road of success. I suggest you stop and bring to mind someone who has done the same for you during your journey.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2009, I and countless others lost my business and life mentor, Claudine Williams, a gaming industry icon, banker and renowned philanthropist. Even though her passing is a major life loss for me, I have been uplifted by the untold times during any given day that I am reminded of the part she played in my life. Whether I am thinking of our daughter, Dana, to whom Claudine was godmother; speaking to my husband Richard, for whom Claudine befriended during his early years in gaming and with whom she drove a tough bargain when he acquired her Holiday Casino for his employer, Holiday Inns; or, my looking in my closet and experiencing a flash of cosmic guidance knowing Claudine shaped the size of the diamonds I own, the clothes I wear and the eyeglasses I choose.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude to know that one person could have affected my life so positively. And, of course, me being me, a question came to me during all this reflecting. I want to offer this question to you to replace with the name of your special person and not for an immediate answer, but as a seed to be planted to observe what kind of tree you will grow.

“How would I have to live my life to have the impact on another’s heart the way Claudine had an impact on mine?”

With appreciation for all who have touched my life, Andrea