Mentors

I have to come learn that important people come and go in your life.  While you never truly forget them for who they are or what impact they may have had on your life, everyday living gets in the way and you lose touch with them.  I know, it’s a poor excuse to lose touch with people who once meant so much to you, but it’s an unfortunate fact of life.

Then, like a punch in the face, you are told that someone you lost touch with long ago, who once meant so much to you, has died.  There simply are no words to describe the sadness the fills your heart over the fact of losing someone you haven’t spoken to in quite sometime, but have never forgotten.

Today, that person for me is Madge Kaplan.  Madge was a wonderful woman who was one of my political mentors back in the days when I was young lad working for then NY State Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli.  In addition to guiding me on political issues, she was also responsible for helping me to secure additional much needed funding which made it possible for me to go to college. 

When I was told yesterday by my “second mother” and true political and life mentor, who I also lose touch with from time to time, but have at least made an effort to speak to – though I know she would say otherwise – that Madge had passed away, I cannot describe the sadness that filled my heart. Sure it wasn’t a complete shock as sadly Madge has been battling major heath issues from before I met her.  Still, because she never stopped smiling and was always so vibrant and stubborn, you can’t help be but shocked.

The Great Neck Student Aid Fund, an organization for which Madge served as a board member and chief fundraiser for over 20 years said in the NY Times today, “…her caring and concern for all the children she helped through the years served as a model for us all. We will be truly at a loss without her.”

I couldn’t have said it better.  We are all at a loss without her.

In honor of my friend Madge, I ask all of you to reach out to someone you have lost touch with in the next few days.  Give them a call, send them an email, hell send them an e-card…just make contact.

Thanks. 

CJ