Letter to myself (first published 1/24/21)

Dear Gary: Congratulations on turning 70 this year. You turned out okay. Your headstone can read Good father, good husband, and good boss. I do not think you’ve made too many people mad in your life. Not always sure of yourself, you have had lots of positive affirmation of late. What makes one’s life a “Success”. First I would say is being happy. You have always been happy with life; never really depressed. Another is being loved and loving. I can feel your love of family, friends, and of life in general. Another thing that makes life positive is being charitable. I know you have always been focused on helping others and shying away from taking any credit. I agree with you that taking credit is unnecessary. Just do things silently and unnoticed is best. Give credit to others. I know you pride yourself on your family. Your wife and your daughters are your most precious joy in life. You’ve been a good and caring father and both girls are a joy to your life. And while not always a perfect husband, you have been supporting and loving and have an inseparable bond and love for Susan. And I know you are very proud of your State career and particularly in being a good boss. Caring and helping staff and getting them to support and work towards the common goal. And the work of protecting the most vulnerable is so important and brought much joy. It was a real honor just being able to do such work. Just today, getting a Facebook post from an old work companion that read “I have always been impressed at the man and mentor to me you are!” does say a lot about you as a boss. So happy 70th, Gary. Maybe you will discover more as you write and reflect on your life. Sincerely, Gary

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