Beech Tree News Network

The recent death of Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), a South African leader recognized numerous times for his activism, caused many to pause and consider his life. He was a hero and greatly admired for his achievements. His death prompted me to consider the people I admire, and I realized there are many.

Some people whom I admire are strangers. My admiration is based on things I have read or heard about them. A few of them are listed below:
•    Billy Graham and Franklin Graham (They follow God’s lead: one a life-long evangelist and the other an evangelist/missionary.)
•    Jimmy Carter (He was brave enough to share his religious beliefs while President of the United States.)
•    Bill Gates, Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett (They are the three trustees who control The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, multi-millionaires, and the most generous philanthropists in America.)
•    Barbara Walters (She’s worked in a very difficult industry and continues to work even though she could retire; she’s a worker.)
•    Sandra Bullock (She’s a successful actress and producer who – despite life’s troubles – keeps on keeping on.)

Two additional people whom I greatly respect are a former boss and a mentor. Because of these individuals, my work place was generally a good place to be. I appreciate the integrity they displayed and their efforts to do a good job. These two made sure that I learned my job, and they provided help as needed. They modeled a good work ethic and were willing to assist others.

Others whom I admire more close to home are my three daughters – working mothers who have more to do than time permits (That seems to be common.). My admiration for them is a result of the sensitivity and responsibility they showed during their late father’s illness. Their behavior revealed admirable qualities: compassion and caretaking, a value for family, and patience. Though their dad was sick for years, our daughters protected him to the best of their ability like a private band of militia.

Certainly, Nelson Mandela was a great man. He once said, “The greatest glory in living
lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/367338.Nelson_Mandela). And, we tend to admire those who make good choices in difficult circumstances.