In November my former partner at Marriott Vacation Club International, Dr. Michael Kormanicki, informed me of the passing of Ms. Judith Stinson. My breath was taken away, and my spirit jumped as I instantly contemplated the fate of my student and peer at the Santa Ana Call Center for that great Marriott division.
A kaleidoscope of images with Judith as the main feature danced across the caverns of my mind. There she was, once again the most energetic of the AARP crowd, hanging on all Dr. Mike and I were sharing about Counselor Leadership and its application to everyday life for these mid to high level telecommunication executives.
Her eyes were those of a younger student, anticipating her instant application of these upbeat and practical lessons in leading others, and even at home. She wanted to grow and contribute even more than she had already at this record-breaking communication center. Only her new wig which she proudly wore for us told us of her urgency: she was fighting life-threatening cancer, and she was in a race to continue to be an important part of her team.
As I searched into the audience each time I delivered to this "Left Coast Crowd," I would never be dissappointed when finding her. Her focus on me said, "Joe, this stuff works, and I am so greatful you returned to us from Jersey. It's food to my soul, body, and spirit, and it's making me a better executive."
The months passed in 2002 as she updated me that her precious pint-sized puppy that was always at her side, even at the office, was gently ordered to be left at home by the corporate powers to be. Judith was in a bigger fight, and she respected her good employer. The guys like me, Dr. Mike, ex-Marine Sales Director Al Lindner, and her ultimate "big boss", the kind-hearted Vernon Pride, had other ideas for that precious pup, but we, too, knew the policy manual.
We also understood that Judith was receiving strength from a more eternal source, and she recognized that while her canine companion could not be at her side, we and her Creator were still there for her support.
When I left my wonderful consulting assignment at Marriott, with my Santa Ana friends now a warm memory, it was Judith who would be the first person from that illustrious group to read my novel, Bad News on the Doorstep.
And out of all the people across the country who ventured to travel though that Jersey family epic, it was Judith who sent the first reaction. With my being a greying resort executive and alleged leadership expert, but also an uncertain first time novelist, I was shaking when I read her e-mailed review. But it wasn't long before I became choked with emotion. You see, Ms. Judith Stinson, that hopeful, loyal, and child-like senior citizen participant in my many classes, also turned out to be a single parent of two boys. And in reading Bad News ... she shared she fhad discovered someone who had had similar life's experiences and emotions--- the book's Marietta Bonaducci, my mother in my actual life, and the leading character in this fictionalized memoir.
She scolded me for keeping her up until 4 AM in her effort to complete her reading, but in Marietta she found a soul mate, someone who would understand Judith and her challenge of being a working mother. Indeed, it was Marietta's struggles and Judith's bout with her own disease that kept her from sleeping that night. This author had little to do with it. I am sure their two spirits were communing, ... Marietta's from the promised land of her eternal existence, and Judith's right here on Earth in the deepest valleys of her bosom.
When Judith punched out of work for the last time, Mr. Pride brought in grief counselors for his veteran army of executives. They had lost one of their dearest warriors, and the big guy needed some help, too. She was so special to her two sons and to all who worked side by side with her in California. And to this Jersey guy, now commuting to Boca Raton and working to get his book out there, I thought of my first reader.
Perhaps it was fitting that while she lost the battle to beat cancer, she was the first to make it to the other side and meet the others, ... particularly Marietta. Just maybe they're talking about their boys and the joy it was to be a working mother, ... Marietta on the graveyard shift and Judith to the wee hours of the morning as well.
I know their reward is great, ... being a mother and giving all you have to your family is something I think the Lord considers service. And Serving others means Leadership in His Book. I also think it earns you an eternal place in Heaven when you know Him as well. They both did. They could never have impacted our lives so immensely here without their having brushed shoulders with their Creator.
And so the priceless reward to being this author, business guy, and teacher: I meet Judith Stinson, and I receive another lesson on how to live life.
Thanks, Judith, and thanks Ma.
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