“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein
I recently wrote this quote in my Eulogy for my Mom. She was a woman who throughout her life; when asked she answered, when called she showed up, when in need she provided solace. She lived a life devoted to God, family and country. She lived a life of service to others. So, when I saw the quote, I thought of this beautiful woman who gave so much and asked for so little. I said to myself, if Einstein’s quote is the Hall of Fame measurement for living amongst our fellow man, then Mom was certainly a unanimous vote for entry in this, her first year of eligibility.
She was proud of every one of you, some of whom she knew personally and the rest she still prayed daily for the Invictus family. She told me this all the time and because she knew we were doing God’s work for our great Nation.
The quote itself is powerful indeed, not long yet poignant, and in many respects, it highlights to me each one of you. Why…because you too are serving and living for others to ensure this country is safe and protected.
I often say that we all have a responsibility to pay it forward. All of us at Invictus have been given gifts, gifts that we have worked hard to achieve. That said, we live a life that others in America only dream about, yet at times we may take it for granted.
It certainly is noble to serve one’s nation, especially in the critical programs that you all are Defending the Gates on. However, aside from our daily professional devotion to ensure our missions are successful, I contend that we need to show others how to live by sharing what we do and helping others achieve.
My Mom always told me to beware the narrow gate (the gate some people believe they can use because they are rich or famous). I will never go through that gate, not only out of respect for my parents, but also because I remember vividly where Mom and Dad started and how hard I have worked personally to make them proud and how hard I have worked to help others achieve their dreams.
To conclude, I would like all of you to help unite this country, by how you live your lives. By doing so I am hoping that others will see you, as I do, as exceptional people doing amazing things daily…not for accolades but because you love your job, each other and this country.
My Mom was an ordinary woman, who lived an extraordinary life…A life lived for others…We all can do the same, right Mr. Einstein?