When you reach that age where you begin to question your own mortality, there exists a number of benchmarks that form a framework of your life past, and those years yet to be experienced.
The growing independence of your children, retirement from career pursuits, and the loss of childhood heroes all stand testimony to the adage that “time waits for no one.”
Recently, I experienced one of these moments when I found out that a former co-worker, a mentor, and a friend passed away. Helen Gattuso was all of these things to me – the person who taught me so much on both a professional and personal level. Through the years, our relationship grew to where we were more than business associates and became close friends, sharing the many things we had in common. I so enjoyed the countless Friday nights after work, sitting in Helen’s living room and enjoying a vodka martini finely crafted by her husband Jim. Lots of laughs and great times shared and remembered.
I lost touch with Helen as our lives took their own paths, but I never seemed to go a week without mentioning her name or thinking of her in some way.
Now as a final tribute to a terrific lady, all I can say is that I will miss you, Helen, but I will never forget you. Thank you for playing such a important role in making me who I am today.
Owner & CCO
