Sadly, Bostonians and all those, like me, that love the city are saying goodbye to Mayor Menino, a leader who has inspired us for years.
His gifts to the people of Boston and so many more are impossible for me to capture, however, his example is a model to live up to, a model of humble service to people from all walks of life.
President Obama paid tribute to the Mayor with these words, "Bold, big-hearted, and Boston strong, Tom was the embodiment of the city he loved and led for more than two decades. As Boston's longest-serving mayor, Tom helped make his hometown the vibrant, welcoming, world-class place it is today. His legacy lives on in every neighborhood he helped revitalize, every school he helped turn around, and every community he helped make a safer, better place to live."
Today the Boston Globe paid tribute with so many wonderful stories of Menino's strengths.
In relation to the humiliation Menino faced as a young boy, the Globe states, "Such slights might have cultivated, in a lesser individual, an enduring sense of grievance. In Menino they instilled a strong sense of empathy with people who have been bullied, ignored, or counted out."
The Globe editorial quotes Menino's own words, "Whether in the schools, public safety, housing, or neighborhood renewal, change is possible but in small pieces and in slow time."
Other quotes from the editorial that spoke to me include the following:
". . .he was absolutely committed when it came to evaluating and correcting the city's problems."
"Menino was a family man to the core, and was deeply devoted to his wife, Angela, his two children, and his six grandchildren."
"Menino managed to energize a city. He led a transformation."
In days to come many will reflect on Menino's inspiring leadership and life. Just about one year ago at the Celebration of the Big Sister Organization in Boston, I had a chance to thank Mayor Menino in person for his service. He was so approachable and kind--a memorable moment for me.
To honor him, I will work to bring positive change and service to the children I teach, and heed his words about "small pieces in slow time." For me and so many others, his work will live on as an example to follow.
