The Best Mentor I Ever Had

From good-to-great, from great-to-excellent, what are the characteristics of your best mentor? Beyond the obvious traits of experienced and being a good-listener, what words would you use to complete, "The best mentor I ever had was..."

Perhaps you have several mentors, past and present, worthy of mention.

Recently, I visited a long-lost teacher. He did not remember me. Yet, I certainly have remembered the contribution he made to my life. The years have aged him. Although wrinkled and stooped, with a touch of parkinson's, it was a youthful smile on his face when he heard that he had made a difference.

The best mentor I ever had took me under his wing, and patiently tutored me in geography. Having relocated from The City Of Seattle to the small town of Grimsby half way through the school year, I was new to the subject. He saw this; he took action. (Traits: Action-Minded. Patience.)

Classroom bullying of the "new kid" stopped. Student friendships were made. The following year I was elected as Vice-President Student Body. Never did anyone know that he was "tutoring" me, on his own time. This teacher went on to be the school's Principle. I went on to a full life.

Would you join me by posting a thought or two? How would you complete, "The best mentor I ever had was ..."