Builders,
Many of my friends know that my mother passed last month, and a great number of people shared their condolences on social media. My family deeply appreciated each of these thoughts.
If in the course of working with me, you are ever witness to, or the recipient of a thought or an act which strikes you as really considerate or kind beyond the norm, you are actually directly observing my mothers presence and ethics in my life.
My mother made it quite clear to us children that we had very ‘rich’ lives of love and acceptance, and better friends than most people, and fail to offer the same to others, particularly the lonely or the isolated, was the height of ingratitude and arrogance. She understood that there really isn’t a valid excuse for that behavior.
My mother’s life had as profound effect on my life as my father’s. I shared more stories from my father over the years, but isn’t indicative of the proportion of or scale of the influence. My mother valued kindness, generosity and empathy, and she demonstrated her unwavering allegiance to these values by living them. Her quiet example was strong enough that I will confess to being truly embarrassed when I think of the times in my life where I had a short fuse and a sharp tongue. It was ingratitude for all my mother taught me.
Elizabeth and drove to NJ and arrived in time to spend a few remaining hours by her bedside. We stayed up north for the services and for the gathering of my family. In May my mother will be interred beside my father in Arlington National Cemetery. They were together from 1946-2017. I can not begin to express how fortunate I was to be one of their children.
My mother waves from the left seat of my friends DC-3, here in Florida 20 years ago. As a 12 year old in 1939, her class was given a tour of the then new DC-3 at Newark airport. Girls were not allowed in the cockpit. 64 years later, this injustice was corrected. Mom loved it.
Thanks to all the builders who were patient about orders while I was up north. I’m back in the hangar and office now, and will have all the orders out in a few days. Feel free to call anytime.
William.
I love that picture of your mom ! She’s having a ball ! And I love reading your recollections of her. Thank you for telling us, William.
I think all we who have done business with you, met you at Oshkosh or a College, or read your essays owe an indirect debt of gratitude to your parents. I hope I’ve become slightly less churlish just from reading about your mom’s point of view. Truly the American gentlewoman.
William, I would like to offer my condolences. Your mother sounded like a wonderful lady.
Having been down the path you’re now on, I understand feelings of regret; your mother forgot about your mistakes a long time ago. I think most of us have took our parents for granted…they were always there and always would be. It’s easy to do especially when you were a kid.
She obviously taught you many valuable qualities. The best way to honor her is to display those same qualities to others, as you are doing.
Sincerely,
Greg Murphy
Elwood, IN