Growing up, many of us had role models and mentors.  Someone we looked up to, learned from, and in some cases idealized.  These mentors may have been, parents, relatives, teachers, pastors, coaches,  sports figures, movie stars, friends or even neighbors, just to name a few.  Some we new well and some only in character. Whatever the case, these figureheads helped shape our lives and beliefs. And whether they knew it or not those individuals were sharing life’s journey.

When I was a young boy of around 13, my family spent summers in Ocean City, Md.  My Dad worked two jobs to support us, so we could live at the beach.  I know right!!!  As I spent most of my time at the beach, I needed something to do times the surf wasn’t up.   So I worked with my Dad at his morning  job.  His morning job was to work at a marina,  managing the morning shift which was from 5 am to 1 pm, seven days a week.  We rented out small boats to fisherman who would navigate the bay looking for flounder. I was one of the deck hands.   Our boss was Captain Joe!

Joe was a retired naval officer, who was born and raised in Ocean City.  Captain Joe was a strict employer and didn’t give those who worked for him much leeway.  He would communicate the rules and he expected you to obey them.  There were no second chances, no matter what the excuse.  He was very generous and fair as long as you followed his simple rules; “Show up for work and put in an honest day!”

I once watched Joe fire someone, we will call him Jim,  for not showing up for work because of a broken down car.  Jim called to explain what had happened.  I heard the phone conversation from Joe’s side.  He was very calm during the call.  Joe kept saying, I understand your situation however before you left I explained the rules.  I expect you at work today.  When Jim came back on Tuesday, he was handed his check, pink slip, and was asked to leave.  Jim explained to me what had happened,  and how unfair getting fired was under those circumstances.  I really felt sorry for Jim.

A few days later, Joe took me aside and ask me if I thought it was the right thing to fire Jim. I said I didn’t know.  I was, after all only 13 and really didn’t know how jobs or the world worked.  Joe took some time to explain that he normally didn’t give people time off during the summer season.  He granted Jim the time due to a family situation and explained that there was only one rule for the time off.  Show up for work on Monday.  Joe said, “rules are rules, and besides, Jim could have taken a Greyhound Bus to Ocean City on Sunday once the car broke down.”  The explanation wasn’t all telling and I didn’t fully understand, however being that I was taught to honor and respect my elders and bosses, I really didn’t question it further.

Some years later, as my opinions really began to take shape, Dad and I talked about the firing of Jim.  Dad explained that Jim would not have lost his job, if he would have called Joe Sunday night, no matter what the time.  Instead Jim waited to Monday morning, leaving us a person down.  Monday morning was normally a busy day at the Marina. Jim thought of himself first and then his teammates.

I thought about those statements for a while. Remembering a time, before meeting Jim, when my Dad’s car broke down on a Sunday afternoon, with no mechanic open until Monday. My Dad called Joe. Joe came & picked us up some two hours away & gave us a car to use until ours was repaired. I left that conversation at peace with Joe’s decision.

Joe taught me a lot about life during those years, although at that time I didn’t know or understand.  Joe would school me on tasks as I did my job and finish by saying while smiling a really big smile, “I’m going to make a sailor out of you yet”.  And for years after, I had visions of becoming a sailor, even looking into the Coast Guard Academy.  As I reflect on those years, I realized every value, Joe stood for my Dad also stood for.  What a great way to grow up, working side by side with two men I admired and respected very much.  Great role models and mentors.  They helped shape me as I am today.

We have had several employees at Hollyberry Farm over the years.  Some stayed for a short time.  Others stayed with us for many years and have become part of our family. We watched them grow up to become fine and accomplished men and women.  It has been a pleasure being part of their lives.

Our current employee has been with us since she was 13.  That was 6 years ago now. She came to us because she wanted horseback riding lessons.  Her parents wanted her to learn more than just trotting around the ring.  So we taught and shared the things that were shared with us.

She learned quickly.   When she was 15, she started working for us.  Soon she was able to take care of our farm the way we would take care of the farm.  When we go away it’s like we never left.  The animals get really great care and we feel at ease.

The best thing is that she loves horses.  She has least several horses from us.  She practices & studies very hard.  Her journey through Level 3 is progressing very very nicely.  She has become my protegé and assistant trainer, helping me develop my horses, as I travel, teaching horses and humans how to communicate.

The other day we were discussing the next steps for my mare Star.  I commented, “I’m going to make a horseman out of you yet”.  At that moment, I had one of those moments, where the stars align, I realized that I have become a mentor, as Joe was a mentor for me.  I have become a teacher!

It has come full circle.  When I was young, I wanted to be a sailer, because of one of my mentors.  I later become an accountant, which I did for 30 years.  I came to my senses six years ago.  I became a horse and human teacher.  My Dad was a high school teacher.  I’m now following in his footsteps. I’m mentoring others, just as my Dad did.  I couldn’t be more proud to follow in my Dad’s footsteps.

I still have role models, heroes, and mentors.  They teach me so much. I can never learn enough.  The more I learn the more I want to share.  It is a wonderful circle.  It has become a very rewarding and a fulfilling journey.

You never know who you may be teaching.  From your own child, an employee, a co-worker, a family member, relative, a friend, or even the cashier at the local Walmart, you may be teaching them.  Be mindful of your actions and words, because someone just might be paying attention.

You might not want to be a role model or mentor to someone else, however all of us effect one another in so many ways.  So in conclusion, seek as much knowledge as you can.  Learn from those willing to teach.  Share with others, willing to listen.  If we all learn and share together, we all can make this world a better & unified place to live. Share Life’s Journey!!!!