My First Mentor

A mentor and idol of mine, Dr. Bob (co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous)

           My biggest mentor was the man who really helped me get in touch with the spiritual way of life that I currently live.  His name is Kevin.  Due to some unfortunate circumstances in his life, he wound up losing sight of the life he taught me how to live.  While he is currently trying to get back on his feet, it doesn't take away any of the help he gave me when we were close.  I'm writing this in his honor.  While we don't talk anymore because of circumstance and the decisions he has made, everything he did for me was life-saving and shouldn't be downplayed in the slightest.

          Kevin made me realize the true importance of humility.  He engraved into my head, time and time again, the idea that not only am I no better than any other human being, but I am no worse either.  He taught me the true meaning of humility, which is the accurate assessment of myself or my situation.  He taught me the true meaning of love.  He showed up time and time again when I felt rejected, when I felt self-loathing, when I felt disconnected, and when I felt angry.  He didn't sulk with me, rather he always had me look at whatever situation I was in with a sense of responsibility, forcing me to look constantly at where I could've done better, and how I was responsible for feeling the way I was feeling.  This is huge for me even today, because that's all that really matters - I can't dwell on someones behavior and responsibility in a situation, I can only look at, and change my own.

          When Kevin and I were first hanging out, I was self-obsessed, dishonest, and afraid to look the world in the eye.  He was the inspiration and example that helped me turn into a man of dignity, grace, and honor.  What really helped me connect to him at first was the fact that he related to the way I was living and the way I felt for a long time, but someone that he referred to as his mentor helped him turn his life around and turn into the man that he was today.  He was only 2 years older than me, yet he carried himself like a man way beyond his years.  He was intellectual, logical, yet so in touch with his inner self and inner spirit.  It was nothing short of admirable.  The biggest piece of Kevin that is now a part of me is that humility idea that he reinforced with me so many times.  While I often struggle with staying humble, because of him, I am more easily aware of where my ego is out of line, or where I am acting self-righteous or condescending.

Poem

You picked me up and helped me to my feet,

And taught me how to not like and not cheat.

If it weren't for you I wouldn't be who I am today,

From all you taught me I will try not to stray.

Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart,

I promise everything I have learned will not be forgot.