―Jean Baptiste Henri Lacordaire
Today is the
birthday of a former editor of mine. I
still remember every year -- even though he passed away nearly 10 years ago at
the age of 57. I worked for him almost
30 years ago, but will always remember the many lessons he taught me. He taught me to be observant and to focus on
details. He helped me to become a much
better writer. He was that old-time kind
of editor who argued with you over words and to whom you entrusted your story,
knowing that he would only make it better.
He cared about me and his other reporters, and always had time to listen
to us -- whether it was a personal or professional issue. He hosted us at gatherings at his house, and
we got to know and become fond of his family.
An achondroplastic
dwarf, John stood 4 feet, 7 inches. When
I worked with him, he used a cane. He
eventually lost the use of his legs and used a scooter to get around the
newsroom. His size and limitations did
not hold him back. On the contrary, his
courage and perseverance served as inspiration to the rest of us. He was smart and funny, gruff and kind... So many years later, it is his kindness that
I remember most.
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