Poor Michelle. I have this new camera, a Nikon D90, and I take it to work with me on the hope that I might have an opportunity to slip away and take some photos. Unfortunately, I don't have time so I end up just shooting Michelle while I test out settings. It drives her nuts. But I liked this one. I was reading today a story that made me think of Michelle's philosophy of life. Benjamin Zander, founder and conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, shared a revelation that had come to him as he was conducting his orchestra. It happened many years into his career. As he stood in front of the orchestra with his baton raised, Zander suddenly realized that he, the conductor, makes no sound. Although it was his picture and name on CD’s, Albums, and posters announcing the concerts, he realized that he makes none of the music himself, not a sound. He then realized that his job, as conductor, is to get the best music out of the musicians. His role is to coach, encourage, support, and occasionally push. But the conductor never makes a sound. Michelle is that same kind of leader, I believe. She really does bring out the best "music" in me.
Yesterday we again participated in the food packaging for the Jonathan Dale Miller Foundation's food packing. The foundation was established by my clients, whose grandson, Jonathan, died at 11 from a rare brain disease. His wish was that kids would have food and Christmas gifts during the holidays. He and Mitchell were good friends, and Mitchell created the website and maintains it. Those in the picture are primarily youth from our ward.
