An example for us all

I had the pleasure of meeting (actually, introducing myself) to Lin Arison, one of the most incredibly generous philanthropists and arts supporters in Miami, a while back at the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami (MOCA).It was for the screening of her Academy Award-winning documentary "Strangers No More." The poignant, thought-provoking and heart-wrenching film about Israel's Bialik-Rogozin School which serves as a refuge for people of all races and religions escaping various hardships is burned in my memory for life. The strides that the children make in this school and the level of acceptance they receive, a true welcome with open arms, is amazing.I took the opportunity following the screening, to introduce myself to Ms. Arison to express my admiration at the incredible film she was instrumental in bringing to the screen. See, I already knew of Lin Arison and her late husband Ted, who started Carnival Cruise Lines, and their arts advocacy and how they started the New World Symphony and YoungArts (formerly known as the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts).But what today's article in the Miami Herald revealed was what I feel is her most admirable quality and that is her need to be quietly philanthropic. Meaning, she prefers to make her donations and contributions anonymously because of course, in her dignified manner the reason she's philanthropic and supportive is not for the recognition but because it comes from deep down in her soul.The whole time I read the article the only thought that kept flooding my mind was "I want to be just like her when I grow up!" Let her intergrity be a lesson to us all and serve as an example of how we should strive to live our lives. I know she certainly inspires me.