The parking space

Yesterday a prominent man in our state died. He was a successful investor and philanthropist who had given millions to non-profits around our state; a tremendous supporter of the arts, healthcare and education.

I had the privilege of working in his building for several years back in the 90s. I distinctly remember that he drove his teal green Cadillac every day and had the first parking space next to the building. The car was always there.  The car was a sure sign he was in the building. Often on weekends his would be the only car in the empty parking lot. You would see his wife and his son come and go, but he would arrive early and leave late. I rarely saw him. I assumed he was always working.  But the car, it was always there.

One Sunday afternoon, I pulled into the parking lot and saw him standing next to his car. When I got out he walked up to me and explained that he had left his card key in his office and asked if could I let him in to the building. I smiled, knowing exactly who he was and said “Well, you will have to tell me who you are and show me some identification. You know I’m not going to let just anyone into this building.”  He was surprised by this. He could have yelled at me. He could have gotten very upset.  He was, of course, one of the richest, most powerful men in our state. But he didn’t. He smiled! He pulled out his driver’s license and he thanked me. He said “I own the building and I certainly appreciate that you won’t let just anyone  in.” We chatted for a moment, and then I let him in.  From that day on he always had a warm smile when I passed him in the elevator.

I had not thought of him in years. It was a coincidence that I was back in his building yesterday for I had not been back in nearly 12 years.  I came home and read online that he had passed.

Working in the legislature, I have met many state leaders and politicians that think they are solely responsible for the direction of this state. Working in fundraising, you meet a lot of somewhat affluent people, some with huge egos, who think the world revolves around them. But I’ve found that some of the wealthiest, most powerful people, the older ones who worked hard for every dime, are usually kind and very generous.  Even when they don’t have to be.

His generosity certainly made this state a better place.

I wonder if he got a good parking space in heaven for his teal Cadillac.