National Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in September after Labor Day. While it may not be a national holiday, it is a very meaningful day for me. I am the youngest granddaughter of seventeen grandchildren on my dad's side and the third of four on my mom's side. I had the blessing of growing up with a big extended family and all four of my grandparents throughout my childhood and into my early 30s.

Each grandparent gave me a window into a world I had never lived in, and through their personal strength and life experiences, they gave me a sense of self, a sense of purpose, and a family legacy that I have drawn upon throughout my life.

Each one understood there was something bigger than themselves, and each had a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to family. They set the tone that we all looked out for each other, so as they got older, we all understood that it was our time to take care of them.

My dad is the youngest of seven children. He is a first-generation American, born to parents who fled Russia by way of Europe and ultimately made their way to America through Ellis Island.

Originally, my Zadie came to America without his wife and five children, and worked tirelessly for five years until he made enough money for the visas required to bring them to America from Europe. Once reunited in America, they quickly had two more children—my uncle and my dad. Many men came to America without their families and did not work to bring their families over. What was it about this man, my Zadie, that gave him the strength of character to be clear in his intentions and keep his family together?

My mom is the older of two daughters born to first-generation Americans: my Grandma and Grandpa. They were each other's partners and worked together for many years to build their own business. In the early years, my Grandpa moonlighted as a saxophone player in a band to bring in extra money. By today's standards, my Grandma would be considered a working mom juggling work, home, and raising children. She could be considered ahead of her time, as she had an understanding of their financial wherewithal and was not afraid to speak her mind. My Grandpa was considered a good businessman and always had a kind heart. He made certain his older brother with special needs had a job throughout his life and was always taken care of. It was a commitment he made to his mother, and my Grandma accepted it as their norm. They worked six days a week for many years, and the seventh day was so often dedicated to spending time with their family. What was it about them that gave them the fortitude and the intention to make their way, always mindful of their responsibility to their family?

I realize now, so clearly, that it was no accident I chose to redirect my career by stepping into the senior space and helping people age with grace and dignity; first by becoming a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist through the NAHB, and shortly thereafter going back to school to become a Certified Geriatric Care Manager. It is certainly no accident that my very first care management client shared the same first name as my Grandpa!

Four ordinary people taught me extraordinary life skills, provided unconditional love and support, perhaps gave me a little better insight into my own parents, and quietly guided me just by being themselves. They were not perfect people, but they were magical in my life, and I will forever be grateful.

Who are the mentors in your own life?
How have your mentors shaped and inspired the trajectory of your career?
Who do you inspire?