My Mom was a "Fred"

I am posting this just after my previous post of The Fred Factor for a reason. It is ironic that I read that little book yesterday and today receive the following email from a friend.

Ben,

...I just got this email from a friend of mine. Her son Joey is in a cancer fund raising walk and wants to walk in memory of your mom...she apparently made a huge impact on him. I just want to let you know that he thought so much of her!!

I'm sharing this because, my mom was a "Fred". She passed away nearly 3 years ago and I still hear about people she had impact on. I have no idea who Joey is and I bet there are still a lot of other "Joey's" out there. My mother didn't ever hold a fancy title, but her impact on people's lives were amazing. I remember standing in the funeral line greeting all of the people who wanted to extend their condolences. It was scheduled for 2 hours....we stood for over 4! I met so many people she had impact on that night that I remember thinking, how did she remember this many people? The thing that made her a "Fred" is the fact that she helped so many people in a quiet way, never bringing attention to herself. I don't suppose I will ever know how many people she made smile.

After reading The Fred Factor, I realized I lived under the roof of the greatest "Fred" I've ever known. I called her "Mom".

The Fred Factor

This weekend I read The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn. I had been wanting to read it ever since I read his You Don't Need a Title to be a Leader.

It was a simple book with a simple message, but boy it will motivate you for sure! If you don't like your job, you need to read this little book. It will help you find enjoyment in the things you do everyday. It will inspire you to be a "Fred".

Who is Fred? I'm not going to tell you. You really need to read it to appreciate who Fred is. It's a great book. You'll have it read in an hour.