When people are not looking or recognizing it, doing what is right is where true interpersonal satisfaction comes in.

Growing up in Los Angeles, my grandfather was an immigrant from Russia. He and his three siblings grew up in an orphanage. It’s called Vista del Mar in Culver City and is still there today. His father died on the long journey to the U.S. from Russia.

My grandfather’s mother was so poor that she had to make the choice to give up her children – all four of them – just to guarantee their survival. So, she placed all four of them in Vista del Mar, the orphanage.

She did stay in touch with her kids. ‘Was a cleaning lady. ‘Lived her life. Her children grew up and eventually thrived.

My grandfather, with the help of his older brother, Morris, completed college and then went on to law school. He became a self-employed lawyer who tried many cases, including one particular case in front of the high court for his brother.

Morris was a bookmaker who was given a lifetime ban from Santa Anita Racetrack for winning too many races!

In their own way, they all prevailed.

When Morris died, he left behind a considerable estate that was passed on to his two children, my cousins. One of them has special needs, and one of them has had two children of his own.

In synagogue as a child, I remember very little. But one of the few things I do recall clearly is my grandfather. He was upset when the Rabbi recognized people by name for donating money to the synagogue. My grandfather leaned over and said to me, “If you give to be recognized, then you are not giving. You are taking so that you feel good about the decisions you have chosen to make.”

I will never forget those words, that lesson.

With that in mind, I chose to be self-employed.
I chose this profession.
I still choose to build a business around people that I care about and believe in.
I choose to deliver excellence in everything I do.

Let’s recognize the many choices we have every day and be cognizant of why we make them. Make great choices and deliver on what we all choose!

-J.D.