Saying goodbye...

Today, I experienced a profound moment of farewell that touched the depths of my soul. It was a day that would forever leave its mark on my life, for I encountered a stranger who unraveled a hidden chapter of my existence.

Throughout my formative years, I navigated the labyrinth of life without the guiding presence of a mentor. Although I was fortunate to have a loving father, his tireless efforts to provide for our family left little room for mentorship. This, I realized, was a common narrative for many growing up, an all-too-familiar tale in the fabric of American society. It wasn't until my mid-twenties, by a twist of fate, that I stumbled upon a mentor who would forever alter my trajectory.

You see, it was in the early stages of my career as an architect that I found myself at a crossroads, about to embark on my second job fresh out of university. The man who extended his hand and welcomed me into his fold was named Nils. Little did I know that Nils would soon become more than just a boss; he would become my guiding light, my unwavering mentor. Nils was a paragon of leadership, an extraordinary individual who breathed life into my aspirations. Each day spent under his wing, I found myself infused with inspiration, allowing me to pour my heart and soul into my work. In return, I gained invaluable experience and an indescribable sense of fulfillment, knowing that my contributions mattered.

It didn't hurt that our architectural endeavors were intertwined with the grandest project on Earth—EPCOT Center in Orlando, Florida. At that time, it was the largest single construction project in the world. Nils, who was the beacon of support, led our team to resounding success, ensuring the completion of the project precisely on time. To add to the awe, Nils himself had worked alongside the legendary architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. I remember the day I caught a glimpse of a small, framed letter in his office—a handwritten note from Frank Lloyd Wright, beseeching the Board of Professional Regulation to grant Nils his certification as a registered architect. And there, at the bottom, was the illustrious signature of the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. It was an unforgettable sight that forever etched itself into the tapestry of my memory.

However, it was only many years later, on this fateful day, that I would unearth hidden truths about Nils—truths that had eluded me until now. As destiny would have it, I found myself at a networking event this very morning, mingling with intriguing strangers. Serendipitously, I ended up seated next to a woman named Jane. Her eyes gleamed with a fierce curiosity, and she delved into a series of inquiries, eager to unearth fragments of my life story. In my vulnerability, I opened up, sharing personal experiences that tugged at my heartstrings.

And then, almost miraculously, the conversation veered towards Nils. As I uttered his full name, Nils Schweizer, a radiant smile danced across Jane's face. In a breathless whisper, she exclaimed, "You're the one who designed our library!" Bewildered, I replied, acknowledging my modest involvement in the Orlando library project, my primary focus having been on other ventures at Disney and the airport. But her surprise matched my own, as we stood upon the precipice of an extraordinary connection. Jane went on to reveal that she had interviewed Mrs. Nils Schweizer regarding the library and her late husband, Nils. My curiosity piqued, I eagerly inquired about the source of this interview.

Later, as I listened to the recording, a tapestry of Nils' life began to unfold before me. I discovered a man of immense courage and resilience, shaped by the crucible of World War II. Nils had, unbeknownst to me, journeyed to Auschwitz-Birkenau during the harsh winter of the war's end. The frozen corpses lining the streets, piled high and hauntingly silent, etched a harrowing image into his memory. In the wake of the world's discovery of the atrocities that transpired under Nazi occupation, I finally understood why this man was truly extraordinary. The depths of his experiences had ignited within him an unwavering commitment to build a world adorned with beauty and grace. Nils was obsessed to leave that horrible past and only give his best to build and not tear down. I now comprehended why he exuded a calm and steady demeanor, why his leadership was resolute and unwavering. Nils was an exceptional soul, a treasure bestowed upon this world, and I had been fortunate enough to call him my mentor.

When Nils departed from this realm at the tender age of 65, grief enveloped all who had been touched by his presence. As I bid him farewell, tears mingled with sorrow, leaving an indelible ache within my heart. Nils Schweizer, a beacon of humanity, had left an indelible mark on my life, forever ingrained in the very fabric of my being.