The day after my beautiful and smart godchild MaryKate turned 16 she went to get her learner’s permit. She needed an available adult and I was certainly happy to oblige. I can’t believe it’s a little more than six months and she’s now going for her license! And she got it! Look out world! She’s on the road!! (and growing up way too soon)

It was a sad day for Boston the day Mayor Menino died.  I was in my office when I saw the news and immediately social media took over.  Many of my Mayor’s Youth Council friends are on Facebook and Twitter and the tributes from them were the ones that touched me most, they were most like mine.

My Mayor’s Youth Council time were the second and third years of Menino’s MYC.  Our group worked on the establishing and implementing the Boston Youth Line and working with the MBTA to extend student T passes.  I know at the time I appreciated everything I learned and had the chance to experience on the youth council but looking back, we had so many opportunities.

I kept in touch with some people and saw the Mayor as the years past.  He never forgot anyone.  After college and a year in Philly, I became the Director of the Bowdoin Street After School Program, where I was for five years.  Twice I asked the Mayor to come- twice he came.  He loved Bowdoin/Geneva.  The kids loved seeing him .

Last year, the day after Thanksgiving, with only two months left of his twenty years as Mayor, there was a big reunion of all the years to thank the Mayor.  So many old friends and new friends, all there with the same story- the Mayor’s influence.  His belief we had a voice.  His trust that we would make the city better.

When I was on the youth council he would tease those of us who wore our school uniforms.  “Why are your parents paying for those fancy schools?” he would ask.  He knew the answer, busing and years of decline made BPS not as desirable an option for many families.  “I’m going to make the schools better,” he would say.  “I don’t want any of you leaving your city.”

Perhaps the greatest gift he gave- a reason to stay.  One of our many reasons for staying.  Our kids are in one of those schools he promised to make better.  He beamed when I told him.

His wake and funeral were impressive.  His legacy is large, but its the small things and the humble leader I will tell my kids about for years.