Eimi Watanabe: Can we do something to honor our ' greats' before rather than after they pass away?

Eimi Watanabe
Credit:  IISD

I enjoyed reading the first installment of David’s autobiography, and, having been the first UNICEF Representative to India, can only marvel that David and the other regional directors had the energy and depth of knowledge to deal with such varied countries in the region beyond India. The contrast and differences of Indian states (and parts thereof) were more than challenging enough for me.


As I read everyone’s tribute with David’s passing and now Manou’s, I couldn’t help feeling that the person who would probably enjoyed most hearing how we appreciated them is the deceased individual, though no doubt, the bereaved family derive great comfort from our thoughts and words.


This made me think if there is a way in which we can pay tribute to colleagues, say, upon reaching their 90th birthday, might not that give joy to those older colleagues who may also not be in the best of shape? I wonder what others think?


Best wishes,


Eimi

Editor's Note:  We would appreciate hearing from others on this idea.  How could we best present a tribute to those we love before they leave us??