Realizing the loss of the inimitable John Walsh feels like I've lost a part of myself.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In August 2019, I heard a rumor that he'd become Senator Markey's new campaign manager. The political wise guys said it would be impossible to win that race. Still, based on everything he did for President Obama and Governor Patrick, I believed John would have a plan. I chased him down on LinkedIn and made a hard ask for a 15-minute phone call.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ He ended up giving me close to two hours that day, leading to a professional and personal journey beyond my wildest dreams. He didn’t just guide every career choice I’ve ever made, he introduced me to a community that feels like family.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ John Walsh actually changed my life.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ When I received the call, I hid from the reality of grief. Why must the good ones leave us so soon?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ John saw the best in everyone, even when we couldn't see it ourselves.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ He worked with his mentees, grassroots activists, and local elected officials with the same level of dignity as he did with Senator Markey, Governor Patrick, and President Obama.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ John’s ability to empower, love, and support real people was unlike anything I have ever witnessed and can only pray to emulate.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ He genuinely believed that everyone everywhere deserves to be heard, to be listened to, to be asked. His respect for people was sincere. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Keeping his memory a blessing means practicing patience, compassion, inclusion, and support at every available opportunity. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Just some of the lessons I've learned from John:⁣⁣ * A cup of tea can change the world.⁣⁣ * Take every call. * See the best in everyone.⁣⁣ * Be the cheerleader. Believe in the power of positivity.⁣⁣ * Turn to each other instead of on each other.⁣⁣ * Ask for the best from everyone.⁣⁣ * Find the extraordinary in ordinary people.⁣⁣ * Work hard and be kind.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ John gave the world his best and all he asked was for us to give the world our best, too 🤍