On a life lived well – Mother Annette Zimmerman

As I have matured as a person and professional, I have come to appreciate, respect and even grow fond of those professionals and colleagues, who hold opinions contrary to my own. I believe this is part of the maturation process that, too often, many people resist as it maybe human nature to seek out and associate ourselves with those that hold only opinions that align with our own.

Over the years, I have had the distinct privilege and I would consider it even an honor to work with and get to know Robert Zimmerman, a principal at Zimmerman-Edelson Public Relations in Great Neck on Long Island.

Recently, we learned of the passing of his beloved Mother at the honored age of 89 and her obituary explained a great deal about how the values that Robert, and his brother John were raised with have impacted and molded both of their lives. I have never had the pleasure of meeting John. I hope to one day.

I first met Robert back in early 2000, or so, when Kay and I were working with a client on a project in Great Neck. I confess, right up-front, since leaving government service and the corporate world my Uniform of the Day (UOD) has been a either a suit, or a sport coat and slacks usually always with a black T-shirt, think “Johnny Cash” without a guitar or any singing talent. I was wearing T-shirts with sport coats long before it became a Hollywood fad. I like to think of myself as a trend setter in that regard.

Robert on the other has always been immaculately dressed in a suit and tie any time I have ever seen him. It is who Robert is. He is at all turns in appearance and behavior a man that immediately earns your respect with no attempt to intimidate or demean your or anyone’s counter arguments , perspectives or viewpoints. This is a remarkable and admirable talent and skill.

When I read in the Great Neck Record that his Mother had won a special award at her high school graduation for a paper on which the topic was peace, a value and belief she embodied throughout her entire life, I came to understand Robert in a luminosity that I had not considered before.

Mort and Annette Zimmerman were married for 67-years and there is no doubt in my mind that she and her husband were exemplary role-models for their sons. Truly, they entrusted them in the values and beliefs they held dear to their own hearts and yet allowed them the freedom to pursue their own interests. What a marvelous testament, I thought, to have a son like Robert who will carry forward such a heritage and value system.

Robert and I are of different political persuasion, you might even say at times diametrically opposite in our views. On those occasions though where we have professionally discussed political issues or candidates, it has never been contemptible or uncomfortable. Robert’s erudite opinions and his argument construction are always thoughtful and even considerate of other’s perspectives. He remains open-minded and even perhaps at times persuadable.

I share all this today because I believe Robert embodies what his Mother (and Father) modeled and taught him and in his period of grief, perhaps, it brings some comfort to know, as we say in the South, “Your Momma is very proud.” I know during my stages of grief upon the passing of my beloved Mother I would have been comforted by such an insight.

Rest in peace dear Mother Zimmerman. You did well.