"Have you ever seen a more joyful face?" "The toughest I ever met." "Schwass dedicated life to inspiring others."These are three headlines to articles written in memory of Michael Schwass, my confidante, mentor and friend. I think these headlines really do justice to who Michael really was. He helped me from the very start in getting me comfortable with living on my own. He helped me with confidence building, managing and creating better relationships with my assistants and better relationships with my family, to name a few. He even suggested that I try to find a place in the same building where he worked. You see, this is very bittersweet for me, he worked at 907 and I live in 607. There were periods of time when I saw him virtually every week or so, and sometimes I didn't see him much at all. But his strength and motivation was there, and I knew I could call on him in times of struggle. To find out more about Michael Schwass and why he was so significant for me and others who knew him you can read his book, "Don't Blame the Game." This is a chronicle of his life and describes what kind of a person he was. I hope you get inspired after reading the book. In memory of him I would like to include the lyrics to this song.
"Hold On" by B*Witched
Hold on, hold on,
hold on, hold on,
hold on, hold on.....
You've always been a tough girl,
but you feel you're about to break
You're feeling stuck and out of love
watching your dreams all slip away
been working mornings in the kitchen
and working nights at the corner store
as your life goes by, you wonder why
and you know that there's got to be something more.
Hold on,
but don't hold too tight
let go,
it's going to be all right
don't run away from what your heart is sayin' oh
be strong,
and face what you're afraid of
Come on,
show them what you're made of
I know it's hard when your hope is gone
but you've gotta keep holding on.
You hear a voice that is calling
and it's telling you to make a change
it's time to fly, and say goodbye
and move on to a better place
you know you've got to take the first step
to get to where you wanna be
just get on track, and don't look back
'cause it's the only way that you're gona be free.
Hold on,
but don't hold too tight
let go,
it's going to be allright
don't run away from what your heart is sayin' oh
be strong,
and face what you're afraid of
Come on,
show them what you're made of
I know it's hard when your hope is gone
but you've gotta keep holding on.
(Bridge)
Hold on......
you're gonna make it,you're gonna be stronger
hold on......
hang in there baby, just a little bit longer
hold on......
yeah, you're gonna be fine
don't give up, be strong
when the going get's though
you gotta hold on
Hold on,
but don't hold too tight
let go,
it's going to be all right
don't run away from what your heart is sayin' oh
be strong,
and face what you're afraid of
Come on,
show them what you're made of
I know it's hard when your hope is gone
but you've gotta keep holding on.
Hold on,
but don't hold too tight
let go,
it's going to be allright
don't run away from what your heart is sayin' oh
be strong,
and face what you're afraid of
Come on,
show them what you're made of
I know it's hard when your hope is gone
but you've gotta keep yeah, holding on..........
Hold on.........,
hold on,
hold on...
I think that these words really describe what he was trying to teach me and what he would want me to do now and always. I hope they motivate you in some way too. Treat each day like there is a significant purpose to why you are living it. Because there is! I believe he lived by this quote.
Thanks for all the love and support while mom and dad were in the holy land.
With much love,
Jessi
