I don’t usually call my bosses friends, but my ex-editor was an exception.

Although we no longer work together, she was someone whom I looked up to and greatly admired for her patience in mentoring me, not just professionally, but as a person in general. Although life had not been a bed of roses for her, she broke away from what society dictated a woman of her age and stature should do, and found her own happiness. We share a common love for travel, and I marvel that for a lady in her 40s, she is still brave enough to go on some pretty extreme adventures, like deep jungle hikes and mountain climbing. Perhaps it is because we both have similar personalities that we get along so well, and I hold the belief that someday, perhaps, I might be like this strong, courageous woman.