When we lose someone we have shared years of friendship, learning, laughter, and purpose with, we lose more than a person. We lose a keeper of our stories, a witness to our journey, and a part of our collective memory.
When a Great Soul Leaves Us
By Mekedela Mekuria, DTM
A decade or so ago, I came across a powerful idea from Tai Lopez's Law of 33%. He suggests that we should intentionally build our lives around three groups of people: those we can look up to for inspiration and guidance, those who walk beside us as peers and challenge us to grow, and those whom we can support, mentor, and help along the way.
One of the greatest gifts Toastmasters has given me is exactly that. It has connected me with remarkable people from different walks of life, generations, professions, and backgrounds. It is like a vast living library where every person is a book filled with wisdom, stories, experiences, and lessons waiting to be discovered.
Among those treasured souls was Hirut Befecadu who we joyfully call Abaye Hirut or Madam Hirut, energetic and full of wisdom. When I met her fourteen years ago she was in early 70s,young at heart and someone who could bring light to everything she was part of and it didn't take me long to have her in my 33% and call her a dear friend.
Abaye Hirut was a testament of what a True Toastmaster and a Rotarian is. For many, she was the reference library and the institutional memory of the Ethiopian Toastmasters and Rotary community and a mother figure to many of us. She was a witty speaker, a gifted mentor, a true leader, and someone whose presence made people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. But for me, above all else she was my sounding board, my confidant and my Abaye. Every conversation we had, every laughter we shared and every humor flavored moment we had was filled with wisdom, life lessons and lots of takeaways.
As I reflect on her passing, I am reminded of psychologist Daniel Wegner's concept of Transactive Memory, beautifully referenced by Malcolm Gladwell in The Bomber Mafia.
When we lose someone we have shared years of friendship, learning, laughter, and purpose with, we lose more than a person. We lose a keeper of our stories, a witness to our journey, and a part of our collective memory. In a very real sense, a piece of us leaves with them.
That is why communities matter. That is why friendships matter. That is why mentors matter.
Abaye Hirut leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, wisdom, and kindness that will continue to live through the countless lives she touched.
As I mourn her passing and bid farewell to this amazing formidable soul, I want to celebrate her exceptionally lived life, a legacy generously shared and a friendship that has made me by far a better person.
My deepest condolences go to her family, friends, fellow Toastmasters, and the Rotary community.
May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.
— Helen Keller
