That's when I thought of my lifelong friend and mentor, Gayle Granatir Michael. Gayle was simply "not the dying type" -- which is why it was a jolt to everyone who knew her when she passed away last week.
Gayle was part of a special generation of women who were strong, determined and indefatigable. They were trailblazers who predated the modern women's movement.
My first contact with her occurred when I was a student and she was my English teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, NJ. Gayle told me I had "that certain something" and encouraged me to enter the school's prestigious speech contest, even though I was hesitant to do so. Eventually she ordered me to participate in the contest where I would present a dramatic reading -- just me, the stage and a single spotlight; no costume, no scenery, no props! Gayle coached me every step of the way and then pushed me out onto the stage. I won the contest!
Before I knew it, Gayle was more than my teacher -- she was a treasured family friend who often showed up at my house for dinner. My parents adored her!
When I graduated high school, Gayle gave me a bottle of Monsieur de Givenchy, a classic French cologne. Gayle explained that she had intended to give the cologne to her father who passed away before she was able to do that. Today, on special occasions, I still wear Monsieur de Givinchy which continues to be produced by the LVMH luxury group.
For Gayle, no goals was too high or unachievable. No want was necessarily out of bounds. Her philosophy was “reach for the stars.”
She was decidedly OLD SCHOOL but she always kept current. She was up on the news and the events of the day and even when social media came into play, she jumped into it.
She was passionate about everything that she believed in and she wasn’t shy about what she believed in. She had opinions — lots of them . First, at a time when people were not afraid to express their opinions and, later, when they were (and ARE!) she still expressed hers without hesitation.
She was a patriot. She loved her country and was worried about what was happening, here and beyond. She was troubled about the current state of affairs and where we were headed. She really cared and was always determined to make a difference where and when she could.
I never heard her complain or explain; which is to say she was not a “woe is me” kind of person. She didn’t lament, and if you were looking for some deep psychological explanation from her about most things, you weren’t likely to get it because she was a person of ACTION. She didn’t spend time ruminating. She moved — and moved ON, when necessary.
Though she endured the loss of her handsome and accomplished husband, Vincent Michael, early in their marriage and was left with two young boys to raise, Gayle didn't flinch. Today, her sons are successful attorneys, outstanding citizens, husbands, fathers and distinguished professionals.
She loved politics (and don’t we all?) but she also understood that everything is connected to everything else. So she was also into art, literature, music, sports, theater, the movies, the popular culture — whatever sparked curiosity and conversation — she was there.
She was a VIVID personality.— and formidable. But, my goodness -- what an incredible life she led! She remains one of my unforgettable characters and a defining influence in my life. She will be dearly missed!
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