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Tiny Brown just turned 99. She’s a small, thin lady whose mind is like a steal trap. She lives in the same retirement community as my dad, which is how I got to know her. When I ask her friends about her real first name, they simply shrug their shoulders. She’s been called Tiny for so long, no one knows her real first name.

But, I accidentally discovered her real first name. She recently broke her hip and was moved to another facility better suited for her healing process. I stopped by to see her one day—and there on her door was her real name. But, I’m not talking. You’ll just have to call her “Tiny” for now.

Tiny is one of those people who make others feel good. Just before her 99^th birthday, she waltzed to breakfast one morning and proclaimed that she felt like she was “60 years old again.” A friend laughed and said, “Oh Tiny, you do not!”  But I think she did…at least in her heart. Everyone loves Tiny. Life just seems better when you’re around her.

I learned not long ago that Tiny is an attorney. In fact, the story goes that she was the first woman in the state of Texas to be admitted to the State Bar. I’ve heard the story from many different people, so I assume the story is true. If it’s not, it should be.

I’m sure those who visit the retirement center and first meet Tiny must see just another aging human being, one that has a rather strange nickname for a lady. But I see much more. I’m a glass-is-half-full kind of guy, but Tiny puts me to shame. She’s a remarkable woman who makes others feel good about being alive.  

I hear an attitude in the business world these days that makes me rather nervous. It’s not really all that new, but I sense a crescendo in recent years. It’s the attitude that says, “We live in a mean world and if you want to succeed, you’ve got to be mean, too.” I can certainly understand why many feel this way. More and more folks are going after the same job these days. There’s so much competition. But is there a better way? Such an attitude may in fact lead to greater success, but it worries me that it embodies a certain extreme self-protection that may lead to something less desirable—gangrene of the heart and soul.

I don’t know Tiny well. In fact, I really can’t tell you many details of her life. But I have witnessed enough to be inspired. I see a person aggressive enough to reach her goals in life, yet gracious enough to serve others. And even when she speaks of herself, somehow, it always seems to be an encouragement to everyone around.  

Thanks Tiny for being an example. You’re my hero.