Rosella Werlin

Remembering my mother, Rosella Werlin

Let me say at the outset, I owe so much to my mother, that I cannot separate my life from hers. She was not only an indispensible partner during her life (she died in April 1985), but I still try to act according to her wishes.

Living in comfort today is a far cry from my childhood. While for only a short time were we significantly financially challenged, I always felt that we were on the edge of a precipice. To some extent, our ability to forge successfully ahead was based on my Mother’s abundant common sense.

While I did not fully appreciate my mother’s accomplishments when I was quite young, my mother was an outstanding pioneering woman journalist. My mother was the first woman to head the public relations department of a major city, Galveston, Texas. In that role, she worked successfully to help Galveston cultivate an image of a first rate seaside community. She promoted the Badget quartets (quartets were very rare in that era), the hay fever competition, and other beauty contests for Galveston.

It is my firmest belief that for someone to succeed their parents must believe in them. My mother not only believed in me, but constantly came up with ideas which enhanced my career. Over and over, my mother told me that I would be a great success.  As an example, after my father died, she reached out to a local Congressman who helped me attain a Houston Endowment Scholarship. This money was necessary for me to complete my last two years of college. Because of her, I decided to apply for a Rotary International Scholarship. This scholarship allowed me to attend Oxford University. Oxford was a necessary stepping-stone to get a position with a prestigious Wall Street Investment Bank.

Because my father had a heart attack when I was four, my mother took over many of the chores that Dad would have undertaken. Thus, Mom worked hard with me on all my school assignments. Moreover, she attended all of the meetings associated with growing up–school functions, boy scout events, Temple activities, dancing lessons, etc. In hindsight, I believe that having social graces is as important as intelligence. Moreover, one gains confidence over time. Thus, I learned to adapt to various social situations because of mother. Thus, I have never been fearful about “fitting in.”

Another lesson that I learned from Mom is double-checking is not good enough. One has to triple- check. Triple checking has been extremely important in preventing me making mistakes. While I am admittedly a big risk-taker, I spare nothing to make certain that I do not make careless mistakes. Frequently, I hire professionals or assistants if I feel that a task is challenging.

I also inherited from my mother the importance of family and loyalty. Like Mom, I never forgive or forget. I can have strong disagreements with somebody. However, that is not a long-term reason to dislike that individual. However, if I question their motives, then they are history. As a result I have many lifelong friends. By contrast, if somebody crosses me, they are through forever.

Over time I have learned the wisdom of my mother’s passionate attachment to Israel. While I am not a religious Jew, I am a passionate Zionist. For me the condition of my co-religionists around the world is of paramount importance. I am saddened by the prevalence of widespread anti-Semitism.

I think of my mother as my lifelong teammate. When I had challenges, I would call her and get advice. We would work through the pros and cons.

There is no question that I was my mother’s favorite child. While Mom had shouting matches with almost everyone, I never recall her yelling at me. The flipside is that I supported her endeavors. While my brother and sister were not fully supportive of my Mom’s suit against the Reader’s Digest, I financially supported that effort to its successful conclusion. It was my way I showing Mom that I believed in her and loved her.