Hey There

Note from the CEO

Wisdom, Where it came from?
 

The WHY of WISDOM?

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One brought me to life and has taught me a lot about culture, and the power of learning new languages. We shared a love for aviation, working more hours than many could, love for polo and education. We would spend countless hours in silence listening to classical music, or evenings playing chess. Very seldom saw the man having true fun. But saw him feeding foster children, bringing the whole shelter home for a pool party, or asking my mom to bake panettones to give away for Christmas to the homeless. The same man lived tormented for making decisions he should not have. He carried his family to over 10 countries, which taught us all not to get attached to things. We only had US. My brothers and I loved him, hate him and we were all crazy about him. He taught us the ugly, the good, the bad, and the most amazing thing someone could ever teach you... the value of forgiveness. On June 1st of 2017, we lost him in a silent battle to cancer, back then I had a falling out and was more than two years without speaking a word to him. He had lost his mind, he was struggling with cancer, in his kidneys, stomach, throat, and ultimately Brain. He pushed me away, in the last years of his life, I pushed him away. Sometimes, we hurt those who we love the most. I am not the exception to the rule. I love that man as if he was the most perfect, which it’s NOT the case. Far from being a saint, he was a sinner with inexplicable goodness.

 

The same day I received the news from my brother Denis Antonio Champ, I cried, wiped, and screamed at top of my lungs how much I loved him. I showered and went to work. E-mailed everyone and informed them of my father’s passing and that my schedule would remain as usual. Got to my office closed the door (which it’s unusual for me) got supplies ready and attended a hurricane kick-off meeting in Tangipahoa. Went back to my office, closed the door, and collapse on the floor, then he stepped into my office Heinz Guderian Mr. Kurt Kamper. But let me re-phrase it ... he stepped into my life and stepped UP. He knew nothing about me other than I was the Disaster Program Specialist, whose biggest specialty it was to give a good morning hug to him even when he claimed: “he was a German descendant and hugs are not his thing”.

 

Well, I didn’t take NO for an answer... it was not long enough that became our morning routine. June 1st. He saw me on the floor, defeated, broken and angry. I just looked at him and hugged him, told him I lost him. I lost the love of my life. He knew I was referring to my father.

Kurt, or as I call him Dad...who had an estranged child of his own, as I had later learned. Now, adopted me. I didn’t ask for it. It happened. He made sure I eat every day, for lunch and didn’t leave my side. Any crazy adventure, any natural or personal disaster he was there. He stepped UP when I thought it was too late to be someone’s daughter. He showed up to all of my children’s events at school, every Sunday we made s tradition of having lunch together. Kurt Dad, whose face lights up every time say something outrageous, has become the father I couldn’t plan for. He shared countless battle stories, he provided knowledge in finances, law, and child-rearing, and he gifted me with a listening ear and the patience of someone willing to set up the world in disarray to see me happy!

 

We travel together, he has been my plus one in many events, and people get incredibly surprised... every time I introduce him as my dad. First, we look nothing alike, second, the man is a huge bear! White, green eyes then again those that know me I am cinnamon, middle eastern, Brazilian European, hazel eyes and extroverted to a fault! Commonly known as “hugoholic” and not in recovery.

So, to those skeptic minds, with dubious thoughts. Mentoring, adoption, fostering and parenting, and guiding, do not rely on blood and have an emotional investment value of billions. It transcends culture, race, and gender. I lost Kurt, Dad June 12, 2021, however, I still carry with me the stories, the richness of his mentoring, and the incredible positive impact he had in my life and my family’s life!

 

Love comes with compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and lots of well-resolved arguments! Love is not easy, and neither is vulnerability, however very worth it. Love intensively, be kind to one another, and don’t be afraid to give people a chance. I am forever grateful that we gave each other a chance.  Because blood is not necessarily linked to love, we opted for acceptance. Unconditional kindness and affection bring several cultures, backgrounds, and upbringings together. As a master tool for success, LOVE can make two strangers feel at home, this is WISDOM. Love with unprecedented honesty and tremendous courage. Break every social norm, as it will limit your ability to treasure those who love you the most.

 

The intergenerational Wisdom program makes the world a better place.

Your Executive Director

Tatiana Sofia Begault

CEO & Founder of The Greater American Leadership