Today I had the honor of spending time with my dear friend Senator Orrin Hatch, who served his country as a US Senator for 42 years making him the longest serving Republican U.S. Senator in history. I have known Senator Hatch since I was in High School when I was living in the Washington DC area near his family. Back then Senator Hatch wasn’t someone I looked at as an important political figure – even though he clearly was – I just saw him as a great man. I saw a man who loved God, who loved his family, and who loved his country.

As I grew to adulthood I watched as Senator Hatch would take on issues others were afraid to tackle. I saw him work his guts out to get things done. I saw him reach across the political aisle when many others refused to and work hand in hand with people to get things done. I saw him stand for what he believed to be right even when he was attacked repeatedly for doing so.  And he did all that tirelessly. I can’t think of a time where he wasn’t working ridiculous hours to help others – whether he was going to bat for technology companies, or working to improve healthcare, or fighting to remove barriers for entrepreneurs, or working to protect religious freedom, he has always been right there on the front lines getting things done.  I love that about him.

I also loved that in his final political speech he chose to use his time to call for people to treat each other with mutual respect. He asked people to treat one another as friends. He used his time to focus on the need for greater civility in our country.  I loved that!

Whether people agreed with every decision or political stance Senator Hatch took over his 42 years of service or not, there is no denying that he is one of the most accomplished Senators in U.S. history. There is so much to be learned from his legacy of leadership, his work ethic, his example of standing up for what you believe in, and keeping your faith in God. I’m excited to see Senator Hatch now be able to turn his time from politics to philanthropy. And having witnessed the tremendous impact he can have when he takes on a cause, I’m excited to support him in his future philanthropic endeavors.  Thanks to Senator Hatch for being #whatawesomelookslike

Senator Orrin Hatch and Amy Rees Anderson

~Amy Rees Anderson (author of “What Awesome Looks Like: How To Excel in Business & Life”)