Walking With Justice

Written By Tony Mussari
Copyright 2012
Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD
The Face of America Project
faceofamericawps.com
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Mollie Marti is a wife, mother, lawyer, teacher, writer, coach and friend. She is one of the kindest people Kitch and I met during our journey across America. Born, raised and educated in Iowa, she has accomplished much in her lifetime, but she has remained true to the principles of family, faith and friendship commonly known as “Iowa Nice.”

In 1991, Mollie joined an elite group of young law clerks who were carefully selected by Judge Max Rosenn, United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and her life was changed forever.

This week Mollie came to our hometown to promote her book, Walking with Justice. It is the story about what she learned from her mentor, Judge Max Rosenn, and why he is “A Man for All Seasons.”

Mollie’s account of Judge Rosenn’s life lessons is compelling, thoughtful and artfully told with the conviction and compassion of a caring heart. In so many ways, it is a manual for what one should expect from a mentor, and a blueprint for what America is on its best day.

During Mollie’s visit, Kitch and I had several priceless moments talking with Mollie and recording images of Mollie interacting with friends, colleagues and perfect strangers who came to purchase her book.

There were many warm hugs of friendship and reunion, but one moment that left an indelible mark on my soul happened when a student approached the table where she was signing books at Barnes & Noble. He had been watching Mollie from afar, and he finally summoned enough courage to approach her.

What happened next was quintessential Mollie Marti. The student did not have enough money to purchase the book so Mollie gave him an autographed copy of a summary of the book.  

The boy was stunned, and I was fortunate enough to capture this special moment for Mollie and her family. The expression on the boy’s face says it all.

In a way, this was vintage Mollie. She is a warm, welcoming woman with a heart of gold and a spirit that gives freely of her talents to help others.

It is also a statement about the man who taught her to write her legacy every day of the week.

The man she calls “life’s greatest mentor” would be very proud of his former student and the legacy she is building one day at a time, one person at a time, one opportunity to serve at a time.

In my mind’s eye, there is a quotation in Walking with Justice that captures the essence of Judge Rosenn and the brilliance of Mollie’s work:

“Helping others in need is not only a responsibility of life; it is what gives meaning to life.”

Mollie Marti and Judge Max Rosen united again in a book that will make you feel good about the law, the judicial system and America. It was written by a genuine Face of America about a man whose life defined all that is good, decent and inspiring about America at its best.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com