In cleaning off my Microsoft Word files, I came to one “doc” I’m saving: “Business people tell about Nate.”

Everyone who has a job outside the home works hard in ways his family may never know. Our young children used to think their Papa rode the train for a living, since that’s where we saw him off in the morning and greeted him again at night. But what did he really do all day?

Simplifying the answer for a child was difficult. He worked in an office using pens, paper, a computer, copy machines, a phone. But what else did he do?

In recent months, other people have been answering that question for us. Since Nate died, we’ve found great joy in reading stories that clients, other lawyers and business associates have sent to us. And now we know what Nate really did all day.

Although Nate would be embarrassed by this, here’s a sampling:

• ”I met Nate a little over 10 years ago, when he represented my husband and me in a law suit against the people who reneged on our house deal, leaving us homeless with a baby on the way. The other side figured out a million ways to drag the suit out for years. In all that time, Nate never wavered in his commitment to our case or us. He was both patient and tenacious, and with that soothing voice of his, he could always convince me everything would work out okay. I will always be grateful for his kindness, support and concern. The world has lost a hero.”

• ”One day I was looking for a good real estate attorney. Subsequently, I was introduced to your husband by your brother. I soon discovered that I’d been introduced to not only a great attorney but a good person. Nate and I quickly became great friends. We had many early morning conversations about many things – his family, his church, politics, etc. I was profoundly saddened by the news of his passing.”

• ”As a business associate back in the 1980’s when Nate was in the apartment business, I remember him as one who consistently conducted his business at the very highest level of integrity, something which is lacking today on the part of many people.”

• ”Nate set a great example with his work ethic and his positive approach to life. Always such a gentleman. On a personal note, most lawyers probably don’t continue to have a good relationship with the party on the other side of a divorce. He was kind and understanding, and it made a difficult situation much easier for me. That was years ago, but I have not forgotten.”

• “Mr. Nyman was incredibly kind and helpful to me and my husband at a time when we really needed someone to be in our corner. I recall how much he loved his family, which he mentioned several times during the course of our meetings.”

• “Nate will be remembered for his intellect and wit. He was a man of principle in a world of dying principles. Nate was a man you could trust. He affected all those he did business with, with honor and grace. He will be sorely missed by many who enjoyed his company.”

• “I first met Nate when I was a law clerk. Although I only worked with him for a brief time, I cannot tell you the impact he had on my budding career. I cherished the times we got together in recent years and often reflect back on his unique personality and his approach to practicing law.”

• Nate was a Christian, a lawyer, a man of political interests, the father of a large family, and a wonderful example to me. He showed that these things could be done and done well. I think most important was his demonstrated ability to get back up again after being knocked down hard. The fact that he was in his suit, at the office, at a time when his illness was so advanced his doctors were astonished he could do such a thing, showed how devoted to providing he was.”

And these are just a few…

”A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)