Feeling the loss of a Mentor

In the Chinese historical drama "Voyage of Admiral Zheng He", the emperor Yongle had a confidant who was a Buddhist monk whom he always bounced off ideas and got advice from whenever he was troubled or in a dilemma. The monk was able to offer unclouded and objective views from a detached onlooker perspective, albeit a wise one. He often empathised with the emperor's pain of being misunderstood whist introducing visionary policies for the good of the country. At one stage the emperor questioned in jest why he had to bear all the miseries whilst the monk kept his peace and calm.
The presence of an adviser to the emperor in historical dramas always offers some kind of relief in an otherwise heavy and serious story.

Our PM was recently asked whether after LKY, the post of MM (Minister Mentor) will be filled by another person. He replied that the post was personal to LKY as he was a "precious resource". Although in the net there are lots of critiscms and jokes about the PM's high esteem for his "eminent father", I personally feel it is of great benefit for the ruling party to bounce ideas off a visionary mentor. The only drawback of course is,unlike the monk who is detached, the MM may be conflicted in some ways or affected by emotions from his past deeds and experiences.

In many ways I feel it is the same with every individual. I think it is a blessing to have someone whom you can share your most intimate thoughts and troubles; needless to say you will be double blessed if that someone is wise. Visiting my mother's niche during Qing Ming reminds me of the loss of my confidant. Even though I often discounted or ignored her advice (because being of the previous generation she was often too pragmatic for my liking), she was some one whom I was not afraid to tell my troubles and problems. Of course there were also times when I walked off feeling worse or more angry than before for feeling misunderstood or let down by her practical and materialistic approach towards life. However looking back, she was on the whole more of a comfort than pain. It is unrealistic to have a mentor who is wise, with clarity in thoughts arising from calm detachment; and yet loves you much the same.