God, God’s and Superheroes
God, Gods and Superheroes
Special influences motivate your future, paving the way for career aspirations. My father was my hero. He was my greatest influence. My dad was real. I could touch him, hug him, talk to him, kiss him, love him, hurt him or hate him. He was real.
It is important for people to tell you how special parents are. To appreciate the dedication and sacrifice.
The reality of life is different. My father provided the necessary inspiration to survive the fears and wounds that a harsh and abrasive world impacts on delicate, sensitive young minds and bodies. Mom would cry at the end of the movie and remind you that it was just a movie. My dad would tear it apart with his mind, relating it to the wonders of everyday life. He would relive war movies and westerns comparing them with his own struggles and tribulations.
He taught me by example. Teaching me the value of hard work and dedication to the family. He was always willing to give me that all important last portion of dessert. Most of all he would do everything he could to make sure I had what was important to me, my first book bag for school, my first car, and my education. My father was my guide in sorting the many ideals and concepts that even he didn’t always fully understand. My father always had an answer.
My dad was my hero and my best friend. We communicated by an unspoken code, stronger than eloquent words. His example kept me strong. In his few times of weakness, I strove to return his exemplified strength. The most important thing I can remember was his smile. His smile and his laughter could always turn my world on a dime. I know my smile was his world, too. His influence on my life was second only to God.
My fathers life was accounting. I didn’t want to be an accountant. Yet he inspired in me ambition, respect and appreciation of the miracles of life and the reality of its’ brevity and drastic change. I’m certain now that he influenced me in ways I may not appreciate until years from now. Again I will think back and reminisce. Thankful for the many moments I didn’t quite understand at the time.
My father passed away unexpectedly from stomach cancer in 1999. I can never forget those last few precious weeks. We watched the Oilers lose to Pittsburgh and we prayed together. I just couldn’t bear to watch him through the pain of his treatment. I worked at a cancer hospital every day, and yet I felt helpless. All the good times we shared together helping him build his business and knowing my children would not share those fruits with their grandfather. Life is change.
Today is his birthday. Somehow I know he’s happy. My dad is still my hero and my greatest influence. I can relate this, hoping you too will appreciate your heroes. While they are still with us to be appreciated.
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