Each of us, want to leave our mark in this World. When it comes to determining how big of a dent we leave, society compares the present to the past. It seems that for comparison’s sake, the past is only 20 years ago or so. For example, in the sporting world, a current basketball player is compared against Micheal Jordan and not so much against Oscar Robertson. Today’s golfers will be measured against Tiger Woods (golfing ability only) instead of Arnold Palmer. Entertainers are always compared against their peers. Who is the next _____________? Fill in the Blank
For me, I have always wanted to leave a mark the size of Australia. I have wanted to be a positive driving force in everyone’s life that I came in contact with. Two of my favorite quotes:
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
AND
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
With the introduction over, I can get to the point of this post. I ran into a family friend the other day and she said that she couldn’t believe how much I reminded her of my Dad. For the next few nanoseconds a T-Graph immediately appeared in my mind. My name on one side and my Dad’s name on the other separated by line in between. I started the quick, yet detailed, comparison process. I couldn’t think of how I could remind anyone of my Dad, there is just too many years between us. He is cowboy boots and straw hats. I am Nike and a backwards baseball cap. He is John Wayne and Marty Robbins. I am Paul Walker and T.I. He is Roy Rogers, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza. I am Vin Diesel, CSI, and The Big Bang Theory. His horse has a heartbeat while mine runs on high octane fuel. The list goes on and on….I hope you see the point, I couldn’t quickly come up with how I could be compared to my Dad. We concluded our conversation and went our separate ways.
Over the past few days, I have had some time to think about that experience. I was thrilled inside to think that someone sees something in me that compares with my Dad. I quickly turned my thought process from the superficial traits and focused on the true quality traits that make us who we are. It isn’t the style of hat we wear, but it is the thoughts, words and most importantly actions that come from the head that is under the hat.
My Dad is my hero. He is a great man. He is possibly the 2nd greatest person that I have ever known, my Mother being the greatest.
I started a new graph. Why is my Dad great? He is the most honest, hardest working, compassionate, soft-hearted, gentle spoken, humorous / joking, and service minded person I have ever known. Granted, when I was in high school, he was my worst enemy and I figured he didn’t know beans about anything. I couldn’t have been blinded more than by my own ignorance…I blame the hormones! Girls and Calculus will do that to you. It took me several years…tough years, to realize what he was trying to teach me with every opportunity he had. Everything was a learning experience. He taught me hard work and the rewards it brings. He showed me the value of service and the importance of being honest in everything you do. He showed me and helped me appreciate all the good that there is. He warned & cautioned me and explained the consequences of certain actions. Unfortunately for me, some I had to learn & experience on my own. Yet, through it all…there was my Dad to pick me up and help me become stronger each time.
I was instantly humbled by the thought that someone could see some of my Dad’s greatest traits in me. If I can become half the man my Dad is I will be doing pretty well.
I hope I have enough time left in this World to weave part of me into others and leave each person feeling full & blessed. It should be easy…my Dad has given me the blueprint!!
For me, I have always wanted to leave a mark the size of Australia. I have wanted to be a positive driving force in everyone’s life that I came in contact with. Two of my favorite quotes:
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
AND
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
With the introduction over, I can get to the point of this post. I ran into a family friend the other day and she said that she couldn’t believe how much I reminded her of my Dad. For the next few nanoseconds a T-Graph immediately appeared in my mind. My name on one side and my Dad’s name on the other separated by line in between. I started the quick, yet detailed, comparison process. I couldn’t think of how I could remind anyone of my Dad, there is just too many years between us. He is cowboy boots and straw hats. I am Nike and a backwards baseball cap. He is John Wayne and Marty Robbins. I am Paul Walker and T.I. He is Roy Rogers, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza. I am Vin Diesel, CSI, and The Big Bang Theory. His horse has a heartbeat while mine runs on high octane fuel. The list goes on and on….I hope you see the point, I couldn’t quickly come up with how I could be compared to my Dad. We concluded our conversation and went our separate ways.
Over the past few days, I have had some time to think about that experience. I was thrilled inside to think that someone sees something in me that compares with my Dad. I quickly turned my thought process from the superficial traits and focused on the true quality traits that make us who we are. It isn’t the style of hat we wear, but it is the thoughts, words and most importantly actions that come from the head that is under the hat.
My Dad is my hero. He is a great man. He is possibly the 2nd greatest person that I have ever known, my Mother being the greatest.
I started a new graph. Why is my Dad great? He is the most honest, hardest working, compassionate, soft-hearted, gentle spoken, humorous / joking, and service minded person I have ever known. Granted, when I was in high school, he was my worst enemy and I figured he didn’t know beans about anything. I couldn’t have been blinded more than by my own ignorance…I blame the hormones! Girls and Calculus will do that to you. It took me several years…tough years, to realize what he was trying to teach me with every opportunity he had. Everything was a learning experience. He taught me hard work and the rewards it brings. He showed me the value of service and the importance of being honest in everything you do. He showed me and helped me appreciate all the good that there is. He warned & cautioned me and explained the consequences of certain actions. Unfortunately for me, some I had to learn & experience on my own. Yet, through it all…there was my Dad to pick me up and help me become stronger each time.
I was instantly humbled by the thought that someone could see some of my Dad’s greatest traits in me. If I can become half the man my Dad is I will be doing pretty well.
I hope I have enough time left in this World to weave part of me into others and leave each person feeling full & blessed. It should be easy…my Dad has given me the blueprint!!
3 comments:
You've left your mark - at least with me. I love that 2nd quote. I remember a lot of things you've said to me over the years - but what I really remember is how you've always made me feel - safe & loved. You have taught me a lot about my self worth.
Love you Chris!!!
You've left your mark on my life! You have always been so caring and selfless in giving me all the time in the world! Love you Christopher!!!
Hey Brother
With out question you have deeply touched my life and the lives of my family. You are a great inspiration and influence. I admire you and appreciate your wisdom and influence. Love you always Rick
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