My Hero

Everybody has got a hero. Mahatma Ghandi. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Spiderman. They’re all fine folks.

But they ain’t got nothing on my dad.

When I was little, I thought my dad was the smartest, funniest, strongest, kindest, greatest guy in the world. He helped me with algebra and told me silly stories and was nice to old people. He ran a business out of the house for a while, but I think it was just a cover so he could stay home with us kids. When we got sick, he would take care of us. When we wanted to know something about, well anything, it seemed like he knew. He cooked us pancakes and always, always, always listened to us.

My dad is probably the most likable person you’ll ever meet. It’s because no matter what, no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, he treats you as if you are important, as if you matter. My dad looks homeless people straight in the eye and asks how they are. If he goes into McDonalds and sees a scruffy guy holding out a change jar, he doesn’t walk past as if he doesn’t see him. He invites him to lunch. My dad sits and listens to other people’s stories without ever taking over the conversation to tell his. Whether the person telling that story is two or ninety-two, he wants to hear what they have to say. He asks questions. He smiles. And he makes them feel like their story is the most interesting one he’s heard all day.

I wish that everyone in my life could meet my dad. I beam with pride when I talk about him. Not because he won a Nobel Prize or competed in the Olympics, but because he is one of the best examples of how to be human.

By watching him, even when maybe he didn’t know I was watching, I have learned a lot. He has taught me how to value others and show it. He has taught me to be fair and honest. He has taught me how to be kind and loving. He has taught me patience and how to take life with an even keel. He has taught me that wealth has nothing to do with money, and that love is for giving away.

When I think about raising my kids, I think about my dad. If they have half of the love and admiration and good thoughts about me as I do for him, I will be ecstatic.

Dad, I just wanted to let you know what you’ve meant to me over the years. I have learned a lot from you and I am still learning. Thanks for all of the lessons.

You’re the greatest.