As I drafted a future Blog, I couldn’t help but notice the negative slant that flowed freely from my thoughts. An unpleasant reminder of my father’s mindset in his final days, months, possibly years preceding his untimely death late last year. It was hard not to notice the gray cloud that hovered over an otherwise positive man.
You see, my father was self-made and a go-getter as a young man. Bullet-proof, resilient, and persistent in his endeavors. Rewarded through his accomplishments with a growing confidence and self-pride, the bi-product of a strong mind with the ability to turn dreams into reality.
Later years were less kind, as he was a victim of a down economy and one business venture too many. These years proved difficult, yet looking back, I don’t recall words less than positive spoken from his mouth. We children graduated and moved on in life; to college, marriage, the armed forces, and business. We were supported through words of encouragement and love easily recognizable through his actions and emotions.
My father gauged his success through the growth of those around him, not through the collection of objects with little or no intrinsic value. He succeeded at moving us forward in our lives, while simultaneously losing his empire. An empire conceived over time by a man with the wherewithal to see the project through. An empire now replaced with life’s next journey; a journey he welcomed with open arms and the renewed vision of a dreamer.
With the spirit and enthusiasm exemplary of his early years, my father grew another company until falling victim to yet another down turn in the economy, our present-day recession. The mental anguish was insurmountable clouding his thoughts with fear for what the future may or may not offer. No longer the resilient bullet-proof young man, my father succumbed to a massive heart attach at the age of 69 carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
All too often our dreams for tomorrow provide today‘s hope, to realize these dreams we must first live today! One day, I too hope to make an impact and have a positive influence such as my father. In the meantime, I cannot think of a better day to live than today!
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Mike, sharing your thoughts about your Dad are part of the grieving process… still very fresh for you (and your family). You were lucky to have a great father that gave you a good outlook on life and the foundation on which you now “stand”. Thanks for sharing your Dad with us….
My father was a good man and my hero! Thank you for your kind words.