Everyone has a role model or two who they desire to be like with almost everything they have. Someone they can watch and learn from to become the humans they wish to be, someone they can mimic to surpass difficult or troublesome situations in everyday life. And regardless of whether they want to or not, many people will learn at least some of their social and moral traits from their parents, whether it's just one or both of them, depending upon that situation as it exists. Like most, however, I would like to single out my father for having been the primary source and carrier of the traits I hope to one day develop, because my father IS my hero.
My dad is a prime example of the term "Nothing worth having comes easy." He has fought for every dollar he's made, every award he has earned and taken everything he's had, given it to his family, and expected nothing but gratefulness in return. He spoiled my siblings and myself like crazy every Christmas, so we always had a fun holiday season. He did everything he could so we could play the sports we wanted with all the new gear, wear the nicest new clothes to school everyday and keep our tummies full of the finest food he had to offer (partial credit to my mom for being such an amazing cook). He has been and always will be the most caring, generous and respectful individuals I've ever had the pleasure to even be around, because that is just who he is as a person.
Ever since I was a little boy and my father would flex his arms, showing little me how big and tough he was, I have always wanted to be as tough as he is. But I didn't realize at that young age how strong my father was mentally. About half a year ago, my father was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. My grandma had also had it for many years of her life, so he knew it was hereditary and took a few precautions to prevent it from happening to himself, but alas, he was diagnosed still. He knew something was wrong with him in the months before diagnosis, and started taking precautions and better care for himself. In the following months, he had lost over 40 pounds, thanks to his amazing dietary habits and passion for running. As a matter of fact, I surprised him earlier today by driving to Denver at 4 AM to cheer him on as he finished his 2nd half marathon ever, in just under 2 hours time. It absolutely amazes me what my father does, everyday of his life, so he can spend as much time on this earth with his family as he can, and at the pace he's going, He'll be 96 years young, sitting by the pool at his Tempe, Arizona home while listening to a strange combo of yacht rock and good ol' Van Halen and talking 90's Wyoming Cowboy football until your ear falls off.
Nobody's role model has to be their mother or father, but when you have a dad like mine, I'm not sure why the hell you wouldn't think of him as your role model. I hope I can be half the man my father ever is. He's an honest talker, a caring parent, a pleasureful businessman and the best father I could ever ask for. Thank you for being the man I want to be. I love you, Dad.
