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Growing up our Dad was our hero. He taught us how to be tough and to stand up
for what we believed in. He always supported us, and he never knew that I would
hear him chuckle when we made mom angry. He would tell her we were just being
boys, and that we meant no harm. He could be strict when he needed to be, but
there was never a man who was prouder of his boys. There was a method to his
madness and if he had to discipline us, it was to teach us a valuable life
lesson. When he got sick he wouldn’t let us help him, or fuss over him. To the
end he was a stubborn and proud man. He needed to maintain his dignity and I
respect him for that. He certainly did pass out of this world with dignity and
grace. Our father raised us to be proud, strong men and although he left some
big shoes to fill, we will try to carry on his legacy. I know that he was proud
of all that we did for ourselves and the families we are raising and providing
for just like he did for us. We hope to instill in our children the values that
their grandfather instilled in us.
Dad always had to work hard for everything he had. He would always say there
is nothing wrong with a long day hard at work making an honest living. His
family was the most important thing to him, and he always made sure we were well
taken care of. Sometimes he would have to work past our bedtimes, but no matter
what time he walked through the door he would always poke his head in and tell
us goodnight. Sometimes we would hear him and sometimes we wouldn’t, but we
always knew he was there. That is what our Dad gave us, a sense of security in a
loving home. He adored our mother and doted on her when he thought we weren’t
looking. We were lucky to have parents that cared so much for one another, and
that cared so much for us. They always made sure we were taken care of and had
everything we needed. My Dad was a caring and sensitive man underneath that hard
exterior.
Dad would do anything for anyone. He hated to see someone down on their luck
or in need of help. He would always help push someone’s car out of the road, or
carry an elderly woman’s groceries. He was a true gentleman and I hope that I
can live up to be even half the man my father was. My father may have left this
world for a better place, but his words of wisdom, and all that he taught us
will never leave. My brothers and I keep him with us daily and remember all he
taught us about being a gentleman. When we were little he hung the moon, and
when we grew up he gave it to us.
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