For me, my hero has always been my Dad. He is an ordinary, hardworking, good man. He always did what he had to to make ends meet in a poor farm family. While we often didn't have the nicer things that my friends had, or go to the fancy places like my friends did, we were safe,warm, and happy.
My Dad never has been a fisherman. In fact, I can't remember him ever personally catching a fish. He took us kids fishing often, but he paddled the canoe, and sat watching and helping us as much as he could. While he has never fished, or hunted, he always has had a great appreciation for the outdoors and the outdoors experience. Often times, while camping, he and I would take a walk through the woods of Minnesota were I was raised, talking and pointing things out as we saw them. Over the years, we have faced many hardtimes, tragedies, and difficulties in much the same way. A walk and quiet conversation.
Dad is a strong man. A good man, who believes in helping others. My whole life, I have seen him reach out to help fellow travelers, neighbors, friends, and even enemies when necessary. He is a leader who commands respect not from his words, but from his actions. Very skilled and knowledgeable at both his profession as well as living life itself, and very wise beyond his years.
Dad is entering the twilight years now, and these past few months have been hard, and difficult for him. I have seen my hero struggle to walk, or even to remember something he knows he knows. While my Hero is more of a man, and less of a legend to me, he is still a hero nonetheless in my eyes. He doesn't feel good enough to go out much right now, but perhaps in a few weeks, I can take him fishing with me. I am sure he will be thrilled that I asked, whether he goes or not.
This Father's Day, my son wants to take me fishing for bass. As I stand along the shores, my mind will surely go back to those memories with my Dad. I hope that I, can make as lasting impression on my son as my Dad has on me.
Take care my friends, enjoy this Father's Day with your families.
Tiny
