I dont quite know how, but the final scene from this movie always reminded me of my dad and grandpa. I thought I had a firm perspective on things until those events happened. When my dad told everyone to leave the hospital room and for me to remain, I was terrified. As he spoke the last words he ever said to me, all I could think about was not letting him see my fear of losing him. Despite all of the mortal fear he must have felt, he selflessly tried to convince his children to not be afraid and that he was just fine. My father passed away that night. Fast forward 10 years, (and as fate would have it, 15 yards away from my father passed) As I lifted my grandfathers frail body above the hospital bed so the nurse could apply fresh bedding, I remembered the times I sat on his lap as a child and watched John Wayne movies. I remembered how he took me under his wing after my father passed away. As I gave him a fresh shave, I remembered him showing me how to shave my first whiskers. It hit me then like a train...Wow, this is it. This is the natural inverse of life. Some straight up Lion King shit... He was strong until the very end...he kept saying that it wasnt over yet. He fought till his last breath. As I get older, and find that strength deep inside when I need it most... I find myself caring less and less about what insignificant people think. There are a couple people who ridiculed, slandered, and devalued my fathers. The same people who suggested I wear my recently departed fathers suit to his funeral and that I not let my grandpa be an excuse to slip in my college coursework while I pulled emotionally devastating all-nighters in his hospital room. Im not sure what gives them the notion to say that nor how they could feel anywhere near qualified or accomplished enough to comment. Its baffling, but it doesnt matter...because a father lives through his sons. Rest assured, next Fall, I will once again be reminding you of who these men were. When I feel nervous or weary, I find my resolve through them. And, no, Im a long way away from being a perfect man of honor. But, those men make me want to be. Life has a way of figuratively dropping you in the middle of a wolf pack sometimes. Thanks to these two men Ive always known what to do if that happens. Dad and Pa....I miss you now more than ever, and Ill always love you.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:26:49 +0000
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