You know, I am in a strange predicament. You see, I have this wonderful wife created from the stuff of love, and a beautiful seven-year old daughter that is the absolute light of my life. I love it when I am in a checkout line and some one turns to me and says, “what a beautiful granddaughter you have”. I have to agree. At the ripe old age of fifty-seven, I am more than happy to be both grandpa and daddy to her. I am living the life of dreams, travelling all over the world, teaching, consulting, meeting folks from every walk of life. Hey, this life is just plain delicious.
And yet, the rebel in me just won’t quit. As a child shaped by the 1960’s I don’t know if I will ever give that rebel up. This is one persistent dude, like his father, the one he always had the nerve to rebel against. But as luck would have it this rebel has become as persevering, as ornery, and least likely to back down from what he believes. Sounds like his father.
And here I am teaching people how to live into the ethics of care, service and love. And I have to ask my old, rebel self, “where did I get this from, this persistence, this need for service and care and love? What am I missing here? Why do I carry a little writing pad (like my father did) around with me and take countless notes as ideas literally explode into me?”
Why do I wish to extend a hand to people, share the abundance, always (God willing) to serve the guest? Where in the world did all this come from? Well, you know, I raise my non-alcoholic glass to you Dad.
I have to hold this picture inside my heart of this vibrant, energetic, raucous, smiling character who gave me a roof, a meal, a room, who fought me tooth and nail at times, who tried everything he could to make me into a man who could stand on his feet, upright and never back down from the indecencies and conflicts that would come my way.
You know, I have to acknowledge that you did set me on the path Dad. I may have fought you. You were a worthy opponent and will continue to be as we carry the family legacy forward. I have you inside of me, and because of you and what you have passed down to me, I will never kowtow to dogma or injustice as long as I carry your name in my breast. Love you Dad. Always will. Always.