Salut!

[Mistwalker]

I will never understand why we idolize sports stars and celebrities so much when there are real role models around us everyday.

We have all been through grinders but I was blessed to have loving parents and a safe home for refuge.

While I pains me to know what you faced, I am proud of how you managed to rise above the challenge. You are a good man and a wonderful father. God Bless.

Bill

Thanks Bill.

I have always felt the same way. My heroes in life were my grandfather, my father, my uncles, and close friends all of whom were veterans who had truly seen hell on earth in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. They were good people, and good mentors for me. At times I would think back and remember the stories they shared, and remember seeing in their eyes in the silent moments the stories they did not share. Those moments gave me the strength to push forward and to resist turning to a life of crime living on the streets, and the drive to rise above where my life had fallen to. I am very thankful to have had those guys in my life at an early age.

 

[Fiddleback Outpost]

I will never understand why we idolize sports stars and celebrities so much when there are real role models around us everyday.

^^^ This ^^^

When I think of my heroes, I think about the people that are the best at what they do. People that have taken a job, an art, whatever it may be and raised the bar on it for others. I don't care what they do. They could be a garbage man, a teacher, a musician, an electrician, a corporate CEO, or a craftsman like Andy. In my mind, these people are on a constant journey to master their craft, yet they are already so far beyond anyone else it seems as if they are on their own planet. The unison of passion and talent yield a constantly-evolving level of achievement that is not only inspiring but sobering.

Well written OP by Brian. Very good for some self-reflection...

 

[madhatta]

It is not DNA that determines family, it is our actions and the action of those we meet. To me, other than my daughters, my only family share no DNA with me at all, and I have absolutely no use for anyone left living who does.

Totally agree. When asked about my family situation, I respond that although it is disheartening and painful, they are the ones who have shown their true nature, and why would I ever want to associate with anyone like that again or have them in my life at all. I have to remind myself of this occasionally, as my mind sometimes wants some sort of answer or explanation for why things have happened or why people have acted they way they have.

Thanks again for your willingness to share and I have a lot of respect and admiration for the way you have worked through the great difficulties life threw your way.