Reflection & Gratitude

Henry David Thoreau has a way of providing honest and pure perspective that has not only shaped my views, but those of many around the world. In one of his popular works, Walden, he writes of his time at a cabin in the woods regarding both practical and philosophical ideas. Thoreau writes, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

This last year has provided a lifetime worth of reflection on priorities, purpose, and meaning; all of which has led towards a complete paradigm shift. The lens through which I see the world and answer the questions of priorities, purpose, and meaning has been forever altered – in my mind, improved.This is the second greatest gift my father has ever given me.

We have had many discussions, the two of us. Many valuable pieces of advice given over many years, of which some were recognized and some I failed to see the value of until I had learned through my own failure. Time and circumstances have changed the tone, or perhaps they have changed the degree to which I listen. Regardless, the focus on existential concepts, love, fulfillment, success, have become more clear and present. Aristotle begins the Nicomachean Ethics with a question, “What is the good for human beings?” This philosophical question of life is rarely something we focus on, though it has been a loud and relentless question for just over a year now. Aristotle discusses the concept of Eudaimonia as an answer to this question and describes this concept similar to a flourishing plant such that we are “living well and faring well.”

In one of our conversations, sitting in a dimly lit hospital room with intermittent beeps and flashes from infusion pumps, Dad said, “For me you have to mix a balance of real time, real life memories with future success. If you skip one for the other, it is not fulfilling.” (Yes, I take notes on almost everything). While this has certainly impacted the way I am now structuring my life, it also causes me to reflect on Dads time as his conclusion is clearly formed from his experiences.

When I look back at my childhood, at the formative years of developing my own sense of self worth, as I entered a career or took on a new venture, as I entered marriage and became a parent, as I moved into a role caring for an ailing parent – I see his hand prints everywhere. I see the sacrifices made both by the family and for the family. I see the fun, the real time real life memories. Countless days riding dirt bikes, wake boarding across lake pleasant, restoring the mustang, and so many in between. I see the hard work, time traveling for business, disciplined saving and investing, selfless interest in future success for the family. I see local political endeavors, great personal charity and generosity that carries through to today. I see Eudaimonia. I see a flourishing man who deserves to be proud and joyful.

I see a man who has truly lived, a man who is a great example to live up to, a man who was ever present in our lives; leading, encouraging, loving.

And this is it, the single greatest gift my father has ever given me.
The complete and pure love of a proud father.
For this, I am forever grateful.

Knowing how significant this gift is and how dramatically it impacts me, making me feel whole, empowered, and joyful; I wish I could share it with the entire world. Though I know not how to share this with so many, it is my intent to share this with my children so that they may experience something so amazing and beautiful as this.

Dad, I give you my word that I will take all I have learned from you and pour into my children the same love, energy, and pride you invested in me. I will forever strive to make you proud and I will forever love you.

It is my hope, knowing that Dad has personally impacted so many of you who follow this blog, that you too have reflected this past year and have evaluated the priorities of life and your investment in others.  I truly believe that investing in people is one of the greatest gifts we can share and in doing so as a result of Dad investing in you, his legacy will live on forever.

With Hope and Love,

Richard