My Dad was my hero. He never played a sport or lifted a weight. He was raised in the depression and fought in WWII. He came back and got married had two children and put 30 years in an automobile assembly plant. He never saw me lift in a competion or play a sport, he was always working so that I could play. He cleared aplace out in our garage so I could set up my gym and train. He talked about me to his friends like I was an olympic champion,then told me that I am wasting my energy that I should use to work and make money. We weren't rich but were very happy. He got me a job in the 70's at the plant he worked at . I worked there for several years and couldn't imagine how he made it for 30 years without ever complaining.When I became a teacher and took a day off for Mental health he would laugh at me. The man was like Iron, he could out work me, pick up odd objects that would not move for me,and just provide for his family without complaint. The poem I added below reminds me of him and puts the real strength of a man in perspective.
The strength of a man isn’t seen in the width of his shoulders.
It’s seen in the width of his arms that encircle and protect you.
The strength of a man isn’t in the deep tone of his voice.
It is in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn’t in the words he speaks.
It’s in how he keeps his word.
The strength of a man isn’t how many buddies he has.
It’s how good a buddy he is with his or “your” children.
The strength of a man isn’t in how respected he is at work.
It’s in how he is respected at home.
The strength of a man isn’t in how hard he hits.
It’s in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn’t in the hair on his chest.
It’s in the heart . . . that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn’t in how many women he’s loved.
It’s in whether he can be true to the ONE woman he’s trying to love.
The strength of a man isn’t in the weight he can lift.
It’s in the burdens he can carry.
The strength of a man isn’t in how much food he eats from your table.
It’s in the effort he puts forth when you are unable.
The strength of a man isn’t in how he makes love.
It’s in the understanding that there is more to making love. . . than making love.
A strong man puts God first, . . . family second. . . and his work third.
Jacqueline Marie Griffiths
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