Legacy

"You will be different, sometimes you'll feel like an outcast, but you'll never be alone. You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son." Superman to Jason. 

Today is the 10 year anniversary of my father's death. Every year around this time it is inevitable that I become slightly depressed.  Who wouldn't? It is a day that changed my life. It's the day I lost my father. A day that will forever affect me, whether I realize it or not. 

This year is different. I have grown so much, and experienced so many things. It has been a year of enlightenment. I have grown to know who I really am, and that it is because of my father I am this way. He was a good man. The best I've ever known. If I could grow to be half as wise, smart, caring, and good as him. I will have achieved everything I've ever hoped for. 

He was everything to me. Of course, like all fathers and sons we had our differences. It wouldn't be natural to not. He always pushed me to do better. He taught me to play basketball, and he taught me well. He kept me active in boy scouts, sat in on wrestling practice, encouraged me when I couldn't get a song on the sax just right, practiced football with me, came to every sporting event, every scout meeting, and above all else was always a good role model. 

I've always felt like I would never live up to the expectations he had for me. Or even mine for that matter. I know he watches me, and sees the man I've become. Just as when I was a kid, I watched and learned from the man he was. I am growing into the man he was. In essence, his strength has become mine. 

Since he's been gone I've come to realize that it is my responsibility to carry on his legacy. It is my honor, as his son, to do so. If I can influence people around the way he did, and teach them to be good. I could actually succeed in making a difference. Carrying on his lessons is my way to pay it forward. 

Many people have said similar things, but Eminem strikes me most. "instead of mourning your death, I'd rather celebrate your life. Elevate to new heights.." From now on, this day will be the celebration of a good man. It will be a reason for me to be happy. Happy that I was blessed with such an amazing role model, a day to remember my father, to remember the things he taught me, to remind myself to stay on track, to honor my father's name the only way I know how, and that is to try each and every day to be like him.