My Dad Still Wears the Cape
Growing up I had heroes.
Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
They were larger-than-life characters who transported my young mind to a place where truth, justice, and the pursuit of goodness prevailed over the darkness.
I needed those heroes.
Something to believe in.
Someone to believe in.
A picture of what was possible.
Fast forward some 50-plus years and I still believe.
In fact, now more than ever, I think we need heroes.
Those who are larger than life’s problems.
Those who are willing to pursue goodness and do great things.
Those who aspire to model excellence.
I don’t have to look any further than my dad.
At 81 years young, he still wears the cape.
As a young boy, I watched him care for my mother and take care of us.
For 34 years he helped my mom who lived a troubled life.
But he never quit.
Never wavered.
He was loyal and committed to the end of her life.
As an adult, I have watched my hero care for my stepmother.
For 28 years a faithful companion as she conquered cancer four times, endured multiple strokes, and for more than a decade now she has lived with Parkinson’s.
And there he is.
By her side.
As always.
Modeling character in its most true and pure form.
My dad was a sailor in the United States Navy.
A proud veteran with a strong will.
A hero’s hero who instilled so much into my young mind as a child.
Mostly by what he did more than what he said.
Most of which I didn’t understand at the time.
Modeling is the most powerful of all teachers.
Growing up my dad taught me the 5 Hs to a great life.
He didn’t call them the 5 Hs but that is what they have become to me all these years later.
Guiding principles to a good life.
I’d like to share them with you.
Honor: Your word is your bond he would say. Don’t tarnish the family name. If you put your name on it, do it with excellence. Finish the work you start.
Humility: In victory and defeat, hold your head up. Win with pride, not arrogance. Always be a good sport. In defeat, hold your head up knowing you gave your best that day. Go back to work. Get better, stronger, and smarter. Then get back into the arena.
Humanity: Treat others the way you want to be treated. You don’t know what others are going through. Be kind and gentle. Do right instead of trying to be right. Show compassion and love even when it’s hard and the other person doesn’t deserve it.
Humor: Laughter is the elixir for the soul. Find the funny in everyday things. Don’t take yourself so seriously.
Health: This life is not a dress rehearsal. We get one shot. Take care of yourself. You cannot possibly be your best for others if you are falling apart. Mind, body, and spirit are to be developed, guarded, and nourished.
These are most certainly important truths for building a great life. I cannot say that I have mastered any of them fully. But as a work in progress, I am grateful for the targets he gave me to aim for.
My dad showed me what right looks like. And when the storms of life are billowing, his wisdom is like a lighthouse that guides me safely into port.
Thank you, Dad.
And to every father…your cape is showing.
Enjoy reading Kevin’s newsletter? Forward it to your friends and colleagues with a recommendation they subscribe as well. Here is the subscription link.
Kevin D. Brown is a branding and culture expert. He’s an award-winning motivational speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of The Hero Effect®. Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.