He is very modest and one least likely to 'toot his own horn'. In his profession, he has been very 'successful', being at 43 the President and CEO of a major corporation in the US. But, if you were to meet him outside that context and were otherwise unaware, nothing in his demeanor and conversation would be a clue of the position he holds.
And, while his professional accomplishments and stature are 'impressive', what I admire most and am most grateful for is his love and care for his wife, my daughter. During their wedding, I said 'a father can tell when a man is kind to his daughter' which he had already abundantly demonstrated. However, in the past six months, the depth and expressions of his love and caring have been extraordinary.
In the Spring, my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. What a courageous, brave and honest woman she has been throughout those months of unexpected complications . . . during one chemotherapy session, there was a 'leakage' into her hand, resulting in a significant burn.
Her weakened immune system brought on C-dif which (the doctors later told her) came within "an inch" of ending her life. Now, she has had a second onset of shingles to go with the neuropathy in her feet and the 'chemo-confusion' with her memory and thoughts. Occasionally, she and friends have recorded her journey on a CaringBridge Blog. (CaringBridge.org, site Kirstinhoff)
Through all this, my son-in-law without complaint has 'stepped up' and filled many supporting roles. (And, just saying it in that manner seems tame.) On occasions when I have been there, I have seen many evidences of his love for her and their children. Seeing him prepare the children's breakfasts, make their school lunches, check homework, attend to routine tasks around the home, continue to stay abreast of his work responsibilities, all the while being 'rock solid' for her . . . well, I find it difficult to find the words to express my admiration, gratitude and affection.
Recently, she completed her radiation treatment and on the last day, her hospital's staff had a party to mark her milestone. Here is a picture of them leaving the hospital that day:
I am glad that he is "Family"
Satchel
Aging fathers, with married daughters, put pride in sons-in-law above most all other facets of their existence. They often become the sine qua non of our vain grasp for immortality. I'm proud to share with you highest esteem for the husbands we gave our daughters' hands to,...and for the protectors and fathers they have proven themselves to be.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ken. But what's the "aging fathers" part? Hope that you are well.
DeleteLovely, Ron ("Satchel"). I am taking the liberty of reposting.
ReplyDelete