My mom's father is an idol to me
the man survived the dust bowl, the depression, Taking a Shrapenal wound to the Head, being Burned over various parts of his body trying to put out a fire in the Bomber he flew in, a Bailout over Hostile Romania while German fighter pilots continued shooting at the plane and the men as they were bailing out, over a week in hiding while trying to make it to Italy, and being held in a POW camp in Romania
He was fortunate to become friends with the Princess of Romania whom brought him and a few hundred others food, and medical supplies while the rest of her country was in dire need of them too. When I was really young she came to visit my Grandparents and was very kind in giving my grandfather and a few others an Award for surving in the camp under harsh health conditions. It brought out emotion I never witnessed in him till then and have not seen in most people since then.
My Grandfather was kind, and taught me many things about life which didn't sink in or become evident till I got older. He taught me the true meaning of sports and what they can do for the human spirit and guided me into a love of basketball and running that I didn't live into until I reached highschool...Unfortunately he died 2 weeks after my 8th b-day. Every time I look at the poster print of some Runners who look like my running idols it brings a smile to my face that he saw in me an interest that later turned into a passion
He's an idol that many would be lucky to have, for me I count my blessings everyday that someone who died so long ago continues to make a difference in my life today
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