Just a glimpse

There are days when I get a glimpse of the man I'd like to be. Of men that make me proud, proud of who they are, of what they do, of the effect they have had in the lives of the people around them. Forgive me if I'm repeating myself when I tell these stories - if I have ever told you a story in person than I've probably told it to you more than once. There are two men that stick in my memory - men I've never met - men I've never seen. I don't know their names, I don't know them. They could be total losers - but somehow I don't think so. I would like to shake their hands, look them in the eye and tell them thank you - thank you for being the man that you are. You have been an overheard example, an unseen inspiration.

The first story starts in a doctor's office - I'm waiting to be called back, I've exhausted all the reading material within reach, and now am pretending to read an Better Homes and Gardens issue dealing with sun rooms and drapes - I never see these magazines anywhere else only in waiting rooms. I'm pretending to read because the conversation of the nurses is much more interesting than window treatments. It seems that someones son is away at college, classes are tough, but is making friends. She is asked if he's still dating so and so. "Yes" she replies - "just like his father - a one woman man"

Just like his father - a one woman man. Nothing huge, nothing large, just a quiet compliment. And that is when I knew that I wanted to be that sort of man. I am proud of him - this one woman man - of both of them - father and son. These one woman men. It has kind of stuck with me these last few years.

I've since met lots of men that have and do inspire me in this vein. Last night as I read a strangers blog I caught another glimpse of the man I'd like to be someday - again I do not know this man, I do not know his daughter. I've never met either of them, and I'm proud of them both.

I don't pretend to know any of the parties involved here - all I can say is that their examples - the fathers, and mothers - the sons and daughters - have spilled out of their lives into mine.



Thank You. You inspire and encourage more than you know.