I got an e-mail this morning from
my friend Victor. He was replying to one
I sent yesterday, asking how he’s doing, what he’s up to. He answered in part, “…trying to be the best father I can to my two little girls…” That statement clicked in my head.
Constantly looking for the best
route, always trying to determine the best actions, to achieve success. Evaluating, adjusting, improving. I think that applies solidly to anyone who
desires to be a good father. I think it
also applies to soldiering. That may
explain Victor’s success during his tours in Iraq.
As Victor put it back then, “…I roll with the Commander…” He went out with his Colonel, to provide
security where the commander would be operating. That particular Colonel was not a fight-the-battle-from-the-command-post
kind of officer. He was out there in the
field, with his people, always. That
mode of operation demands effective security and the leader won’t select a guy
to provide security who is willing to earn a “B-“ for his work!
On a trip to the west coast a
couple of years ago, I met and had dinner with Victor. As we finished, he said, “Well, I gotta’
run. One of my buddies (one of the guys from
his unit in Iraq) is having a few issues (post-tour, trying to re-start his
life issues), and I need to go and make sure he’s ok.” There Victor was, nursing a serious wound to
his hand, courtesy of a Jihadi sniper, and instead of needing people to take care
of him, he was taking care of his buddies.
When my own son’s daughter was
born, I told him that I was really proud of the way he has stepped into the
role of “father”. I’ve told him that several times since, and
now I would like to say the same to Victor.
“…trying to be the best father I
can to my two little girls…” Es un objetivo excelente…an
excellent goal. Estoy muy orgulloso de ti también, mi amigo. (for the gringos: “I am very proud of you too, my friend.”) In a
couple of weeks, as Father’s Day rolls around, think about that.
Y’all take care.
- Mark
 |
Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
|
No comments:
Post a Comment