"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy." Martin Luther King, Jr.
3 years ago today my father-in-law Dan passed away. I was in the room at the moment he died, and so this is a day that will forever be etched in my memory. Although this might seem somber, it is my way of remembering him and celebrating his life. I want to share with you 3 examples of Dan's character.
- Dan was a pilot in the air force during the Vietnam war. He performed many heroic acts during this time, but the one that won him the distinguished flying cross, is a true representation of his bravery and compassion. During the war, a US Fort was under heavy enemy fire and all supply chains had been cut off. The fort was running low on supplies and would be soon overtaken, if it could not resupply its ammo. Given the high risk of the mission, the commander asked for volunteers to fly over the battle zone and drop supplies on the crippled fort. 7 captains volunteered for the mission, including Dan. During the mission, 7 cargo planes entered the war zone, but only 3 came out. Dan, not only saved the lives of those in the fort, but he also piloted his plane in a manor for which he saved all the lives of his crew.
- As a manager Dan was once asked by one of his employers to fire one of his employees. He was not satisfied with their reasons and refused to do so because the man had a family to take care of. Dan was warned if he didn't fire the man he would be demoted. That is indeed what happened because Dan stood firm in his beliefs.
- Dan's last 9 months were spent in and out of hospitals and he was always, always polite to the doctors, nurses, and anyone who took care of him. He made sure to say "please" and "thank you" and he never complained. As a family we would pray for his healing, but Dan would always just pray that God's will be done. When Dan was told he had a week to live he took the news courageously. He told us was happy to be able to go home and thankful for the opportunity to have hospice care.
We still miss you Dan.
4 comments:
That is so sweet and very touching. He sounds like an honorable man and what a way to honor his memory. That was beautiful.
Okay, I am bawling right now and the chills on my arms won't go away. Andrea, that was so touching. Dan is smiling down on you and is so proud of you. He really was a great man. My mom would tell me about how courageous he was in his suffering and how accepting he was of it all. I can't believe it's been 3 years already. I remember how beautiful the funeral was and all the kind things his family and friends had to say about him.
What a beautiful way to honor him Andrea. The old saying is really true, "You preach your own funeral." If you are the kind of person that he was then he preached a darn good one!
That is so sweet about Uncle Dan. I know he was a great man and I only wish I had been able to know him, but you and Jason and David and Aunt Pat are a lasting tribute to the kind of man he was and I know he is so proud of all of you.
PS: I put up a new post!
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