Friday, May 3, 2013
We are all reflections of the people who came before us. I stand here today hoping I will leave the same impression on the world that my father is leaving with us today.
Growing up my dad was my hero, everything I ever wanted to be. He was strong.....I remember as a young boy he would load logs onto trucks that were so big, I thought he was Hercules...Remember when we were kids and we'd say - My dad is stronger than your Dad - well - HA - my Dad always was.... He was handsome, fearless..... my Mother made the home and hugged us when we cut our knees, but my father was the mortar, cement and foundation of our home. He was our rock. When times were hard like this, he would carry us through it.
I remember being really young waving goodbye to him each morning from the window when we lived on Franklin Turnpike. I wanted to be just like him. As I got older, my happiest days with my father were days I went to work with my him - he let me shift the gears in the trucks he drove, he taught me to identify trees at a very young age, which he was so proud of. Learning all he loved, and all he was passionate about. I wanted to absorb all the knowledge he had. People say working with family is hard, and there is truth to that. I didn't get any breaks from him and he never made it easy for me. He never let me cut corners. He held me accountable and made me responsible. He made me start from the bottom, and while I wasn't happy then, and I had trouble understanding why, 20 years later it makes all the sense in the world and it has made me the man I am today. I am so grateful for the countless hours I spent with him and would not change it for the anything.
My father was never prouder than to watch his children excel on the field playing sports. He loved to watch us and he always made time to be there and was our biggest fan. I remember tearing down a soccer field, all out, running as hard as I could to score a goal, and all I would hear is my father's booming voice, above all others, above the noise - Go Derek, Go!
My father - as strong, as handsome and as fearless as he was - his biggest attribute in life was his incredible heart. He was always helping someone in need, whether it be a stranger on the side of the road with a flat tire, or a family who couldn't afford a Christmas tree during the holidays. He also donated the time of his crew, equipment and himself to countless charities throughout his 38 years of being in business. It is no wonder that in the last week so many people have told me he was their best friend. His passion will continue to inspire me, those who knew him and those he touched.
Seasons may change, times may change. Buds will break and leaves will fall. But some things remain the same. My father was a TITAN AMONG MEN. He will be remembered... greatly admired and sorely missed by many people.
Every time I identify a tree, start a chainsaw... you will be right there with me. Two hands on the saw, don't hit the dirt, right Dad? I will be forever thankful for the time we had to share. I only wish God had given us a little more so I could say goodbye and that I love you. Thank you Dad for all you've sacrificed for me.
Even in your death, at the lowest point of my life, lessons are learned. You offered me one last bit of fatherly advice I will take to my grave. People are important. You can't take the people you love for granted. Time is too precious and life is too short. Love long. You never get too old to hug your father and tell him that you love him. I am sorry that it took this for me to understand that.
Everyone take this to heart. It is a hard lesson learned. Let the lessons I learned from this tragedy be a beacon of hope for everyone.
I am heartbroken Dad, the unrepairable kind, and I will miss you every day. I am so proud to have a son to carry on your name. I will strive to be a man you would be proud of. You will always be alive in our hearts. Until we meet again.
