Fete Lifestyle Magazine August 2016 Heroes Issue | Page 33

It wasn’t until I was older, into my college years, that I came to understand what once seemed embarrassing was actually invaluable. I am so thankful I came to this realization while he was still around because only then did our relationship flourish from Grandpa/Granddaughter to the best friendship I’ve ever known.

His no-holds-barred enthusiasm for my interests and

success helped me to develop the self confidence I

have today. Confidence and optimism have been

cited by countless authors and other experts

as crucial to success in anything we do. And

while we must all do some self-work to

develop these attributes, I believe a

big part of it is the people we

surround ourselves with and

the people we’re sometimes

blessed to have placed in

our life.

When I have

moments of self

doubt, it’s his voice

I try to channel in my

head, because I know

he’d squash them. He’d lift

me up and remind me that I am

capable. That driving force in my life

has steered the course not only for my

success, but how I’ve responded to failures

as well.

It’s been almost 7 years exactly since I held him in

my arms as he left this life, and it’s hard to believe so

much time has passed. I hear his voice louder than ever

cheering me on. And I feel his presence with every triumph,

saying with a smile “I told ya.” For me, that’s the impact of a hero;

a guiding presence that never leaves you, no matter where life’s journey takes you.

In memory of my Grandfather Warren R. Dolan: October 14, 1925 - August 11, 2009, my forever hero.