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.