Heroes
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 7:00AM Last week I was cruising home soothing my news junkie DTs by listening to NPR when I heard an amazingly touching interview with author Brad Meltzer.
Known for his mystery/thriller books, Meltzer started writing a book eight years ago after his first son was born. He was slowly creating a list of people he felt were heroes.
Miep Gies, Dr. Suess, Meltzer’s mother, Mother Teresa, Dan West, Jim Henson, Roberto Clemente, and more. The book is called Heroes for my Son.
It was heart-warming listening to him discuss the process by which he wrote his first non-fiction book. He took his true talents and applied them to a noble cause…to instill in his children the knowledge that no matter who you are, you hold within yourself the ability to impact lives in a positive, forceful way.
I drove past my home and went straight to the book store. Later that night I started reading the book to my kids.
It forces you to engage them, explain to them why things were the way they were. Why a black man was sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit in Mississippi. Why Anne Frank and her family had to hide for so long from the Nazis. Why giving away everything you have to help others can be so rewarding.
How the simplest act of doing what you believe is right can sometimes impact the lives of three….sometimes millions.
The journey of a parent is always changing, filled with twists, unknowns, and lots of stiff drinks.
When your kids are babies you instill the basics of life…walking, making sure they don’t choke on their food, and the glorious pooping in the toilet trick.
A little later it’s “no biting,” “we don’t use our hands for hitting,” and “it’s not OK to run around the neighborhood naked.”
Lately for me, it’s clear that I’m now entering the phase of molding a young man and woman’s mind. I’m guiding the creation of a person, their beliefs, their decision-making process, and the impact they make on society.
Praising diversity, instilling respect for those who’ve laid the foundation for the spoils of today, and listening to the questions, comments, and responses from my children along the way – that’s what I’ve spent the past few nights doing as we read this book.
It’s why I bought it. Because I was so thankful for the creation of a tool that would allow me to engage my kids in conversations surrounding the ideals and beliefs my wife and I hold so strongly and have always wanted them to learn.
The last page of the book allows you to write the last chapter of the book – a chapter about your hero.
I plan to leave it blank for now. And years from now, use that space to explain to my children why each of them are my heroes.
Brad Meltzer, Dan West, Dr. Suess, Miep Gies, Mother Teresa, daughter, hero, reading, son
Reader Comments (10)
Wonderful post, Justin. Some times I wonder if I'm having any impact at all on my children, or if they just are who they are. But then I remember the influence my parents and other mentors have had on me. So, I keep trying to broaden their scope, and mold and guide them, while still allowing them to be who God made them to be. Will definitely be checking that book out. You're my hero! :p
How awesome! I need to get that book. Sounds like the same values I'd love for my children to grow with.
Very inspiring and thoughtful post. Already put that book on reserve at the library. Thanks for telling us about it.
That's a lovely sentiment at the end of this blog. I look at my own kids this way sometimes, as well. In some ways I think we learn more from them than they do from us. Keep up the great work and please...stop crying:)
Dana
www.evolutionofdad.com
He is a regular on our local Rock station in the morning and he was in last week to talk about this book. Sounds incredible. I keep meaning to hop on Amazon and get it, and will do that right now. Thanks for the reminder!
I was dry eyed until the last line.
Wait, it's NOT ok to run around the neighborhood naked? Uh oh.
Seriously. I'm buying the book.
Great post!
Wow, great post. Will definitely be heading out to get the book. I often thought the baby/toddler stage was the tough stuff and am now beginning to realize that the big life lessons are starting now. Love this stage where the kids start to engage in real dialogue!
I loved this post. I am used to your witty banter and off the cuff humor but this post really showed your true love for your children and your position as not just their dad, but their teacher in life.
Kudos to you!