“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
― William Arthur Ward
Pride can come in many forms: it can be pride in something you created, a piece of art, pride in an institution, a sport club or country, and pride in a faith or belief. However, the most powerful pride comes from that we hold in a loved one. Being able to say you are proud of a person because of who they are is truly an empowering bond. On the other side, to hear that someone you hold dear to you is proud of you is an uplifting experience. A common form of intense pride is found in the eyes of a young child looking at their parent. A father is beyond reproach; his words are Holy Scriptures for the young son who is held transfixed by his mesmerizing stature. Unfortunately, I grew up without a father and although I do not fault him for his absence, but it was never easy to find a male role model (and I blame this on no one) whilst being reared by three women. The man I eventually fixed my childish admiration on never sought my affections yet once they were fixed on him he never pushed them away. Over time, as I learnt more about this man, his accomplishments and his character, I unapologetically followed his example and allowed myself to be inspired by his actions. This man is my grandfather.
My grandfather began as a journalist in Mexico and England; from there he braved the turbulent waters of politics. He began working alongside some great names in Mexican politics, and was seen as their equal. When he earned the governorship of Chiapas (my families native state) the people loved him. What he did for the state of Chiapas is still appreciated by not only those who remember him, but by those who where not even under his governorship. I say this, not from what he, or my family tells me, but from when I visit Chiapas and hear about him from those who have no reason to say he was a great man other than honesty. In his political career he walked amongst giants and put them in their place; I am proud to say I am of his blood.
Beyond his accomplishments, he is a genuinely good man. He has a strong sense of morality, and is a viciously loyal family man. He is incredibly clever and a spectacular teacher. Since I was a boy he supported me with anything I needed and he didn’t need a “teaching opportunity” to teach, because he is the embodiment of virtue. Not having a father, I struggled to find a constant male role model, and he was always there. I have not been devoid of male inspiration, my two older cousins have been a source of influence, however my grandfather has been a constant, strong figure in my upbringing. He never tried to replace the fatherly role, yet has taught me more about what growing up means, and has greatly influenced me in how I want to be when I reach adulthood. He is truly a great man. In every sense, in him I see the embodiment of an honest, true political figure, I see a loving family man, and I see a man who sticks to his convictions and is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. Most importantly, he does is not a teacher, he is a man of action, he lives his beliefs and demonstrates his values, he is someone to emulate. From this man I have learnt a lot, but I have been inspired to do more.
One final note.. Patro, if you are reading this; there is little else to say, you have been a constant pillar of inspiration in my life and taught me many valuable lessons. No matter how much fancy diction I include, there is only one thing I wish to say. Thank you. For showing me what honor is, for teaching me how to be a man of state, and mostly for simply being the way you are. Happy birthday
― William Arthur Ward
Pride can come in many forms: it can be pride in something you created, a piece of art, pride in an institution, a sport club or country, and pride in a faith or belief. However, the most powerful pride comes from that we hold in a loved one. Being able to say you are proud of a person because of who they are is truly an empowering bond. On the other side, to hear that someone you hold dear to you is proud of you is an uplifting experience. A common form of intense pride is found in the eyes of a young child looking at their parent. A father is beyond reproach; his words are Holy Scriptures for the young son who is held transfixed by his mesmerizing stature. Unfortunately, I grew up without a father and although I do not fault him for his absence, but it was never easy to find a male role model (and I blame this on no one) whilst being reared by three women. The man I eventually fixed my childish admiration on never sought my affections yet once they were fixed on him he never pushed them away. Over time, as I learnt more about this man, his accomplishments and his character, I unapologetically followed his example and allowed myself to be inspired by his actions. This man is my grandfather.
My grandfather began as a journalist in Mexico and England; from there he braved the turbulent waters of politics. He began working alongside some great names in Mexican politics, and was seen as their equal. When he earned the governorship of Chiapas (my families native state) the people loved him. What he did for the state of Chiapas is still appreciated by not only those who remember him, but by those who where not even under his governorship. I say this, not from what he, or my family tells me, but from when I visit Chiapas and hear about him from those who have no reason to say he was a great man other than honesty. In his political career he walked amongst giants and put them in their place; I am proud to say I am of his blood.
Beyond his accomplishments, he is a genuinely good man. He has a strong sense of morality, and is a viciously loyal family man. He is incredibly clever and a spectacular teacher. Since I was a boy he supported me with anything I needed and he didn’t need a “teaching opportunity” to teach, because he is the embodiment of virtue. Not having a father, I struggled to find a constant male role model, and he was always there. I have not been devoid of male inspiration, my two older cousins have been a source of influence, however my grandfather has been a constant, strong figure in my upbringing. He never tried to replace the fatherly role, yet has taught me more about what growing up means, and has greatly influenced me in how I want to be when I reach adulthood. He is truly a great man. In every sense, in him I see the embodiment of an honest, true political figure, I see a loving family man, and I see a man who sticks to his convictions and is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. Most importantly, he does is not a teacher, he is a man of action, he lives his beliefs and demonstrates his values, he is someone to emulate. From this man I have learnt a lot, but I have been inspired to do more.
One final note.. Patro, if you are reading this; there is little else to say, you have been a constant pillar of inspiration in my life and taught me many valuable lessons. No matter how much fancy diction I include, there is only one thing I wish to say. Thank you. For showing me what honor is, for teaching me how to be a man of state, and mostly for simply being the way you are. Happy birthday