My mentor, friend, and paternal guide in life, "RH".

- who sees our strengths above our weaknesses (a rose among thorns, so to speak)… 
- who encourages us to walk taller in the midst of life’s struggles… 
- who teaches us to be accountable and to take responsibility for our actions, words, and deeds.

They share a kindred bond with you - either be it by faith, a similar upbringing, a sickness, or a past experience.

We all have them. 

——

I have him...

- a friend…
- a mentor…
- a paternal guide in life.

Our relationship - his legacy - began with a firm hand.

“Son, allow me to give you some advice on how a gentleman treats a lady”, he said as he cupped his right hand around the back of my neck…squeezing, albeit softly, to get my undivided attention.

His sage advice was given right after horse-playing around with his daughter, in church of all places.

I will never forget that first interaction with him.

And he immediately gained my fearful respect.

——

As I hold his hand today - the same one that taught me a gentleman’s lesson years ago - he is teaching me, now, that whatever life throws at us, we do have a choice in how we respond: we can rely on God’s strength and walk, head up, through the struggle. Or we can cower in fear and give up.

He is a perfect example described in one of Oswald Chambers’ writings:

“The reason we are going through the things we are is that God wants to know whether he can make us good bread with which to feed others. The stuff of our lives, not simply of our talk, is to be the nutrient of those who know us”.

My friend’s life is the right “stuff”. 

He is my “nutrient”. 

His legacy is fastened in my heart and mind, forevermore.

Yet, in my weaknesses and shortcomings...

- He saw my strengths…
- He encouraged me daily…
- He taught me how to be accountable and take responsibility in all my actions.

Not only do I still give him my fearful respect, which he deserves, I give him my love … loyalty … and friendship.

We will always be kindred spirits and share the bond of our faith, background, and even cancer.

# # #