so a wise man once told: "you could list all the good qualities you think you possess, and it would still mean nothing. it would only matter if those around you see those same qualities..."

yeah, that was my pops. i tend to underestimate how deep my dad can be, but every now and then i experience those moments when i'm reminded of how blessed i am to have him as my patriarch - and i can't even describe how inspiring they are... in ways, i pray that i will grow into such a man as my father, but i know God has created me to be uniquely myself.

my dad shared the above statement while telling me about a class he's been taking for work - a psychology class of sorts. the in-class exercise he had to do was make a list of all the good qualities that comprised him, and that was his response. i guess the instructor was so moved by his answer that he suggested that my dad teach the class. my dad declined... [[some background: my dad was 1 of the few of his siblings who finished high school. but as far as formal education goes, that's as far as he went. he went straight into the navy]]

i strongly believe that wisdom is not learned - it comes from God and life experience. and i believe that my dad's response reflects what God has done in his life and his reverence for God's word. 1 John 3:18 says, "let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth" // in other words in a way where others can see and know our love: the way the Father loves, the way Christ loved on Earth.

you go dad, go!!

now believe it or not. here is Papa Fitzpatrick:

 --->  ?      =P

(i may have to post about my mother now, just in case) HAHAHA.