Lawrence J

At 25 years of age, he married a single mom with three young children ages 5,4,3. He adopted the kids within a year and raised them along with the two more that came along 5 and 10 years later. He selflessly worked three jobs for at least twenty years to support his wife and five children. They never wanted for a safe place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear and friendships to cherish. He worked literally from 2 am through to at least 5 pm. He had an additional part-time job care-taking the landscaping of a large estate. When he was younger, he took a couple of fishing trips with some friends. Those were the only trips he took. He never asked for anything, in fact, for his birthdays and Christmas, he sincerely did not want any fuss. His wife was a stay-at-home mom until the youngest child went to school. They took family vacations. The kids were involved in many extra-curricular activities, including soccer, volleyball, band, choir, baton twirling and theater. Their friends enjoyed coming to their home. They were welcomed. He also cared for his parents as they aged, allowing them to remain in their home for additional years. Even after his children were out of sports, he continued to coach soccer for years. He was involved in his church. He attended faithfully even after the kids were raised. He quietly volunteered as an usher for many years, often filling in for a last minute cancellation. Whenever a challenge arose, as they often do in families, he was there to take care of things, helping ease the pain and getting things back to "normal" as soon as possible. When the old normal wasn't possible, he reassured them that the world wold continue under God's will. He has always been a man of few words. He does not toot his own horn - ever. He helped others without even a thought of recognition or remuneration. He gave people jobs when their families were hungry. When he got to working only one job, he continued to support his children, their families and others with a quiet compassion that is so rare. His life has been a model of the American dream - not to have endless monetary riches but rather to have lived a life that positively impacts everyone he came in contact with, especially those lucky enough to be in his family. His youngest son went to both Afghanistan and Iraq to serve the country that he understood was a great one. He rarely asked for anything for himself. Even today, he happily spends his time taking grand-kids to hockey, ballet and lacrosse practice. He loves all babies and they love him. The perfect sleeping place is on his tummy, feeling his heartbeat calms them down. I have never met a more selfless person. My Dad is my everyday Hero. He would not want any attention or recognition and would be embarrassed to have it. Still, I can think of no more deserving person. Thanks Dad..

Submitted by Anonymous

Helping Others