My dad
Today is my dad’s 78th birthday. Lee Balentine was born June 22, 1933. He passed away December 23, 1977. That makes 44 years, 6 months and 1 day.
August 28, 2008 was a day that passed with a lot of thought and reflection. That was 44 years, 6 months and 2 days following my birth. Work backwards and you can figure it all out. 🙂
To this day, I still get people who ask if I’m Lee’s son. To this day, I can still go just about anywhere in the country and run into someone I know or who knew him.
That’s something my dad would do.
As the story goes, he stepped off a plane onto the tarmac somewhere in Germany. Before too long, someone yells out “Dynamite!” (That was his boxing nickname.) What are the chances of running into someone half a world away?
It’s because he put a big value on relationships. They weren’t superficial. They weren’t about him. They were about the other person. That’s how he left his mark.
How you will leave you leave your mark?
Happy Birthday dad. Although you’ve been gone a long time, you still left us an example on how to make relationships today. Love you!
Oh, by the way dad, you’ve got some really cool grandchildren. They each have their own abilities and talents. And your son- and daughter-in-law are taking care of your kids very well. We’re all trying to look after mom. Some of us don’t do so great of a job. Others are right in the thick of things.
She’s still got some spunk but she misses you too.
Although it will be nice to reunite, we’re in no rush to see you.
Tweet
Is there the echo of, “take your time, but hurry up”?
Nice post, Dynamite (Jr)
I like it! You may be the first to call me that. It’s an honor.
After reading this wonderful tribute this quote came to mind. “Preach the gospel and if necessary use words.”
Your life is a living tribute to your father. There is no greater gift.
Patty, I would hope so. I have a lot to tell him and catch him up on.
There’s something to be said for our character. I was only 13 when he passed. Yet, I have had so many people tell me how much I resemble him, not just in looks but in actions, sense of humor and talents. I’m not bragging. Just stating the facts. So was I born with these traits that are similar to his? Or have they developed over the years?
David – I would have responded on my phone earlier but it is not cooperating with me right now. Thanks for the link buddy – I will certainly do the same at the right time for you. I had never seen a picture of your dad before (you look just like him) and it is a great story you share today – the shadow that we each cast – may it be a good one.
Brandon, the fact that you are here reading is awesome. That you take time to respond, well, that’s a different level. I cannot adequately express my gratitude.
My dad and I are so similar on many levels, some of which I’m sure I haven’t begun to understand.
David,
Wonderful testament to your Dad, thank you for sharing! Turning 40 was a big deal for me. We lost my Dad when he was 39.
And, as with a mutual friend of ours, that has always made me keenly aware of how precious and precarious the time we have is. I’m pretty sure Dynamite would be proud of the mark you are making.
🙂 Thanks Mike. Not that I’m worried about the mark I’m making, but my kids are watching just like I watched my dad. It has a profound affect on who they become and how they might teach their kids.
David, keep on writing. You will learn more from it than we will. And in doing so, you will be a better Father than if you had not written.
When a man (or woman) sets to help others, it’s an amazing compensation that we can not help others without also helping ourselves.
PS. Meant no disrespect in calling you Dynamite (Jr). In fact, it was meant a a compliment. Sorry if it backfired. I know how forgiving you are, so I’ll be alright.
Jeff,
I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner to your original comment. ZERO disrespect taken. Only the HIGHEST of honor. 🙂
Whew! Thanks. Good morning from Iowa.