The pinnacle of pride… We have all been there–whether for a friend or even just for ourselves–we have all felt the warmth and the dignity of some well-earned pride. Since I started writing, I have felt that peak of pride often, and I wish I could write about all of those who brought me to it, but that is impractical to promise. I can, however, pick out one of the loftiest moments of pride; namely the time a young lady dedicated a singing of the Star-Spangled Banner to me at a public event. It made my heart race for a spell.
But first, I have to make mention of the cutest moment of pride I can recall. There is a police officer friend who has been reading my essays for many years — Officer Edward G. — whose son, Ian G., dressed as me for Halloween trick-or-treating. I never thought such a thing could give me such a swell of pride. Is it just the little things that make the biggest impressions on us? Thank you, my man, Ian, for doing that. Your costume was spot-on and X-ring!
Then there’s this: One of our ardent followers from the Rep, and now the Boxx since I moved here, goes by the handle Whitey. His daughter Alyssa dedicated her rendition of the National Anthem, performed at a public function in her town, to me. I was stunned; I was a statue for the rest of the day after hearing it. I don’t know which of the two came up with the idea to do that but I impart equal credit and grace to both her and her dad.
Alyssa grew up going to school where she learned to sing (she mostly sings at parades and outdoor sporting events), trained in gymnastics, played piano, and ran cross-country as young as 14 years old. Alyssa learned to shoot, and carries a concealed weapons permit.
Today she works as a dispatcher for Classic Air Medical, the same outfit her helicopter-pilot mom flies for. Alyssa loves animals and playing scrabble… and she loves her dashing father — BZ!
There was a time when Whitey came to me with a concern about a company that was reaching out to her for and interview for a position in their company. His suspicion (and hers) led them to ask me to investigate the company. I found they had nothing; no license, no assets, and the address they listed for their office was an abandoned building. Whew, another potential crime thwarted.
Based on that, they dropped all contact with the company and completely turned away from them. Kudos to Whitey for coming to me to help, and kudos to Alyssa for having the awareness to tell her father about the suspicious enterprise. I still feel somewhat elated about how that situation ended up. Cheers, Alyssa and Whitey!
Who are we, we lucky few parents who managed to raise children who in true life are as dreamy as the kids on the TV family sitcom shows? I can blurt without reservation that my kids are the most important thing in my life, and I am positive they would get along swimmingly with most of the readers’ prodigy on this website.
Alyssa had no brother growing up, but she had a fine man raising her. So what if his nickname is Whitey; just be glad it’s not Honkey or Cracker-ass.
By Almighty God and with honor
geo sends
All images courtesy of Mr. Alan Whitey T.
I just saw this.
George thank you from me and mine for the kind words, for checking out the sketchy bastards and for all you’ve done and continue to do.
PS. I have on occasion be called honkey and cracker ass, always terms of endearment I’m sure.
Geo, That’s very cool and heartwarming. I recall the comments about catching onto the scammers or worse for that lovely young lady. Ps if a kid made it through my Haunted Cemetery dressed as you, he’d get a cauldron of full sized candy. JB
It certainly takes a very special and unique person to do something for someone that truly touches the soul; something that is never forgotten. That being said, I believe the actions of such a person would be meaningless if bestowed upon someone who didn’t recognize the beauty of those actions, thus making the recipient also special and unique.
Thank you for sharing this Mr. Hand.
Excellent younglings, they are our hope for the next generation. Thanks Geo.
Geo,
She’s beautiful in and out. She has strong people in her life to believe in her and to demonstrate that she has a self worth beyond anything that the world would tell her. Y’all have her back always. This she can now pay forward to another and another. Seeing these pics and what she’s choosing to do with her life warms my heart. That young man is blessed with a powerful future wife, partner and friend.
That people want to emulate you is not shocking. You have inspired generations and maybe just don’t realize it.
Blessings…
Mander
Sounds like a proper ‘humble pride’… I would bet that kind of pride is complimentary and safe for us mere mortals to endure.
– Trick or Treat!
– Young man.. Are you dressed as ‘Ice-G’??
– X-Ring
– Swift! You get three candybars…
Spot on sir. The real things I have accomplished in this life, are those that I have helped (mostly unwittingly), and our kids. Everything else pales. You deserve the accolades though, there is no doubt about that. You have always helped others in some fashion or another in my experience.
” Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them. ”
A beautiful read, Geo.
Right on the mark George. In spite of my ex not being of the highest character, and my own efforts at wrecking my life, I have been blessed with with two incredible children, and six fantastic grandchildren. A true man of character wrote this essay. Thank you George.
Ellis,
I find it a little awkward writing about the truth because the truth is already there and doesn’t have to be created. I sure feel ya though, dawg!
Thanks for a gracious compliment.
geo sends
You are most welcome. I know the truth when I hear it, you certainly did it justice here. Like always, I truly enjoy your writing. Can’t wait for your book!
This is a heart warming read.