#25 - Not All Heroes Wear Capes: The Act of Service That Embodies My Father's Love

My dad is my hero. I am only beginning to understand and admire the boundless love that pours from his heart.

I spent so many years looking only for his imperfections that I neglected to honor my dad's extraordinary qualities.

The older I get, the more I am completely astonished by how consistently he has put family above all else.

What embodies his love, care, and humility is his unwavering dedication to being the family driver.

Of the thousands of times he's driven me to school, fencing/circus training, tournaments, events, errands, long-distance trips, and more, I don't remember a single time when he's complained or shown reluctance.

For seven years, my dad worked night-shift to earn more money for the family, so the only rest he got was periodically sleeping throughout the daytime.

But the moment he hears that I'm leaving the house or coming back home, he would insist on getting up or skipping his nap to give me a ride with a persistent determination that only a father could provide.

He showed his love through making multiple trips a day, sometimes waiting patiently in the car for hours.

Anytime I would express my worries about him, he would always brush off his acts of service as if it were no big deal. But it IS a big deal and I want everyone to know.

The willingness, consistency, and attitude my dad brings to driving are otherworldly.

It comes straight from the heart.

There are countless examples of his quiet, selfless, undying love. This is one that inspires me endlessly.


Joseph J. Lam
On a mission to help people connect deeply with their parents. | CEO & Co-founder of Parents Are Human (parentsarehuman.com)