The Love of a Father

Derek Redmond of Great Britain was favored to win the 400m run in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain. Along the backstretch his hamstring snapped and he fell to the track. His father, Jim Redmond, seeing his son was injured; knew he had to get to his son. Jim Redmond said he doesn’t recall racing down the steps or pushing his way past security guards. When Jim Redmond reached his son, he told Derek he did not have to finish; he had nothing to prove. Derek told his father he wanted to finish the race and asked for help getting back into his lane. Derek and Jim Redmond, arm and arm, finished the race together. When the two approached the finish line, the crowd was standing and cheering them on.

Everyone who saw the event witnessed a great act of courage from an athlete, but saw a greater act of love from a father

You can view Redmond's 400m race by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtyNCuQqs24&feature=related

My father has taught me so many valuable lessons about life. However, the most important lesson he has taught me is how to be a father. He's not one to give lectures; he never has been. His teaching style is and always has been through example. My father has taught me that a father's love is special. A father's love is tough; tough because a father wants his child to succeed far beyond his own achievements. A father's love is patient; patient because a father know that a child must learn to explore their world and part of that exploration means mistakes will be made. A father's love is compassionate; compassionate because a father knows his child will stumble and fall and someone needs to be there to help them up. A father's love is resourceful; resourceful because a father will teach a child how to make the best out of any situation. A father's love is giving; giving because a father will do anything to make sure his child is safe, secure, and well-taken care of. A father's love is proud; proud because to a father there is no greater calling than being a father.

Thanks dad for being the best teacher I've ever had in the most important subject of my life!

It's your life; live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD