My True Hero- by Sam Stankiewicz

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My grandfather. This relative has to be my greatest inspiration as a young teen. As a young man he was a good student in school, graduated in 1956, then chose to work as a police officer in Wallington, NJ. Working for 20 years, he was then promoted to Chief, and stayed in the position for ten whole years! After retiring, he used to visit my family every weekend, it was almost like it was tradition; it was so exciting to see him every Saturday...but I didn't appreciate it like I should have. About four years ago he had a stroke (which paralyzed the left side of his body), and now he can't make the trip to our house every weekend; we make the trip to him.
     Now, I don't want to make you sad or feel bad for me by telling you this. But, I have to say, he is a true hero. Not only was he one in the police force years ago, but the way he works hard everyday to get back onto his feet to visit us again makes me so proud, and makes me sit back and look at him: if he can do this, I can push through a tough day at school; I can rub off a 60 on a test; I can push past me spilling something on my new shirt and ruining it. He is my hero because he motivates me to be the best I can be, and do whatever I can to get the best grades and play the best I am physically able to in a game or meet. Because of him I am more confident in myself. I would love to see him on the sidelines cheering me on at my next soccer game, but I can't; the look on his face when I tell him I scored a goal is priceless though. 
     My grandpa recently turned 81, and his age does not define him. When my family drives down to visit he is either working on walking (with his caretaker) or doing exercises with weights in his hands to get stronger and stronger. I give him so much credit, and like I mentioned before, reflect it on my own life. He is going through true adversity and he is pushing through...he is my inspiration and he is my true hero in life.

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 5, 2019 at 7:33 PM

    Awww this is so cute! I love how you chose the topic of heroes and used it in your own way. This story is amazing and I find it so inspiring how you can find courage from your grandfather. He sounds like an amazing man and you're lucky to have him.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DanielleDecember 9, 2019 at 10:15 AM

    So sweet - you should print this and give it to him as a gift. It's wonderful what an amazing example he is for you. Is he the one with the blue room?

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 10, 2019 at 5:56 AM

    This was so sweet. I understand what it's like having a grandparent in a care-taking home, as well as how difficult it can be on the family. I hope he keeps working on his walking and he gets better because he sounds like an amazing person. You are so lucky to have an incredible man like this in your life.

    ReplyDelete

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