Never Give Up

I know it's something that we have all heard at some point in our lives. It's used to the point of being trite. Well, I'd like to relate a story of someone who really knows what it means to not give up.

My father in law is a centenarian plus one (101). This is a man who was orphaned at a young age in a country that doesn't have a safety net like we do here. At a young age he was forced to find meaningful employment to support his brother. This is a man who had earned his way through life - not expecting things to be given to him. This is a man who in his early 50's had a debilitating stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. What did he do? He re-learned how to talk and taught himself to write again. Left handed. This is a man who had his first major heart attack in his 60's. He had to be resuscitated. Twice. In his 60's he started watching his diet and religiously going to the gym to keep things in check. This is a man who in his 70's started yet another successful business to keep himself occupied. This is a man who in his 90's used to drag me to the gym three times a week so he could work out.

In short - he never gives up. He takes the cards that are dealt him and made the best out of them. The proverbial making lemonade when given lemons. And then successfully selling the lemonade. I'm a month and a half short of 53. I can't imagine being paralyzed and not being able to talk. And then living another 50 productive years beyond that.

The past month or so he has been in failing health and in and out of the hospital. Yet everyday he asks, "Am I going home today?" Yup. Never ever gives up. Three times in the last two weeks we were called to the hospital for the imminent event. Yes, that's right. Three times in the last two weeks the doctors wrote him off. Nobody bothered to tell him though.

Today he went home. Be at peace. Your legacy lives in your children and grandchildren....