Three people in my life

                The first person to probably hold the most influence and meaning on me as a person would be my grandfather, Leonard C. Snider. He stood in at 5’6” tall and probably weighed 135 lbs soaking wet. The thing about my grandpa was that his presence was bigger than his stature. He was also a lot stronger than he looked. Tattoos from his Army days covered his arms and told stories of a man who had been to war (Korea) and was proud to say so. My grandfather left a lasting memory on me because he taught me to be proud of who I am and to never underestimate yourself. He taught me to never listen to the critics and never drink your own kool-aid, because, everyday you have something new to prove.  

                His daughter, my Aunt Toni, would have to be second on my list. She was definitely my adopted mother when I was born into this world and to this day she still considers me one of her own. My aunt is in her early 50’s now and has had two children of her own. She lives in NW Missouri and still makes frequent trips back to the St. Louis area. My aunt carries herself with a self-confidence that completely conveys her life approach. She provided the encouragement for me to want something better for myself. My aunt was definitely a leader and someone who led by example. A trait she shared with her father and one that I share as well. My aunt and my grandfather were definitely leaders and not followers with their actions providing the proof. They really helped shaped my self-confidence which would bring me full circle to the third person(s) on my list.

                I know my children are two people, but I cannot have one without the other. My son, Tyler, and my daughter, Iris, have really brought all of the things I learned from my grandfather and my aunt, along with everyone else who exceed the three person limit for this exercise into practice. My kids have instilled a new sense of confidence inside me. They provide me with motivation, determination and an endless amount of love that only your kids can provide. My son is 8 years old and my daughter is 3 years old. My son is Japanese-American while my daughter’s heritage is Mexican-American. They have showed me that everything truly comes full-circle. The things I was taught and learned from my grandpa and aunt have helped me be a better person but also a better father. By teaching my children the things they taught me, I can keep their spirit and their love alive long after they, and even myself, have left this world.