Tribute to My Dad

Today's post is dedicated to my Dad, Roy Isenberg, whose birthday is today!  Happy Birthday Dad!!


I was trying to search for the quote in the mission statement of my blog, "My duty as child is stand on my father's shoulders and see more than he did".  I had originally found the quote about ten years ago when I was doing an assignment for a creative writing class in high school.  I then used the quote on the cover of my anthology of works for the class.  I finally found a source for it at this google search.  As reported by the Jewish Agency for Israel, apparently a philanthropist, Sam Reisman, was speaking in front of a conference for the North American Leaders Camping Assembly.


In my search, I also came across a portion of a book, Lovology, written by Ken Lewis.  I don't know if I support Lewis's other views, as he appears to be a minister of some sort, but I really like this excerpt that I read:


Standing on Our Father's Shoulders


"As little children, we were, at times, afforded the opportunity to view the world from the vantage point of standing on our father's shoulders.  As we grew older we became heavier to hold.  And in time, we chose to stand firmly on the ground on our own two feet and experience the world from our own individual perspectives.


"Likewise, our fathers and others who have come before us have assisted us in gaining understanding of the material, mental, and spiritual worlds around us.  They have shared their own individual and collective perspectives on these matters with us.  Many of these perspectives have been handed down from one generation to the next.  And many ties they have been accepted by the next generation without much questioning or soul-searching.


"When our fathers held us, as little children, on their shoulders, it was so that we might see the possibility that many new horizons exist out there for us to explore.  They held us high on their shoulders, and they held us high with their teachings.  We were held high so that we might choose to go forth with eagerness and the anticipation of finding something new.  We were held high to help create in us the desire to ultimately gain our own individual and collective awareness of the living world around us today.


"It is safe to say that anyone reading this did long ago climb down from his or her father's physical shoulders.  You climbed down because even though he may have held you high, he still held you. Your urge was to be set free and explore the world for yourself.  You now move around experiencing the world as only you can see it.


.....


"If this young man goes forth into the world accepting the fact that he is responsible for his own life and the fact that his thoughts, words, and actions do, in fact, influence others in so many, many unseen ways, then he could create or manifest the desires of his heart.  And others who may choose to follow his example could find their lives filled with hope, fulfillment, love, and unity.


"If this young man chooses the responsible path, then some of his current friends and peers may at first feel intimidated by his evolving presence.  Yet as he grows and evolves with this new, responsible awareness, these people will see him with new eyes of respect, admiration, and ultimately, love.  And he may even lead countless generations into prosperity." - August 3, 2003


I wouldn't be where I am today without you, Dad.  I hope you have a good birthday even though I'm not there to celebrate with you.


-Jer