This is the second part of a full Pecha Kucha talk, given November 22, 2012. Read part 1 here.
My dad is a builder. He builds decks and fences. But before that he rebuilt things. At Winnipeg’s Salvation Army Booth Centre he rebuilt broken lives and helped put people back on their feet.
When I was 10 years old he didn’t allow me to attend a Sunday morning birthday party. I went to church instead. In the kindest way possible, he explained to me that in this life we don’t always get what we want. That life isn’t always fair.
By the way, I want to grow up to be just like my dad.
Major Donald Maye was the godliest man I’ve ever met. He died at age 55, when my son was a year old. He never met his granddaughter Claire. My father was right, life isn’t always fair.
These are Don Maye’s shoes. I wore them for several years after he passed. Not because they were stylish or even comfortable. I wore them because they were his.
I wore them because I thought that if I physically walked in his shoes, I could lead a life like his. That’s how positive his influence had been on me. I think about Don Maye everyday, and I thank God that he allowed me to get to know him, and for giving me permission to marry his incredible daughter.
My grandfather was legally blind. He taught me to blow out candles; he taught me how to shave; and he taught me how to run a business long after he was gone.
My father’s father was struck down by a fallen tree when he was in his thirties, and spent his remaining 12 years on his back. I never met him, but I’m certain someday I will.
