Mahler's Monday Morning Motivator # 39 - My Second Dad

[Mahler]

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 39 – My Second Dad

Good Morning, Guys,
Sorry this is a day late but I was back home in Pittsburgh to celebrate my father-in-law’s 90th birthday over the weekend. He is a remarkable man and still stays active with the occasional golf game, walking and some light exercise. Back in the 30’s when attending college at the University of Wisconsin, he was the Big Ten Medal winner in his senior year for his athletic and academic excellence. He played baseball, basketball and football, while maintaining a 4.0 average and working nights to pay for school. Talk about determination and inspiration. My wife and I took him to church on Sunday and his congregation burst into spontaneous song with “Happy Birthday.” He was so touched. While at church, we dropped off some memorabilia for a Veteran’s Day display the church was putting together. A good reminder to wish all our vets on this board a Happy Veteran’s Day this week and to thank them for their service. He is my second dad and has always treated me as an equal to his four sons and so ably filled the gap when I lost my own father 25 years ago at the young age of 58. He is a model of gentleness and humility and a role model to all he meets.

Here are a few random quotes for you as well:

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."
- - - Muhammad Ali

"Only winners are truly alive. Winning is living. Every time you win, you're reborn. When you lose, you die a little."
- - - George Allen

"Winning is the science of being totally prepared."
- - - George Allen

"Losers never know why they are losing. They will mention injuries, the officiating, the weather and bad breaks."
- - - George Allen

"It doesn't matter who scores the points, it's who can get the ball to the scorer”
- - Larry Bird

"Don't go to the grave with life unused."
- - - Bobby Bowden

"The masters all have the ability to discipline themselves to eliminate everything except what they are trying to accomplish."
- - - Dale Brown

"It takes just as little time to see the positive side of life as it does the negative side."
- - - Jimmy Buffet

"When you stop giving and offering something to the rest of the world, it's time to turn out the lights."
- - - George Burns


Have a great week and remember the Veterans in your life.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

[OldGuy]

Nice story, Mahler. Sounds like Dad is a helluva man. I'm sure he feels he's as fortunate to have you as you are of him.

All the best.

[Chris Correia]

Great. Just great.

Give him our best wishes whenever you might get the chance.

[dwise1]

Great story! Sounds like an incredible man.

UW alumni, huh? Gotta respect that! Go Badgers! 9-0 #5

[I. Kay]

Sounds like a kick-ass kinda guy!!! Helluva role-model.

By the way, you said "home in Pittsburgh". I didn't know you were from there! My mom's side of the family is from there, and my middle brother and I were born there.

What do you think of those Steelers this year!?!

[FlyinM]

Everybody should be so lucky to have a second Dad like that. Thanks for sharing the story and quotes.