An Open Ear

[Tresbn00]

I am proud of so many things, accomplishments, and having lived a good life. When asked by peers and employees what my greatest accomplishment is I can not narrow it down to less than two. I am very proud at having had a major role in raising two exceptionally wonderful children while maintaining a loving relationship with my wife. The other, which caught me completely off guard, was an "Open Ear" award given to me by a six year old along with a two page report on why I was to be given this prestigious award. This six year old said that I was unlike any other adult that he had ever encountered. He said that I listened to every word that he said, did not pass judgement, waited till he was done talking and treated him like an equal. This young lad said that I had made a big difference in his life and that he had gone through some sad times in which other adults labeled him as disruptive. His father had disappeared and he ended his report/speech by saying that I was the closest thing to a perfect father. He, like many of my biographical children's friends, are now part of the family and know that they can always contact me with both good and bad.

[swell455]

An open ear.