A farewell remembrance to John McCain with a Shout Out to my Dad

As I listened to Meaghan McCain, daughter of the Honorable Senator John McCain deliver her eulogy this morning I was struck mostly by her love of this great American hero as a loving father and principled patriot.  If you didn't have a chance to hear it please click here as it is worth listening to.  He lived by an honor code to defend the US Democracy and the Constititution.  He grew up in a family that served our country and although he suffered much he put his ability to serve the country above all else.

He was a proud American and believed in the strong ethical framework he grew up in and valued his entire life.  Meaghan moved me and brought me back to thinking about a similar role I shared delivering my own Dad's eulogy 5 years ago.  Both of our Dads grew up during the dark shadows of WWII and lived first hand as the country rebuilt itself to a place of strength and nobility.  The America of their lifetimes was a country of greatness.   My Dad was not a politician but he became a self taught historian and teacher of American and Jewish History and Ethics.  Both embraced their given opportunities to share the values of ethics and civil rights. The will to fight hard for these beliefs reflect the pillar and strength of both men.

Perhaps President Obama said it best when he described John McCain as a man who was very devoted, stubborn but with a great zest for life.  In another comparison both wanted to live life to its fullest and fought hard until the end.  I honor and have great respect for the Honorable Senator John McCain.  I miss my Dad greatly as well and find myself fueled daily by his passion for protecting our rights and living life to its fullest.  He too was a true Patriot and loved this country.   Sometimes my family and friends think I listen, post and pay too much attention to today's politics. I do this to honor the values these great men dedicated their lives to and to be able to pass their legacy of American values to their future.

Wendy is a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Needham.  She enjoys writing and sharing ideas near and dear to her heart. As an advocate for a better tomorrow she is a volunteer in many community organizations and an avid reader.