During one of my pre-teen summers, I went to Girls Camp for a week. It is really just a blur in my memory bank, except for one vibrant, stand out moment. At the end of the week, I heard giggling and squealing everywhere I turned. “He’s here! Can you believe who’s here? I can’t believe it! He’s here!” Curiosity won so I had to ask – who’s here??? “It’s Superman!” I looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Christopher Reeves, wearing the signature S – nope, it was just my dad, wearing jeans, cowboy boots and his signature plaid. Of course he wasn’t a dead ringer for the original Man of Steel but he definitely deserved a second look – tall, with dark, wavy hair, the curl across his forehead and those Clark Kent glasses.
Over the years that followed, we shared many normal father-daughter experiences. We hiked up to Angels’ Landing, drove a moving truck cross-country in a few days, watched chick-flicks, and incorporated movie quotes into our conversations. He also taught me many things like laying laminate flooring, making squashed-cheese sandwiches and baking soda biscuits, and how to win – or lose – gracefully.
Four years ago this week, my dad passed from this life. I still see him as those girls did all those years ago – as Superman. A hero…my hero. He was the definition of integrity. He was honest, kind, generous, forgiving and compassionate. He had a rather quick sense of humor and had a beautiful, deep voice. He was smart, quiet and spoke French. He loved being a Geologist but loved his family more. I could go on and on and on. Those that knew him know I’m not exaggerating, not even a little bit.
If I’ve learned anything over the past few years without him, it has been to follow his advice. Yes, I know, it took me seriously too long to actually put that essential into practice! He always said “if you don’t love what you do, you’re doing the wrong thing.” I agree, whole-heartedly, and am trying my best to follow those words of wisdom. I hope he would be proud that I was listening…that I was always listening, even when I shouted back.
He took many things away with him but he left us with millions of memories and his example. I can feel his arms around me when I hug my uncle. I can see his smile when I look at my sister. I can hear his laugh when I talk with my brother. And fortunately, I can feel his unconditional love for me every single day. However much I’m still missing him, however much I still want or need him here, his journey here was done. It will always be hard to accept that and every day I’m giving my all to live up to his expectations. To paraphrase one of his all-time favorite movie-quotes, “Beautiful, gorgeous, wish [he was] here.”
Je t’aime, Superman. Tu seras toujours dans mon coeur.
M
Roy John Rushing 1946-2009
