“Don’t ever underestimate the impact that you may have on someone else’s life.”
Anonymous
Larger Than Life:
In honor of Father’s Day, I decided to write a tribute to my father. I would like to tell you about one of the people who has made a lasting impact in my life…my father. There is no denying that my father has led a life of distinction. He is a former CEO, chemist, professor, naval officer, star athlete, author, the list goes on.
The greatest thing about my father, though, is that he is one of the most humble, kind-hearted, and self-deprecating people I know. He grew up in a very small Texas town. He was raised by parents who believed in hard work and the importance of education. My father grew up working on their ranch and learned the value of hard work from an early age. He went on to become a football and basketball star in high school. Eventually, he went on to earn his PhD in chemistry from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Additionally, he took time in between to serve his country as a naval officer. In later years, he worked as a professor. He served in various leadership roles in higher education and in the healthcare industry. My father eventually worked his way up to becoming the CEO of Advent Health.
A Gentle Giant:
Don Jernigan didn’t rise to those heights by accident. He did it through hard work, grit, determination, and just sheer brilliance. Also it required a strong ability to build relationships and the ability to empower others and lead by example. All of these things are amazing and exceptional, but here’s the best part… He is also a kind-hearted, humble, selfless, gentle giant. I use the word giant quite literally, as he is a very tall and imposing figure. Those of us who are blessed to know him well, know that he is a man of strong moral fortitude and Christian faith. He is essentially a kind and tender-hearted man of integrity.
A Family Man:
My father is very much a family man. He is a very devoted husband. In addition, he values time together with his children and grandchildren. My father understands that any time that can be spent with family is truly a gift. He has taken us all on some exciting and memorable trips over the years. Even though he lives in Florida, and the rest of us are in Texas, he manages to make the most of the time that he spends with us. He is a very proud father and grandfather and loves to tell others about his daughters and grandchildren.
His Legacy:
He is a very humble man. Because of that, I’m not certain that he truly understands the impact that he has made on so many. I see him daily in myself and my children. I am blessed to have inherited his positive outlook, work ethic, determination, and an understanding of the importance of serving others.
My oldest son, Garrett, is blessed to have inherited my father’s truly brilliant and beautiful mind. He shares his grandfather’s sense of duty, selflessness, work ethic, empathy, and grace. My youngest son, Gavin, inherited my father’s athletic ability, grit, determination, drive, intelligence, and sense of servant leadership. What a beautiful thing it is to live on through your children and grandchildren. Billy Graham once said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life. It is rather a legacy of character and faith.”
A Fighter:
No tribute to my father would be complete without mentioning his present situation. Currently my wonderful father is displaying many of his finest personal qualities and is serving as a wonderful role model. He was diagnosed last fall with leukemia. He underwent a bone marrow transplant in February. While there have been a few setbacks along the way, he has faced this challenge head-on with grace, determination, and faith. He is a fighter! I am certain that he will rise to the occasion and show that trademark determination and grit. He will be stronger for it.
A Role Model:
I have honestly been so blessed to have had two remarkable parents. While they each made their marks on our lives in different ways, there is no mistaking their influence in both their children and grandchildren. What a beautiful legacy!
A Tribute to my Father was originally published on our Two Ladybugs Vintage website.
#fathersday#family#legacy#twoladybugsvintage
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