Boston Hero

This has been a hard couple of Weeks for me.  My Father the greatest Dad on Earth passed away on Monday April 8th.  He taught me to work hard, be honest, and help the under dog.  He also taught me through his action what it is to be a Hero.  He didn't get awards, or ribbons for his Actions, but he did receive Honor, Respect, and Love. 

His Life was full of people, not just a brood of 10 kids, but workers and families of those he silently helped get health care coverage or their rightful wages.  Or all the kids, nephews, nieces, friends, or strangers that called him Granddaddy even when they didn't know him--just because he got down on his knees and greeted them, scared, joked with them and Loved him.  His life was full of family that knew he had their back.  However, random strangers also knew it.

I ran into an Ironworker once and he said Jim Hand, I know your Dad he always had our back.  You see the Laborers would hold the flashlights when we had to weld down under the big dig.  It was important because the rats down there were gross, vicious and nasty.  Your Dad never squirmed away, never slacked off and was the best-- he worked hard and protected us, He Had our Backs when others didn't want the job.  I also met a bartender that said Wow I knew your Dad -- he used to play cards after work-- He was a great Card Player, but he wouldn't ever bet more than quarters because he had to take care of his kids and they were more important to him then any card game-- He could go all night on those quarters.  Or the resident of Boston I met by chance as I was voting --that said Your Dad was so popular they wanted him to run for Union head or for a Seat in the Senate, but he wouldn't because He was too committed to doing the RIGHT Thing and too courageous, and he wouldn't be able to stomach not helping those who needed it-he wouldn't be politically correct when he saw Wrong he would call it out.  Or a stranger I met when helping an elderly person on a bus at Forest Hills try to get to the hospital.  I asked a conductor if they could help him get to the hospital -- He said Yes Hand Girl--- I said how did you know my name was Hand---he said with those eyes and Helping someone in Need...Who elses daughter could you be.

Dad I will try to honor everything you were.  Handsome, Strong, Tender Hearted, Helping, Silently Loving, and Hardworking.  I will try to do the Right thing always with Courage.  I will try and forgive that Drunk Driver that took your life away after your last trip to Foxwoods.  I will do what you always Did Carry On.  I love you and thank you.

I know you were there that day in the Back Bay when the marathon was bombed.  I can see you picking up the little boy giving him a piggy back and holding the two girls hands , that lost their lives, and might have needed a ride home.  Thank you Dad for protecting and loving us, your home, and all peoples.

I love you.