Wow. Tough thread:
My grandfather - not to sell yourself short, and to seek out new experiences, not to get cornered into any one career. And to not forget your family history.
My Navy chief - for making me realize my potential, and literally kicking my ass to start realizing it.
Two UNC (Northern Colorado) professors: for challenging me and making learning and teaching exciting.
To many of my brothers, too many to name: Teaching me how to grow up and be a man, be a leader, and how to love something so deep, so real, for so long. That bleeding purple, green, and gold is literal.
My high school astronomy teacher - yeah, science is cool (except the math still sucks)
My wife - that being deaf is not a disability, rather, a gift (whenever our day care kids are being too rowdy). And, for never giving up, always fight - be strong, be brave, be persistent and things will pay off.
My kids - since I'm an only child (Erin and Silver - hey!), to see sibling rivalry in all it's beauty and ugliness. And, for the simple love of being young, with no worries.
My neighbors - for teaching me not to trust anyone, anytime, anywhere, without getting things in writing (see you in court, buddy! (long story - don't ask!)). And how even the most ignorant, arrogant, and underhanded of people can make an entire neighborhood miserable.
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