A thank you to my son's role models and mentors:

My son was five years old when his father was killed in an automobile accident. Even though my husband is no longer with us, my son seems to take on more of his characteristics each year. He is now fifteen years old, the age my husband was when I met him.

Since his death, I had found myself taking on the roles of both mom and dad for a number of years before I remarried. This pulled me well beyond my comfort zone as I obtained my fishing license, and even recently went bird hunting with him.

But this letter isn't about me or even him, it is about a number of other special people in our lives. Years ago I signed my son up for a shooting class at our local Sportsman's Club. The class was taught by a man named Harold. Harold, along with the rest of the Trap and Skeet teams my son is now a member of, has taught my son not only to shoot but sportsmanship, citizenship, respect for the outdoors, and even how to win, gracefully. As I write this, my son is with a number of the local shooters in a state shoot a few hours from here.

I am grateful beyond words for the friendship my son has enjoyed with these people and Harold in particular, all who had known my son's dad. My son has essentially "come of age" with these role models and they have all enriched his life for a number of years.

So many young people lack good role models. My son has a whole team of them. And when he is not with them, he comes home to a step-father who is also an excellent role model, and who loves him as his own son.

There was a time in my life when I felt that my world was breaking into pieces; but today, I feel immensely fortunate for the many people in my life now, who have helped me pick up these pieces and put them back together.

Learn more about this author, Rosemarie Schaut.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about A thank you to my role model and mentor?
We want to hear your view. Write now!