The Last Lecture

The Last Lecture In everyone’s life, there are people. Some of these people walk in our lives for a second, only to run right out. While others walk in and leave a mark on our hearts. Sometimes this mark only lasts for a little while and then slowly fades away, but other times, this mark lasts for a lifetime. There is one man in my life who has made a distinct mark on my heart — a mark that was created the first time he picked me up and held me in his arms. This mark has lasted ever since then. This man is my dad. My dad is an amazing man.He has taught me an awful lot in my fourteen years. He was the man who taught me how to ride my bike. He would hold on to my handlebars and run by my side as I pedaled. Though I feared that I would get hurt, I trusted my dad and knew that he would never let me fall. When he thought that I was ready, he would let go and watch me ride, making sure I would not tumble over. Although, when I did, he was by my side in a second, picking me up and dusting the dirt off my arms and legs. He would then stand my bike back up and we would try it again and again.With his help, I learned how to never give up. This lesson is not only important while riding a bike, but it is also critical when it comes to life experiences. If you mess up, you have to keep trying. You should not become frustrated and quit. My dad also taught me about money. â€Å"If you don’t need it, don’t buy it† is his motto. Though most of my friends love to shop, because of my dad’s words, I have never found it that eexciting . This applies to other material goods besides clothes. It is important to realize that simply wanting something is not enough.You should not merely collect items that you do not need. There are people in this world who have nothing. Therefore, when being given the oopportunity to shop, you should not buy everything that meets the eye. When I was younger, my dad and I enjoyed playing games together. One of the games he taught me how to play was chess. In chess there is a strategy. I learned this by watching my dad play. Some times, while we would play, I would get bored and start moving my pieces to whatever spot was open. I soon realized that you should not move the pieces randomly or you will lose.With the help of my dad, I learned how to think things through and plan things out. I learned that in order to succeed, one should think situations through, but have fun. One of my dad’s hobbies is planning vacations. Every year he plans a family trip for the summer. A few years ago, we traveled to Europe. While visiting France, we came across many unique foods. I am not fond of trying new things, but my dad taught me that the worst that can happen is I will not like it. Some of the foods that I tried were not the best, and I probably will never try them again.However, there were some foods, like crepes, that were absolutely delicious and I am glad that he was there to talk me into try ing something new. Another vacation he planned was to Hawaii. While in Hawaii, we all went snorkeling. At first I was scared that I would not be able to breathe, but my dad told me that was why we used a snorkel. I learned how to rely on something else to breathe. In life, this is like depending on others. It is important to learn how to do things on your own, but it is okay to need a helping hand every once in a while. My dad has always been there for me.He is always there to lend a hand. My dad is such an inspiration to me. Tthroughout my life he has been there for me, supporting me and cheering me on. Whether it is in sports or school, he is always there for me, encouraging me to do my best. My dad and I are inseparable. I am so grateful to be able to have a dad like him to lean on when I need help. I can always count on him to make me laugh when I am feeling down, to pick me up when I am hurt, and to help me find the answer when I have a question. There will always be a place fo r him in my heart. He has made a mark that will last a lifetime.