Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts in Writing

Department

Creative Writing

First Advisor

Charlene K. Engleking

Second Advisor

Michael Castro

Third Advisor

Glenn Irwin

Abstract

This collection of prose, short fiction, and poetry focuses on relationships and observations of select males and their enduring influence on my life. It's a celebration of the good fortune of having been nurtured by many good, strong, and noble males who gave time, shared wisdom, and endured hardships; each leaving a lasting impression on me while doing their part in life. Not all of the men are remembered for their virtues, some are recalled for their misdeeds and the ramifications of their errant or reckless behavior on themselves or others.

The gentlemen I venerate are family members, soldiers, coaches, and a whole host of men who dared to dream and live big. Some accomplished great things, some served their country, and others performed the relentless mundane tasks associated with earning a living and raising a family. One little man was featured because of his long battle with cancer, his candor, and the inspirational manner with which he conducted himself.

Most deserve recognition for the time taken out of busy lives to share their experience and wisdom, their virtues, and capacity with me. On the surface many of the vignettes might appear to depict a routine or insignificant shaping of those under their charge or perhaps incidental as they made their time count; but the fact of the matter is each of them enhanced the world one man at a time.

From my earliest memories, there were men shared generously their vast and varied experiences with me. Some took action out of responsibility or duty and the benefit not deliberately tailored to me. Some served as a reminder - actions speak volumes.

On the other hand, men like my father and grandfathers each took their duties as figure-heads of the family, custodians for developing the next generation -- seriously. They considered their role in my life important and a sacred endeavor.

I discovered many role models in the military, and similar to athletic coaches, some performed a brief mentoring period while others' influence spanned decades. Integral to my development, each helped form my core values and provided validation for what I was being taught at home.

Active participation in sports allowed me to observe first hand, men who freely gave up their time to train young men to engage in spirited competition. Selflessly giving of their time and teaching sound physical habits, they helped me foster a life of health and a foundation of stamina for competing in the world.

Finally, I include men who conducted themselves with integrity, fairness, and taught me to have a good work ethic. They were the men who woke and reported for duty every morning whether they liked their employment or not. By putting their shoulders into their work, they did their part, contributing to society and the nation's prosperity. They were the ones who donned a uniform and were willing to defend their nation when called. They were the men who breathed sweat-stained air and hollered their support from the sidelines. They were the sages who made me who I am.

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