As an assignment for one of my classes, I was asked to write about what inspired me. Here is what I wrote:

What inspires me? Where does my inspiration come from? It comes from a lot of places. I am inspired by renaissance men like Leonardo Da Vinci and Ben Franklin. I am inspired by fearless Americans who have, at one time or another dedicated their lives to this country. And, I am inspired by comedians and humorists, like Dave Barry, who have amassed a small fortune by telling booger jokes.

But mostly, I am inspired by my parents, who have always been there for me. When my brother and I were born, my parents decided my mother would stay home and raise the two of us. A professional actress and a dedicated teacher, my mother sacrificed her potential to raise us. I am inspired by the dedication my mother had to her children.

At a young age, I, like most children, was infatuated with heroes. Superman, Batman, Luke Skywalker – I pretended to be them on a regular basis. It is rare to see me as a child without some sort of superhero garb either over or underneath my clothes.

My teachers and some other parents advised my parents to discourage this behavior because I may try and do something that could cause myself harm. My parents never did. They encouraged my behavior and wanted me to be creative and fun. Their ability to stand for what they believed was the best for me inspires me.

When my mother was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a seratonin deficiency in the brain during the winter months, she didn’t stay at home in bed. She went to the gym every day and swam laps to keep herself in shape. She pushed herself to the limit every day, regardless of the consequences to her own physical limitations. That inspires me.

My father’s tireless work ethic and selflessness inspires me. Growing up, he made sure my brothers and I got everything we wanted, even though we didn’t have much money. He wore the same pair of shoes for more than 10 years, wore the same suits for years without dry cleaning just so my brother and I could have the same stuff everyone else had. That inspires me.

My parents have always been there for me. They’ve stuck by me through every decision I’ve made.

When I was three, I told my mother I wanted to be a Jedi warrior. She thought it was a great idea.

When I was a teenager, I told my father I wanted to be a writer. He thought that was great.

When I told them that, at age 21, I wanted to get married, they were happy for me.

Years and years down the road, when my future wife and I decide to have children, I hope I show them the same love my parents have shown me. I want to make the same sacrifices they made for my comfort. And, in doing that, I hope one day, my children will be inspired by me.

Thanks Mom and Dad, for inspiring me.

Yeah, I know I’m being all gooshy and stuff, but as I approach the end of my college career and married life, (not to mention finally moving out of my parents’ house) I’ve realized all the things my parents told me about growing up and moving on are coming true. So, thanks again, Mom and Dad, you two mean a lot to me, and I hope that in all I do as an adult and a husband, I make you proud.