My Uncle was my hero! Personal Story

Everyone has a person who has positively impacted their life the most. Someone we consider as a role model. In my life I have to say that’s my Uncle, Richard Gonzalez. My uncle was different than the rest of our family. He was a jokester, always brought light into the room. He loved to make people laugh and put a smile among their face. My uncle was the type of person to put himself last and putting others before him. When my uncle was 18-years-old he experienced a tragic accident. He became paralyzed from the chest down to his feet. He was devastated and lost hope. He thought his life came to short end. It took a very long time to recover mentally but he was willing to make the best of what he had. He chose to go after his GED. Afterwards, he attended Tarrant County College to receive a bachelor’s degree. He furthered his education by receiving his master’s degree. He worked as an engineer for over 25 years for Tandy Co. In 2003, My uncle was the first to complete the White Rock Half Marathon, in Dallas, using a regular hospital-like wheelchair. One thing my uncle always told me was to never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. It's up to you to make it happen. As long as you keep on going, you will get there! Growing up I never had a good history with my father and my father was never a part of my life. My mother raised my sister and I by herself. My uncle always tried his very best to be a father figure. My uncle always made sure he was there for us no matter what the situation was. When my uncle was in the hospital, he was unable to speak. He would communicate with us by a notepad. I remember him writing “I believe in the 3F’s Faith, Family, and Friends.” If it wasn't for my uncle, I would not be the person I am today. My uncle was my hero!