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Peter Lujan
He has all the qualities I would want in a President - honest, self-less, caring, trustworthy, environmentally friendly and ethical.
His family came to the United States in the early 1900's fleeing the Mexican Revolution. He was born in Iowa and attended school up until the 8th grade. He had to drop out because his father had passed away, and as the oldest son he was now head of the family. He worked hard to help raise his 7 brothers and sisters and take care of his mother.
He served our country in WWII, stationed in the Aleutian islands. After the war he settled in Minnesota and worked on the railroads then later the taconite mines. He married and raised 6 children.
His story is not unlike many of his generation - full of hard work and sacrifice but also love and devotion. You won't find him doing a Google search, he is a quiet man and has never done anything to make headlines.
However, to me he is a hero...he is my grandfather. Now it may sound corny to want your grandfather to be President - but its not just because of my family bias. He is the most honest man I have ever met, he has never once (that I have heard) ever said a bad word about anyone...maybe its why he is so quiet. When he disapproves he just shakes his head. Nor have I ever heard anyone say one bad thing about him. Everyone who knows him is loyal and dedicated to him. He has humbled me more times than I can count and has taught me the lessons I carry with me everyday. This man with an 8th grade education has taught this lawyer more about morals, ethics, and humanity than any professor or book.
As a teenager, he and I worked together at a convenience store my mom managed. It was early and we were on our way to open up (5:30 am) - like most teens I was whiny and moaning about the early hour while my grandpa drove us. He turned to me asked me why I was complaining...he said "it's another beautiful day - the sun is rising, the birds are singing and we are alive and breathing".
He taught me to treat every living thing with love and respect - humans are not more important than other animals, leave the environment the way you found it - as undisturbed as possible, take only what you need, and never litter. He didn't do this with lectures, he did this by spending time with me, in woods of Northern Minnesota by Lake Superior. I am so fortunate that I have been able to spend some much of my life with his influence.
He welcomes everyone into his home and will give anyone the shirt off his back. He is affectionate - not with words, but with bone crushing hugs and actions. Once he gave my grandmother a dozen red roses and 1 yellow rose for their anniversary - we were dying to know the meaning. My grandmother had no idea...finally my grandpa said...it looked pretty.
Despite coming from a culture known for latin machismo, he never has said something was men's work or women's work. Growing up I would see him side by side with grandmother preparing meals and washing dishes. Women and men in his eyes are equal. He also has never said or shown any discrimination towards someone because of their race, religion, sexual orientation - he has always maintained - its none of his business and he accepts everyone for who they are.
Although he served in the war, he is one of the most peaceful men I know - I have never heard or see him raise his voice or hand in anger. He is generous with his money, love, and time. Whenever I was hurt or feeling bad, my grandfather's large calloused hands were there to hold me and comfort me. He would do anything for his family and loved ones.
Now I know my grandfather has faults, and one may think that it is normal for me to put him on a pedestal. However, I was lucky - my grandpa is only 48 years older than me, so he was young to become a grandpa and had the energy and time to spend with me. There were times when I lived with my grandparents, and all through grade school-high school I lived across the alley from my grandparents so I saw them everyday. I also worked part-time with him through high school and college, and I still see and talk with my grandparents weekly.
He turns 84 this month. I know he will never be president, he would never want it. But his heart, his passion for his family, his country and for life make me so honored to know him. This post is about looking for glimpses of who really inspires you, who you really look up to and want to emulate.
There is a saying "to the world, you are just one person...but to one person you are the world"
Happy New Year DU
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