My Story: Lessons from My Hero, My Dad
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to find their own paths to healing and purpose. Life is about more than what we achieve or accumulate; it’s about who we become and how we touch the lives of those around us. My dad taught me that, and it’s a lesson I carry with me every day.
PERSONAL
Jon Mindelli
7/12/20243 min read
Losing my father was one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of my life. It shaped who I am today and continues to influence my journey toward finding purpose and meaning. Growing up, I often observed my friends following in their fathers' footsteps, pursuing the same fields and carrying on family legacies. Many were taught by their dads early on, creating a strong bond and a shared path. When I look back at my own relationship with my father, it was different—but no less special.
My dad was my hero. He taught me everything I knew about sports, as he was an incredible athlete himself. But beyond the physical skills and game strategies, he imparted something far more valuable: lessons on how to live life and treat people. He showed me how to embrace each day with a smile, regardless of the challenges that came our way.
When I was just five years old, my dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given six months to live. His resilience and love for life were astonishing. He fought bravely to stay with his family and see his three kids grow up, ultimately living for 13 more years. He passed away when I was 18, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had him for those years.
Despite being paralyzed on the left side of his body after brain surgery, my dad never stopped being there for me. A college baseball player, he lost his ability to play catch with his son overnight. I’m sure it pained him deeply not to be able to do what other dads were doing—playing catch, running, or even walking normally. Yet, this didn't stop him from coaching me and shaping me into the person I am today. He instilled in me values of kindness, humility, and a contagious positivity.
My dad underwent three surgeries and was cancer-free for a time, but the cancer returned aggressively in my senior year of high school. His battle and eventual passing significantly impacted my life. I struggled to find my footing and purpose, feeling lost and passionless.
Looking back, I realize how blessed I was to have such an incredible father figure. His traditional Italian family roots emphasized the importance of family, love, and resilience. Losing him taught me a profound lesson: life’s meaning comes into sharper focus after losing those we love.
Despite years of struggle—and I still struggle today—I’ve come to understand that life is about providing value and serving others. It's about who we become, not what we get or how much money we make. True self-realization and inner peace come from the gift of giving. My dad’s legacy lives on through these lessons, and I strive to honor him by embodying the values he cherished and passed on to me.
Every day, I aim to live with the same resilience and love for life that he did. Though he's no longer with me physically, his spirit and teachings continue to guide me, reminding me to live each day to the fullest and treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Through my journey, I’ve learned that loss can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and discovering one's purpose. While the pain of losing a loved one never fully goes away, it can lead to profound self-reflection and a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life.
For anyone going through similar struggles, here are a few things that helped me:
Embrace Your Emotions: It’s okay to feel lost, angry, or sad. Acknowledging and processing these emotions is a crucial step towards healing.
Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to lean on friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your story and hearing others can provide comfort and perspective.
Find Meaning in the Silence: Spend time in quiet reflection. Meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in silence can help you connect with your inner self and discover your true passions.
Focus on Service: Shifting your focus from your own pain to helping others can be incredibly healing. Volunteering or simply being there for someone else can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Celebrate Their Legacy: Find ways to honor your loved one’s memory. This could be through small daily rituals, sharing stories, or pursuing a cause they cared about.
Remember, the journey to finding purpose and joy is unique for everyone. It’s a continuous process that evolves over time. By embracing the lessons from those we’ve lost and striving to live a life of service and kindness, we can create a lasting impact that honors their legacy.
