By RAY ADLER
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Grandpa told me that he knew a certain man who had an indominable spirit and refused to acknowledge defeat. He was blind in one eye, walked on a wooden pegleg, and his “good” foot was often troublesome. Further, some of the man’s fingers had been amputated, leaving one hand badly crippled. In addition to the man’s major disabilities, he had suffered fractured ribs and a number of minor injuries through the years.
Grandpa said he marveled at the man’s independence. One day, the man wanted to go from his home in Sterling, Ind., to Veedersburg. Knowing it was difficult for him to walk, Grandpa took him in the delivery wagon. At the end of the trip, when Grandpa refused to accept payment for the accommodation, the man tossed a coin on the seat and thanked Grandpa for the ride. He was honest in his dealings and very industrious.
On one occasion, Grandpa saw him standing on a ladder trimming a tree and wondered how he kept his pegleg from slipping off the ladder rung. Grandpa remarked to a neighbor, “What would prevent that man from working?” The neighbor gave an effective but irreverent reply, “Cut his head off and hide it.”
Grandpa always wanted me to keep after it. That spirit of perseverance was also exhibited by the other side of the family who had the saying, “The I will is more important than the IQ.” Often success comes not to the smartest or most talented, but to the undeterrable.
We live at a time where information and knowledge is virtually limitless. YouTube can, quite literally, teach you anything. Without the “I will,” however, all the knowledge in the world is useless. The indomitable United State of America was built on the backs of persistent, tenacious, hard working men and women. Many of individuals were not scholars or intellectuals, but ordinary men and women.
The story of Grandpa’s friend teaches us an important lesson about the proverbial “American Dream.” The American Dream is not about becoming famous or rich or retiring before the age of 50. It is the opportunity to live peaceful, independent lives, to chart your own course, to embark on your own journey. Despite his significant injuries and unquestionably difficult situation, Grandpa’s friend surely found freedom in participating in the ordinary tasks of life. His “I will” empowered him to live a life free from reliance on other. His “I will” transcended his injuries.
How much are we relying on our IQ? How would our lives look different if our “I will” matched our IQ?
Educational material and not legal advice, written by the team at Adler attorneys. Email andrea@noblesvilleattorney.com with questions or comments.