“Dear Sean,” the email began—people are always calling me that. “Who were your role models growing up? My father died last week… I am 14 and I don’t know who my role model will be.” Dear friend, my role model was born the same year Ty Cobb retired. The same era The Bambino was selling Old Gold cigarettes in the back pages of “The Saturday Evening Post.”
Andy is a pretty good role model, especially if you don't have one you can see outside of a cathode ray tube or now, a flatscreen. There are some other good role models around if you look for them. They're the ones who might take the time to help you carve a wooden racer out of a block, give it some paint, and add some wheels. They'll show you how to cook up a good breakfast - and clean up afterwards. And take out the garbage without complaining. Sew a button on a shirt. Show somebody how to separate laundry and operate a washing machine. Let someone see just the right amount of affection to show a wife or a husband. Tell a good joke without laughing. Hand somebody a sandwich who is hungry. Live with a sense of gratitude. Talk about things that are important in life. Be generous with grace that might open an eye or two. They can be found. Sometimes you don't have to look all that far.
Sean, you are already there. You love people, and we love you back, so you have reached your aspirations. Keep on keepin' on and continue to entertain us every day. Thanks for being you, Sean!
Having a God centered role model now seems harder & harder to find. We should all strive to be such a model for those coming behind us.
I learned at a very young age to lean on the loving arms of my Heavenly Father and to live in His light continually as I may be ‘the only Jesus some people meet’
Thank you Sean for my daily reminder that others may be looking to me today for guidance and direction so, I need to live as an example for them.
Pone from what I heared he was a lot nicer on TV than he was in real life, but you learned from his good side. I saw somewheres Dat Opie was scart to death of him as a kid. Not sure whar da trut lies but one things "FoSho!" You "talk da talk" and "walk da walk"- I dont care what da Ole "DoRite" said! Pass me a cool one Bro!
'O Andy was a great role model for a lot of young boys...and even girls back in the day. Even if you had a good dad every body looked up to Andy Taylor.
You Sean, have turned out to be a great role model for young and some not so young of us here with your wonderful stories. We love you..stay you!
In his grief he’s looking for a role model. That’s good. Not a replacement for his dad. But a mentor. Dad would be pleased.
A role model is someone who is real. Not perfect. He doesn’t have to be exceptionally educated. Not even especially articulate or gregarious. But REAL. A person of integrity. A role model exhibits character in a way that makes an impact. On others, that is. Because he loves his fellow man, he puts them first. Above all he is an encourager.
A faith role model always humbly points to Jesus. More in action than words. Because his own role model is Jesus himself. I pray this young man find’s who he’s looking for. Ultimately it’s Jesus. Until then, one of His disciples.
Although I am 84, I don’t remember having a hero as a kid. But now that I think about it, I would say it was my mother. Interesting that I never thought of her as a hero before, but more than any other person, I owe who I am today to her and later my wife. More important than either of course, is my Lord and Savior.
You are already that kind of man, Sean. And you are also sort of a hero for me. Here's some love from me to you, and I know you've sent lots of love to lots of folks today!
Andy is a pretty good role model, especially if you don't have one you can see outside of a cathode ray tube or now, a flatscreen. There are some other good role models around if you look for them. They're the ones who might take the time to help you carve a wooden racer out of a block, give it some paint, and add some wheels. They'll show you how to cook up a good breakfast - and clean up afterwards. And take out the garbage without complaining. Sew a button on a shirt. Show somebody how to separate laundry and operate a washing machine. Let someone see just the right amount of affection to show a wife or a husband. Tell a good joke without laughing. Hand somebody a sandwich who is hungry. Live with a sense of gratitude. Talk about things that are important in life. Be generous with grace that might open an eye or two. They can be found. Sometimes you don't have to look all that far.
Sean, you ARE that kind of man. 🥰
Sean, you are already there. You love people, and we love you back, so you have reached your aspirations. Keep on keepin' on and continue to entertain us every day. Thanks for being you, Sean!
Having a God centered role model now seems harder & harder to find. We should all strive to be such a model for those coming behind us.
I learned at a very young age to lean on the loving arms of my Heavenly Father and to live in His light continually as I may be ‘the only Jesus some people meet’
Thank you Sean for my daily reminder that others may be looking to me today for guidance and direction so, I need to live as an example for them.
Pone from what I heared he was a lot nicer on TV than he was in real life, but you learned from his good side. I saw somewheres Dat Opie was scart to death of him as a kid. Not sure whar da trut lies but one things "FoSho!" You "talk da talk" and "walk da walk"- I dont care what da Ole "DoRite" said! Pass me a cool one Bro!
Yor Amigo,
Pubert Earle
Sean, don’t worry . You are that kind of man and more.
'O Andy was a great role model for a lot of young boys...and even girls back in the day. Even if you had a good dad every body looked up to Andy Taylor.
You Sean, have turned out to be a great role model for young and some not so young of us here with your wonderful stories. We love you..stay you!
In his grief he’s looking for a role model. That’s good. Not a replacement for his dad. But a mentor. Dad would be pleased.
A role model is someone who is real. Not perfect. He doesn’t have to be exceptionally educated. Not even especially articulate or gregarious. But REAL. A person of integrity. A role model exhibits character in a way that makes an impact. On others, that is. Because he loves his fellow man, he puts them first. Above all he is an encourager.
A faith role model always humbly points to Jesus. More in action than words. Because his own role model is Jesus himself. I pray this young man find’s who he’s looking for. Ultimately it’s Jesus. Until then, one of His disciples.
What a great role model and you are a great model yourself for so many people my dear friend 🙏
Although I am 84, I don’t remember having a hero as a kid. But now that I think about it, I would say it was my mother. Interesting that I never thought of her as a hero before, but more than any other person, I owe who I am today to her and later my wife. More important than either of course, is my Lord and Savior.
That “someday” has arrived, Sean. You are also the kind of guy who loves people, just like Andy💕
Andy Griffith was a legend. And a man among men. He reminded me a whole lot of my daddy, God rest his soul. What a precious show for a different time.
Uncommon values that were more common back then and a life and standards truly missed by this 75 year old that remembers them well.
You are already that kind of man, Sean. And you are also sort of a hero for me. Here's some love from me to you, and I know you've sent lots of love to lots of folks today!
And you are that man! I know that from the stories you tell. I’m so glad I found your emails! It starts my day off right!
Your aspiration has long ago been fulfilled! Your deeds attest to it and your words confirm it. Thank you.