R.I.P Neil Armstrong

Today the world lost an inspirational man.  He may not have inspired all, but he inspired many.  Among those that he has inspired are my children, especially my boys.  They have learned a lot from Neil Armstrong.

They learned that being a Boy Scout, and an Eagle Scout, is something that is important.  It is something that they can attain, just like their father did.

They learned that if you really want to do something you have to work hard and study hard to get it.  Nothing comes easy in life.  Neil Armstrong studied hard and became a pilot at the age of 16.

They learned that dreams can come true.  Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot upon the moon, something that up until then was thought to be unthinkable.  That "one small step" matters a lot.

They learned the importance of modesty in your accomplishments.  Even though Neil Armstrong is a name that is known across the world, he was not a man who sought attention.  In fact he actively stayed out of the lime light.  His focus was on his family, his friends, and his work.  He could have let his achievement go to his head, but he chose to continue living as he had.

They learned the importance of standing up for the things they believe in.  Even though Neil Armstrong shied from publicity he made a rare public appearance when NASA's Constellation program was cancelled. 

My boys have learned many things from Mr. Armstrong, but foremost they have learned to reach for the stars.  To push themselves to fulfill their full potential.

That it is not to say that these lessons have not been learned elsewhere along the way, as they have.  They have been learned repeatedly and through different sources.  Neil Armstrong was just one of my children's teachers.  He was a teacher of many things to them, even though he did not know them.  I am grateful to this man, this legend, for the example he has been to my children.  I am grateful for his contributions to the space program.  I am grateful to his family for sharing him with the world. 

The Eagle has landed, rest in peace Neil Armstrong, rest in peace.