Characters

Bosnian stone layer Mujo Sabic travels to the U.S. during construction season to craft stonework like this. I met him briefly in fall 2014 during a tour of Historic High Point in Victor with developer Fred Rainaldi. His accent was thick, his smile quick, and his skills mighty impressive. This curvaceous retaining wall holds back the hillside with grace, and looks like it will be standing strong for centuries to come. At first, Sabic was reluctant to have his picture taken, but when he finally obliged, his smile took my breath away.

Now that father’s day has come and gone, I can finally write — not because the calendar says so, but because I mean it. My dad’s a real character. Everything about him proves that — his enormous musical talent, his corny sense of humor, his magician-like ability to create a masterpiece out of trash can lids, kazoos and power tools, his unending love for his bride. He’s not a demonstrative man, not apt to give casual praise or deliver prepackaged sentiments just because it’s “time to.” But he is very likely to look you in the eye, wait a beat so you know he really means it, and then say with voice breaking, “you did great” or “we’re proud of you” or “that was your best ever.” He taught me about value, purpose, honesty, humility, pride, and perseverance. He taught me to work hard and long, and to do it with passion. He taught me that excellence is worth pursuing. He taught me that heart is even more valuable than excellence. He taught me never to settle, never to give ...