I never had the real opportunity to get to know Paul. In
fact, I’ve had only one true conversation with him. At the time, I had no idea
how much that conversation would impact me later on.
We were barbecuing in the backyard and he was telling me
about his home; how much he paid for it and what Spring Valley looked like in
1962. Listening to his words, I easily visualized a scene of ranch and farm
land, even while looking at 54 freeway and the hundreds of houses and
businesses. “Man,” I thought to
myself ,”this valley must’ve been
beautiful before “civilization” moved in” The part of our conversation that
stuck with me most was the way he spoke
of his family and his home. He with gratitude and humility. Yes, he was plenty
proud of his hard work and what it provided, but that pride was overshadowed by
his obvious appreciation for the opportunity to provide.
Knowing his family, especially his wife Carmen and his
granddaughter, my wife Anna; gave me much insight into who he really was. We
live in a day and age where I feel many out there are praised for all the wrong
reasons. Celebrities who really don’t do anything other than be famous.
Multi-million dollar athletes who cheat. Politicians who lie. And the list goes
on and on.And then there’s men like Paul. A man who lived his life in service of others. A man who helped others who asked and when they didn’t ask, he sought out those in need.
I often talk of those who have influenced my life; of people who have led by example and inspired me to look at my life and the example I show to first and foremost, my family but also to those around me, be it extended family, friends, coworkers or even a stranger on the street.
Not long after Anna and I first started dating, I was
talking with Grandma Carmen about work. She told me about how long Paul worked
for SDG&E and how he got the job. Apparently, he went down to their main
office to apply, only to be told they weren’t hiring. Now, many people would
give up on that option or even worse, stop the job search altogether. But not
Paul. He went back the next day, only to be turned away again. The same went
with the day after that, and the day after that. And he kept going back until
he got the job and spent the next 30 years there.
This to me is one of the truest examples of persistence that
I have ever known. No one knows what he would have done for a living if he had
not been persistent in getting that job.T
T he lesson of persistence, of dedication, of lifelong service to others are but a small part of his legacy. But to say it is only a small part would be like saying the USS Midway is a small boat. His legacy, as with all great men; lives on in his family and in those whose lives were changed by his service to the Lord.
I know for a fact that my life has certainly been changed by his legacy.
Had it not been for Paul Martinez, I still may be searching
for the meaning, for the purpose of my
life. My role, my blessing of being a husband and a father; THAT’S the absolute
meaning of my life. So without really knowing it, he showed me the meaning of
my life.
And just as I am inspired by his persistence, I will
continue looking for ways to be better in that sacred role. I will be persistent
in my desire to be a better husband to my wife and a better father to our
children.
Just as his selfless
dedication to his faith changed so many lives; I am inspired to look at how my
own faith can change not only my life but those of anyone and everyone I come
in contact with.
And before I lay my head to rest tonight; I will express my
humble gratitude for being husband to Anna, father to Trevor, Joseph and Layla
and being blessed with the Sacred Role of helping to carry on his legacy…