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Thursday, September 9, 2010

A Great American Story: Mario Rubio

Earlier this week, Marco Rubio wrote a letter about the passing of his father, Mario Rubio.  I encourage you to follow the link and read the entire letter, but what stood out for me was a section where Marco talks about the symbolism of "two tables," and his father's sacrifice for his family:
I realize everyday, and today more than ever, that every opportunity I have had is the result of the selfless decisions [my father] made, even before I was born.

We, his four children, were the purpose of his life. And our accomplishments were not just a source of natural parental pride, they were and are affirmation that he mattered. That his life had real purpose. That his sacrifices were not in vain.

My dad was proud of all of his children and grandchildren. And he would have been proud of me no matter what I chose to do. But I think what made him especially proud of the career I have chosen is because of how far it is from the one he had.

For years, my dad would work banquets at hotels. Many times, these events featured a well-known figure giving a speech. At these events, there are usually only two people standing behind a table.  The speaker who is behind a podium, and a bartender behind the bar.

My dad was the one behind the bar. But he worked all his life so that his kids could make the symbolic journey from behind the bar to behind the podium.  And in fact, I literally did.

That journey is a testament to the greatness of America. And that journey was the purpose of my father’s life.
Read the entire letter here: Marco Rubio | A Letter From Marco About the Passing of his Father

Our thoughts and prayers to the Rubio family on the passing of a great American.

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