The My Hero Project

LINCOLNBICENTENNIAL HERO:
MY DAD
by Caroline Poirier

What if we all were like Abraham Lincoln? Lincoln was honest to no end. One day when Lincoln was working in a store he accidentally overcharged a lady. He walked a mile just to return the change to her. That honesty earned him the nickname Honest Abe. Lincoln couldn't stand injustice so he became a lawyer. During a trial Lincoln discovered that the person he was defending had lied. Lincoln marched out of the courtroom and when the judge sent a messenger to tell Lincoln to come back, Lincoln said, "Tell the judge my hands are dirty and I've gone to wash them!" If everyone was as just as Lincoln we wouldn't lie or cheat.

Lincoln was also especially fair. He fought for blacks to be treated like whites. He said, quote, "Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally." He also signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves. If we all were like Lincoln we would always do the right thing no matter how difficult that task might be.

I admire Abraham's drive to be educated. He said, quote, "Upon the subject of education I view it is for us the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in." He always read everything he could find and when he was six he happily walked four miles to school. I'm amazed that he walked that far to school when, today, kids hate going to school. If we all were like Lincoln everyone would be educated and there would be very little poverty.

My Dad is like Lincoln. Not only is he almost as tall as Lincoln, but he has many of the same traits as him.

My Lincoln is honest too. Whenever a cashier gives him too much change he gives the extra back. Also he always takes responsibility at work if he makes a mistake.

Fairness is also a trait my Lincoln possesses. He always listens to both sides of the story when my siblings and I get in fights. He said, quote, "I feel it is a great insult if someone says I'm not being fair and, if they do, I inquire why."

My Lincoln was also driven to be educated. He went to a great college even though it was extremely far away from home. He worked hard at college. Even today he shows how important he thinks education is by encouraging and helping us with our schoolwork.

My Lincoln has impacted my life by teaching me to be thoughtful to others and to always do the right thing. Also he always supports me in school. He's given me a father figure that's unselfish and generous to others. He teaches me not to be afraid to work. My Lincoln has given me a roof over my head and shoes on my feet, a safe house where I'm always welcome, and someone I know I can turn to. When he's here I know there's nothing to worry about. My Lincoln has made me a better person. When I grow up I want to be just like him.

My dad is my Lincoln hero.

Written by Caroline Poirier

This story has been submitted by a guest user and does not necessarily represent the views of The My Hero Project or its staff.

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