The Legacy of a Father: Steve Hinderhofer

My friend Steve sent me a copy of this letter that he wrote to his Dad, Steve, on his birthday. What an awesome way to dwell on what he is thankful for, and pay tribute to the legacy that his father continues to leave on his life. This goes to show that as dads, siblings, or whatever it is, God can use us to have an amazing impact on the lives around us from the little seemingly insignificant things to the big things. Thanks for sharing Steve..... 

 Steven John Hinderhofer is a great man, loving father, encouraging friend, and husband. This is his legacy in my life. My dad is a regular guy with some very special qualities. Here are a few things I remember from growing up. 

1. When we used to go to McDonald’s, sometimes he would buy and extra small fries, just so we could eat them on the way home. 
2. When we were kids dad managed a gas station and he would take us to work and buy us Munchoes before we went home as well as a few more snacks. We would always sleep on the way home because we were usually up at 4. He always got us home safely. 
3.  When we were playing baseball as kids we would play doubleheaders on Saturday. During the summer it was about 1,000 degrees on some of those days and I was the catcher, sometimes catching both games in between the innings he would always have a cold wet towel to hang around my neck and would tell me really positive things while I sat in the bench to cool off. In between the games he would let me just sit there and bring some food and gatorade over to me. 
4.  My dad worked at a church while we were in high school and the beginning of college. Each Wednesday he would set up the chairs and tables at the parish center for the seniors who would come and have lunch and play BINGO. He did this every week. There must have been 40-50 eight foot tables and 200-250 metal chairs. I remember this only because I hated doing it. Setup and tear down sometimes took place in the same day and happened every week. He cared so much about those seniors, that all the chairs were set up right and that place was clean. Thomas and I were always reluctant to help, but we did, and I am glad we did. There is some legacy lesson in there about making things right, being consistent and serving others. 
5.  In 1994 I was involved in a bb gun accident that would eventually result in the loss of vision in my right eye. I remember going in for surgery one of those first times and being as scared as I had ever been in 12 years. He held my hand and I cried. He cried too. We were both scared. He taught me it is ok to be scared. 
6.  I was taught to drive by the best driver. I don’t drive here much in Iowa, but it serves me well when we travel to Mexico and navigate the streets of Tijuana. 
7. My dad disciplined us and we are better because of it. 
8. My dad taught me how to mop a floor. I love mopping. He also taught me to do the dishes. I don’t love doing the dishes. 
9.  My dad took me to my first met’s game. He taught me where to park so we wouldn’t have to pay $10. He also knew the guy on the field box level. We used to give him $20 to let us sit down there. I'll never forget how green that grass was. 
10.  After the bb gun accident, I had to stay home from school for three quarters of my 7th grade year. We loved the horses, so dad set up an OTB account where I could call in and bet on the races before my tutors came to the house. Boy was that fun. 
11. Belmont Race track was always a fun trip. Horse poop smells fantastic. The excitement is second to none. 
12. When I headed to college I had a chance to walk on and play some baseball. My dad came to every game that he could make and sometimes twice on weekends. I wasn’t even playing and he would come and hang out, talk with the guys. They always enjoyed him coming down to watch and cheer. 
13. After I decided to come to Iowa to pursue further education, he drove 18 hours to get mom and I here safely. That sure was a long day! 

Proverbs 13:22 "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's chidren..."