My parents are, far and away, the strongest people to have ever graced the face of this planet. They are also among the most intelligent, kind, generous, and forgiving. The very definition of blue collar, middle class Americans. Hard working, strong moral character, and a great code of ethics. The kind of people who would give you the shirt off their back, give you food while they go hungry, or help you in any conceivable fashion, whether they were able or not. Titans, with the ability to endure the weight of the world, and fully capable of handling anything life throws their way.

The loyalty my father commands is unprecedented. He is the world’s greatest salesman; but that’s not to say he’s a swindler or a crook. Far from it. The way he interacts with his customers is amazing, and brilliant. I’ve watched this man talk to an irate customer, beyond furious and swearing at him, not only calm them down but sell them more in the process. He’s personable, and able to read people while relating to them. His customers, many of which have known him for decades, would do anything for this man. It’s amazing.

My mother is a genius. She’s also too humble to admit that. Naturally gifted artistically, she is able to create something out of nothing. Her imagination is an endless well for her creativity, limited only by free time and available supplies. Even for a mother of four boys, she’s overworked. Somehow defying the laws of physics, she still manages to be one of the hardest working people ever. There are times I’ve wondered if she’s not actually two people (or three, or at times twelve). I simply can’t wrap my mind around it.

My parents do not have friends; they have family. It’s a tough crowd to gain membership to, but once you’re in, you’re well taken care of. I’m convinced that anyone who has met my parents would literally do anything for them, should they need it or ask.

A more upstanding, morally righteous, honest pair of people will be hard to find. But one thing is for certain:

You do not fuck with them, and you sure as shit don’t cross them.

They taught me from a very early age to never start a fight, but always finish one. Especially if you’re morally right. I believe my father’s exact words were:

“If you walk away from a fight that you didn’t start, but can win, I’ll kick your ass myself”

To the best of my memory, I can’t remember a single conflict that they started. There are plenty of examples of things getting more heated as a result of their involvement, but nothing they incited. Granted, the standard “turn the other cheek / judge not / love thy neighbor” mantra was lesson one, but lesson two was don’t let people walk all over you. And lesson three was about standing up for the little guy.

I am beyond fortunate to have parents with these qualities. And luckily, some of those qualities have been deeply embedded into my character as well. If there is anything I know for certain, it’s that I will never have their strength, never be as smart, and certainly never be as bad-ass as they are. I will always work to do the right thing, to help out those in need, remain steadfast with my physical and emotional strength, and to fight the good fight. But they have set the bar far too high.

Always room for improvement, right?

It is from both parents which I derive my strength, strict moral code, and my intelligence. My father gave me blue eyes, an affable disposition, and the communication skills of a salesman. My mother is responsible for my artistic side, perseverance, diligence, and a “take no shit” attitude.

So who exactly is Brett Haddock?

I’m the son of the two greatest parents ever, and I’m here to kick some ass.

… And no one is going to hold me down, or get in my way.

Brett Haddoak