Topic: Personal
On June 28th, just 2 days before my birthday, I was listening to the radio when a news report described how a helicopter carrying Navy SEALS crashed in Afghanistan and that they were in the process of finding out the status of those on board. I instantly thought of Mike Murphy. I called my wife who was still in contact with someone that worked with Mike's father. I received a phone call back from my wife saying "Sorry honey, Mike was on that plane."
It struck me tonight while I glanced at the picture of Mike in the article hanging on my fridge about why I haven't written about him. I can't live up to him. I can't describe how miserably low I feel for saying that. It's just that Mike was everything I try to live up to. Despite our differences about the military, I think me and Mike had a lot in common. With one huge difference. I wish that I could live up to my ideals and Mike, humbly did. I wish that I could have the courage of my convictions to lay it all on the line, coming to the card game with everything I have. Mike did. I wish I could put my head down, forget my perceived limitations and forge ahead, despite everything that they throw at me. Mike did. I wish that I could come to the aid of another human being, demonstrating the most ideal form of altruism by giving the only thing we really have, life. Mike did.
I can remember sitting in the car with Mike and his father as he drove me home from little league and puzzling at the intensity of their conversations. Mike had a goal and his father was just as intent upon making sure that Mike had the tools to succeed as Mike was in succeeding. At the time I didn't realize that I was witnessing greatness in the making.
When I heard that Mike Murphy became a Navy SEAL I was initially taken aback. I thought about Mike's small stature. How could a guy like him become a Navy SEAL? After all those guys are like Superman. I thought Mike may be a "Robin" but he's definitely no "Batman." And then I realized that those thoughts were due to my shortcomings, not Mike's. I remembered him possessing something so rarely observed. There is no better way to describe it than to say that Mike possessed a humble yet quietly intense perseverance. I remember thinking back to playing football and baseball with him and watching this humble, intense perseverance in motion. I particularly remember how Mike would rise to the occasion to help out the team, not for his ego but for the greater glory of the team. He was finely capable of doing just that. I was left thinking that Mike is the epitome of what it means to be a SEAL.
The details of Mike's death paint the picture of how many of us wish we could live; being, instead of wishing for greatness.
Remembering Lt. Michael P. Murphy
Navy SEAL from LI killed in Afghanistan
Official: Afghans sheltered SEAL from Taliban
How the Shepherd Saved the SEAL
Ceremony honors SEALs killed in Afghanistan
Posted by The Indy Voice
at 1:25 AM EDT
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Updated: Tuesday, 26 July 2005 12:49 PM EDT
Updated: Tuesday, 26 July 2005 12:49 PM EDT