Every person is essentially like playdough. We come in different colors and from different containers, but we all come from the same manufacturer. Playdough is basically a worthless lump, but when it is sculpted, it can be formed into something beautiful and amazing. It is what we do with our life or “playdough” that makes us special and unique. Thus, each and every experience that we have or circumstance that is put before us molds us into our own individual masterpiece. Through my Dad, I have come to see that this individuality should be celebrated in everyone and that it is what makes us different that will ultimately give us success in this life.
My Dad was born on September 25, 1938 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. Hubert Oxford III, as he was named, was the Son of Hubert Oxford II and Virginia Cunningham. Little did his parents know that their Son would grow up to surpass all expectations that anyone had of such a small town boy. After years of studying, he graduated from St. Anthony’s Catholic High School and headed off to Texas A&M University. It was there that he received his first inspiration that he was meant for something more than small town life. During his first semester, a professor assigned him to write a paper about what he was going to do with his life. Of course my Father had no idea what his future would hold, so his response was that he would just take over the family lumber business. After reading his paper, the professor called him into his office and informed my father that he would not be allowed to take the easy way out and that he would not accept anything less than excellence and success from him. From that moment on, my Dad has not strived to be ordinary, but to be great, and has excelled in everything that he has pursued.
With his professor’s words in mind, he completed an engineering degree at A&M and made the decision to go on to law school at the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated in 1963. This is where he expanded his mind through the famous words of the masters such as Aristotle and Plato and formed many of his own beliefs and opinions. It was not long after he graduated, that he was drafted into the United States Air Force to serve in the Vietnam War. His strict discipline and dedication that he learned in the Corps at Texas A&M and his ability to solve problems with ease from his engineering background had him promoted to Captain and Judge Advocate in this trying time. I believe that he owes his life to his education, but I also greatly respect his courage and faith that he displayed in being wiling to serve his country. My Father read a lot during his time in the military. He says that TE Lawrence’s Seven Pillars of Wisdom was a reading requirement and “although it was a bible on Guerilla warfare, it also taught a lesson in bravery, treachery and false promises of politicians [1]”. Also, King Rat by James Cavell taught him and his fellow soldiers how to survive in their new harsh environment. Although it was a time of great devastation and war, it was during this time that my Dad was able to travel the world and experience the diversity that it has to offer. He lived across seas for years and was able to indulge in his Scottish heritage and to accumulate a fusion of the various cultures he experienced and become quite a cultivated person.
My Dad wears his kilt on all special occasions. This is a picture from my sister's wedding.
Since then, he has become a fairly successful lawyer and frequently writes commended dissertations. His accomplishments are a reflection of his unwavering determination and drive, his incredible intelligence, and his clever zeal. Not only has he won abundant awards and esteem in the community, but has also been named one of the best lawyers in the United States.
After making a name for himself as a lawyer, my Father chose to settle down and start a family. While he at first struggled with a failed marriage and raising five kids on his own, he is now happily married and the proud Father of seven and the Grandfather of five. His struggles seemed to instill him with an incredible sense of independence and passion for being a father.
My Dad dressed as Santa Clause on Christmas Day.Over the years, the Bible has implanted the importance of love and family in his life and he has strived to make them his top priorities. He lives his life daily with a firm conviction to his faith and his beliefs while maintaining the composure needed in the business world. He says, “As I get older I am enjoying reading the Bible to confirm my faith. Reading confirms my belief that Christ founded only one Church and although not perfect, the Catholic Church is the one that was started by him and tries to live up to the Gospels teachings [2].” I believe that he is successful in his efforts. As a Grandfather, he is always tender and caring.
Hubert Oxford III, IV and V and Lila Oxford at St. Elizaeth's Hospital.
As a Father he is strict, yet loving. As a Brother and a Son, he was continuously loyal and devoted. He often says he feels connected to his family because of Larry McMurtry’s novel, Lonesome Dove. “It is a story of a time that (his) Father saw the beginning of, that (he) saw the end of, and that will continue to effect people in generations to come [3].” Not only has it linked his past to his future, but also has made him more sensitive to and appreciative of the people in his life.
Dad, My Mom, My sisters, and me at Disney WorldAs a result, Dad has become the ideal family man and puts all else aside to be an active part of his children’s lives. He still continues to possess such an unending enthusiasm and love for each member of his family and I am sure he will until the day that he dies.
From an early age, I knew I wanted to be just like my daddy. Some of the earliest memories I have of my Father and me together are from a program called Indian Princesses. This program allowed fathers and their daughters to spend time together, camping and bonding in the deep woods. We were proud members of the Sioux Tribe and lived and breathed it while we were there.
Dad, Chief Grey Wolf, and me at an Indian Princess campout.
My dad was the chief of our entire Indian tribe. Although the whole idea seems silly now, Chief Grey Wolf represented complete leadership and strength in my young eyes. I remember gazing in awe as his mighty hands assembled our tent, our refuge from the scary wilderness surrounding us. I looked to him in admiration as he prepared our meals with such agility or soothed me with his gentle spirit when I was hurt or afraid. During our campfires beneath the stars, power and grace seemed to envelop him as he recited chants and performed ritual dances. As we fell asleep to the warm glow and crackle of the fire, I felt comfortable and safe with him by my side. I was confident in his abilities and was certain that no one else could do anything better than my Dad. Everything he did seemed to be perfect and this made me want to be perfect too.
As I grew up, my Dad and I began to experience our differences. Although we did not always see eye to eye, he was constantly there offering me encouragement and support in everything I did.
Young Texan Ball 2006From football games to dance recitals to my Debutante ball, he contributed all he could with his whole heart. The same was true for my other six siblings and all other member of our family. Not only was a he continually making sacrifices for his loved ones, but he never stopped giving to others as well. He has served on the board of the Lower Neches Valley Authority for countless years and was also elected King of the Neches River Festival.
My Dad and me at the Neches River Festival 2007He helped found the Beaumont Foundation, which gives away free computers to and assists those in need and also got our family involved in an amazing program called Bicycles and Bibles. Families donate gifts to Bicycles and Bibles allowing needy families to have a Christmas that they would never have the chance to have. His involvement in such organizations not only benefited the community, but also has instilled the value of compassion and hope in my family and me. His leadership and generosity continue to change the face of Beaumont and never cease to astonish and challenge me.
The summer before I was supposed to enter the ninth grade, my Father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. While most people would be devastated by this news, my Dad saw it as a challenge and an opportunity to grow and appreciate life. There was never a moment in our time in Sarasota where he seemed depressed or resentful about his circumstances. He was always very optimistic and I remember envying his bright outlook on things when I was terrified of what was going to happen. He saw each day of our time there as a chance to conquer something new, and taught us about so much during that summer. He really grew in his faith throughout the entire experience and looked to God and the Bible for courage more than ever. Somehow he was able to find a bravery deep within to keep himself and us motivated and confident that he would prevail. To this day, my Father is a cancer survivor and he is stronger and more grateful than ever because of his fight with this humbling disease.
My Dad turned sixty-nine last week. When I look at him he does not look old at all. His eyes sparkle with anticipation for the future and with wisdom of years gone by. He does not seem afraid of what is to come and does not seem to regret anything in his past. I love my Dad and I cherish every moment I spend with him because I know that is how he has treated his life. He has embraced each moment of each day and has lived it to its fullest potential and has never looked back. Hubert Oxford III is my friend, my hero, and my Dad. He is everything I want to amount to be and a little bit more. He has accomplished a great deal in his life and I only hope that I will someday be able to live up to the legacy that he has left behind.
Dad and me in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. With one last glimpse behind us, we head into the future.Word Count:1,764
Photo Citations:
Dad-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTjt2D1-bD4uhkaiPScwLvQPr2ZfgdteqoYI4UFmKCOd0lLQXPpSWqGBq19k-IV67EYUFEE1Sh4Oq2Nt6NZSi5v1e6uRzfBuSh6qRzbqDDMmyMP0BwtxYxKMtkERuea_EfLnI_EhsaJc/s1600-h/%3Cbr%20/%3Eimg655.jpg
Mexican Dad-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWXY2wf_1EshRANRW42SdM4l_wNnLaRGXU3ecTOo2brUbyS6Cs_OMtxlBqNoUcWapTUdv00GmEtwOehZiLjlQUdXjeSMBFmNutar_jvIj_JkLl6R0Z_afhWJZH5I_hcDi3biObDR1eTQ/s1600-h/mexicandad.png
Kilt-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqMOQyaRdVemoZ91Z5hRxZ5n-Ev11MR5pDDFgLJls-JAjhoUjV2JRfI8E24HJ3kL2icQMjRhYcrcn-Jqb0nkobr68Qy1VCOUqMUj-Q2bgPh7d3SJFL3DKBnqbk8bnVojFgLwsTpJkMEs/s1600-h/kilt.png
Santa Clause-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrQneM5l-aLxPYauU1-bN9KqOvuBIkX44FW0a4AgrCIlLpjM67DswySpNfgDr7jJr6nKKQf-LYQjOOlZCawCPJPZuNJG-40OFsUfr3mgkt5_aBSQApEzpQchQzfcM70Cp6X17RHr5aPE/s1600-h/santa+clause.png
Grandfather-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U74f3nYZhHhRSz8zQaoI0TP1P0_PM6d4F0OXdXznVzXcvMdlmLB3GBzA_ezGz_SDV0GWjlFfWEHqrfZPV1xUANq_Vj82rhI7oMqY8pkk_Ig-p57tcqz-0jfVty6GIdZKoXA12_xCVHo/s1600-h/Grandfather.png
Disney World-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTJXV7we01Y2WSpbQed0-Man2lFhVmRtfFxqhInNJTsxd_Kg6V6r-E1rKUKuxLqgXSWBR0Ir7FVrlqGKJr044bXY0jHkaVQ__z6cm21HRZew_he7SDoJiAQrkZB9NhVrbN85jYORbxwY/s1600-h/img675.jpg
Chief Gray Wolf-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q4a0JnH5IpLbqvVtDK6KWoz6jk7NsHF5rgT9dWWAUSQtw2v1tQgvGTyGqd0lsaTByKNhYXX1wsoSr2Vb4tYnx7L78fPmI6WJicGqe-Sj0eEeqRSnIxViTc1QQyUT4PMejVoZcFw_0vo/s1600-h/img638.jpg
Young Texans-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q4a0JnH5IpLbqvVtDK6KWoz6jk7NsHF5rgT9dWWAUSQtw2v1tQgvGTyGqd0lsaTByKNhYXX1wsoSr2Vb4tYnx7L78fPmI6WJicGqe-Sj0eEeqRSnIxViTc1QQyUT4PMejVoZcFw_0vo/s1600-h/img638.jpg
Neches River Festival-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3E5LiEDRNhd1k8YLpv0C2pQMVbvNsdA1D9niAfT_6uIIm6_qaMaGPGLCtYHM9bsMF9iUxVe_3G3OrDfqx5gMMtp5JATeHHbG7czbteOEif7eBSz4gwxgmQ5mg2lx8P9eFLqoflrAgVo/s1600-h/DebBAll.png
Hall of Mirrors-
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfknX1GxMMNBi59AMmbktx7DtzIix9psrug6p1ZxwTEfg4KfDE86hBmja5EzhkPd_tNNb60NNOxLDhVWc3TwkS1hxww04wFdj5-PTKYQucezdN1lRdp5P2AtlWSYozGSo0B7iNSZN7-a4/s1600-h/hall+of+mirrors.png
Text Citations:
[1]-Hubert Oxford III (Attorney, Benckenstein and Oxford), in discussion with author, October 2007.
[2]-Hubert Oxford III (Attorney, Benckenstein and Oxford), in discussion with author, October 2007.
[3]-Hubert Oxford III (Attorney, Benckenstein and Oxford), in discussion with author, October 2007.
Link to Internet pot for printout:
http://anniedanni42.blogspot.com/2007/10/my-friend-my-hero-my-daddy_03.html
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