Life’s richest joys are found in witnessing greatness from the ones we love.
Years ago, when all four of my kids were in elementary school, we had a wonderful tradition for the first graders: once a week, a “mystery reader” would show up unannounced and read to the class.
One afternoon, I snuck away from work early, parked my car in the school lot, and buzzed in with the administrators. I was led down a hallway, up a flight of steps, and finally to the doorway of a room buzzing with first grade energy.
Although I’d spoken in front of millions of people at live events, I felt nervous preparing to read to 22 first graders!
The anxiety quickly faded, however, when his teacher opened the door, smiled, and ushered me in, because before I could even say a word, a chorus of little voices rang out:
“Oh my gosh—it’s Patrick’s dad! Our mystery reader is Patrick’s dad!”
Friends, that job title—not only for Patrick, but for each of my four children—is my very favorite in life.
I love being Beth’s husband. I’m grateful to be my parents’ son. I cherish being a sibling to one brother and four sisters. And I strive to be a good neighbor, a faithful friend, a compelling speaker, and a successful business owner.
But my favorite job title, by far? Dad.
As Patrick journeys through his senior year of high school and into the next chapter of his life, that role means more to me now than ever. He is choosing a path slightly different than the one I imagined back when I was the “mystery reader” more than a decade ago. Rather than pursuing a traditional route, he is leaning toward attending a Division III school and playing baseball.
And he has most certainly earned that opportunity. Truly.
He has missed leisure activities, skipped spring breaks, pushed through hardship, stayed coachable and overcome obstacles along the way to continue playing.
And this year, I’ve had the honor of sitting beside him as coaches from various universities reach out, shake his hand, and offer him the chance to play baseball at their school.
To watch Patrick—this once-little boy who was so proud to have his dad show up in first grade—now step into young adulthood with joy, grit, humility? It’s one of the greatest privileges of my life.
My friends, it’s wonderful to succeed in the things we personally chase. To build a business, write a book, train for a race, or climb the ladder of personal success. Those things matter.
But there is something far different—and far superior—about watching someone you love deeply, someone you’ve invested in, someone who has profoundly inspired you, rise beyond even what you once believed possible for their young life.
My friends, with the one life you’ve been blessed with, strive to do mighty things. Set audacious goals. Chase big dreams. Achieve meaningful milestones.
And yet, never lose sight of this truth:
Some of the greatest blessings you’ll ever receive aren’t found in the applause for your own accomplishments, but in witnessing those you love rise, flourish, and do great things with their lives.
In a season—and in a world—so often focused on what everything means for us, choose today to look outward. To show up for someone else. To celebrate their victories. To cheer them forward.
Today is your day. Live Inspired.
Signed, Patrick’s Dad (aka John O’Leary)
15 replies on “The Greatest Title I’ll Ever Hold”
The movie was so Inspiring
I read this post all the way through, which in and of itself is a great accomplishment for me! Lol. Sir, Mr. O’Leary, what I found to be the most heartwarming is the post of a man who was obviously an amazing “hands-on Dad.” A man who’s needs and interests of his children superseded his own. Though I was married 27 years, I truly was the chief cook and bottle washer; not by choice, but by necessity. I envy those women who were fortunate to have found not only wonderful husbands, but more than they knew would be amazing fathers. Thank you, sincerely for your post.
Beautiful, John!
I’ve always felt that my calling in life is to be the best mom (and now grandma) I can be. There is no greater callin.
Thanks for sharing❣️
Your messages are so inspiring!!
Thank you John for your faithful, authentic and humble inspiration.
Wishing you and your family a very blessed and merry Christmas
John,Thank you so much for your inspirational message
I just told my oldest daughter, I wouldn’t be able to see her tomorrow, because I have not feeling too well. She and her husband wanted to fly in from MN just to see me/ us for a few hours. I’m sorry I told her that. I don’t like people coming over because I have not had the energy or feel well enough to really clean my house (My husband does the laundry and some cooking ( I had a very serious and and lengthy back and stomach surgery (6th one) and I’ve not recovered)., Many other things since then. Anyway I do appreciate all you do,have done and share with us all. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you again.
John,
Thank you for your continued faithfulness in inspiring us with hope and for doing so in authenticity and humility.
Your friend and fellow encourager,
Charlie Peters
What a great truth’ Well done John!
Love this!. Thank you for the timely reminder to look outward and celebrate others.
I am so grateful for all 4 of my children. They have not followed my footsteps of being a nurse in the hospital, but they truly followed the same footsteps of reaching out to help others. My son Corey has been one of my greatest inspirations. He lives life to the fullest. He worked 7 days a week working on the mechanics in boating and delivering boats and showing how to operate them. On the side he raced Hydroplanes and became rookie of the year. He volunteered on the rescue team and helped other racers when they needed something fixed on their boat. Everyone was drawn to him as he was such a likeable and positive person. I will never forget when he entered the Canadian race in Valleyfield, Canada which is noted for the best racers in the country. We were shocked after a week of racing that Corey made it into the finals. The final race was a challenge. Corey crossed the finish line and placed 5th of the fastest boats in the country. The unbelievable happened after he crossed the finish line. Boats were running eight wide in a narrow space and someone pulled in front of Corey causing him to have to stop suddenly causing his boat to flip sideways and the bubble case that came loose hit him in the neck.
Corey was underwater unable to move due to his injury. This was a nightmare that no mother would ever want. The Canadian Rescue Team went in first since it was their territory but the American Team who knew and loved Corey jumped in when there was no quick rescue. He was in Cardiac arrest and needed to be revived. Corey was diagnosed as a quadriplegic and initially was unable to move anything. Corey’s strength and will and positive attitude was so inspirational. I always though a movie should be made of his story. He became inspirational to others and in fact was on the Good Sheherd’s billboard. He did regain some of upper body and arm movement and has been able to race boats again with the help of others getting him into the boat. He has developed hand tools that help him to perform daily functions, given classes to Lehigh University students on how to design spaces to be more functional for handicapped people. I could go on and on, but my story would never end. It is not to say he has not had his struggles as he lost his beloved dog, a baby miscarriage after finally succeeding on his wife getting pregnant and finally his wife became depressed and left. As everyone Covid hit his business, and he is having financial struggles but continues to maintain his positive attitude and doing what he can. I am so grateful for such an awesome inspirational son!
John: Your story today was right on. I had a similar experience reading to one of my children. The kids could have cared less that I was the Superintendent. I was Ryan”s Dad. Indeed a cherished title.
Thanks for continuing inspiring me. Have a great Holiday. The best to you and your family in 2026. Would love to connect with you on one of my trips back to St. Louis and my work with CharacterPlus. Keith Marty
That was beautiful and a great reminder of the importance of the accomplishments of the ones important to us!
The best thing that ever happened to me was seeing “Soul on Fire” – since then my wife and I are constantly asking ourselves “What more can we do?” – Thank you for you inspiration!
I Love this Story, John. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on how precious it is to be a “Dad”. That is a gift that you have, and you have it 4 times !! God Bless you for sharing special “moments ” with us, so that we too can “reflect” on what is most important !
well done Patrick…all the best! and you are 100% correct John…being a Dad is a special privilege, and supporting and loving other is vital to being fully alive! God Bless.