User:Jlanham4

Jackii Lanham September 6, 2009 Hero memoir English 4

My inspiration through out the years has been Lenard Lanham. He has been here for me since birth and I love him dearly. He hasn't always been the nicest person, but he always got his point across. Lets learn a little more about this unyielding person. He met a cook by the name of Dehigh Wright in 1981 on board. He married her twice. Later, they had their first of four children in Edgefield, South Carolina. It was a boy, so they decided to name him Lenard Jr. After about two years, they sailed to Italy and had a baby girl named Raychel. About seven years from then, another baby girl came to be born in Wilmington Delaware. Their last child was born in Norfolk V.A., two years later, and they named him Chris. Lenard worked in the Hampton Roads Regional Jail correctional for three years. Having to deal with all of the convicts and everyone swearing "they didn't do it", I know he probably wanted to blow up in there, but he kept his cool. He later served in the Navy for twenty-four years and retired as a Chief (or E7) in the year of 2000. While in the Navy he went to collage for -- years. His major was--. In 2005 Dehigh divorced him. After all that he and his children had been through, his ex-wife took his kids and went back to D.C. His children went through hell. His ex-wife met a man named Hugh that that made the kids realize why “Mommy” left in the 1st place. Lenard was devastated, but he stayed strong. He later met a woman by the name of Gwendolyn B. Johnson. She had three children and was well on her feet. When Lenard fell off she was always there to catch him (and visa versa). She is an instructor at USC Aiken and -- of Allendale. She has earned everything up to her PhD. and has a lot to be proud of. Her son and daughter have been very successful throughout life and she has raised them well. Lenard could not be happier with all of the progress that they have made together. Gwen has not only helped Lenard, but has put forth her up most effort into his children as she has done her own. Lenard intends on marrying this woman and eventually spending the rest of his life with her. They are a very religious couple as well. They strongly believe in God's word and spread it relentlessly. I have learned a great deal from them. Today Lenard works a twelve-hour shift, from seven to seven. On the days that he is off, he is usually doing something to benefit someone else. He is also a very generous person. If Raychel could not pay a bill, he would find a way to get it done. If one of his kids needed anything he would work overtime to make sure they got it. Even if one of them needed a car he would give his car to them temporarily so they could get their work done. Those same rules applied for Gwen. When she scratched his back, he would scratch hers. They would buy their children birthday gifts, and they have never forgotten a Christmas. Lenard has always guided his children in the right direction, and hopes that they can benefit off of their own decisions. He has always said to look forward because it is to late to change the past. His oldest daughter thought it was to late to go to college, and now she is in the Everest online school. His youngest daughter thought she was not good enough for college, now she striving to get there. His oldest son was incarcerated, now he is getting back on track. Last but not least his youngest son is back on track in school. We are all working to be successful. In his children's eyes, they would most likely say that he was mean, strict, or even over protective. With me being his youngest daughter, I will say that he is all of that, and he loves me. Lenard Lanham has been the greatest friend, father, and just random person to know. He loves everyone equally, and would give his life for his family. He is such a good hero that he found someone else for his children to look up to as well. Gwen is a great role model and has raised three others. I know I may not be as strong-minded and determined as him, but I’ll try to come as close to it as possible.