Father's Day
Air Force's Corporal Liam Marsh shares a heart-warming story about his stepfather, Keith, in the lead-up to Father's Day.
My stepdad entered my life when I was 12 years old. The first time I met him he let me play on his PlayStation and borrow an RC helicopter video game - in other words he did a great job at a first impression. He came across as calm and kind and obviously made my mum happy.
Since that day Keith has been nothing but a positive influence on myself and our family. It is not very often you get the chance to put into text how much someone means to you, so I'd like to share some more about him.
Keith was born way back in 1956 (so old), the youngest of three children. His family lived in Bedfont (near London Heathrow) and when he was 15 and 3/4 he joined the Royal Navy as an aircraft engineer. I cannot comprehend leaving home and conducting basic training at such a young age and I think it speaks to his resilient character that I now know so well. He had, what sounds like, an eventful career which spanned 24 years and included his service in the Falklands War. During the conflict, Keith's ship was flown over by the bomber aircraft that struck the Sir Galahad and killed 48 servicemen.
Over his 24 years of service Keith travelled the world and loves nothing more than spouting 'been there' when we watch travel programs or any other show located in a foreign country. He has stories galore, but just when you think you've heard them all he comes out with statements like 'I used to ice skate in the Navy' or 'that was just before I ended up in court'.
'It turns out he was exactly who we all needed when he rocked up 24 years ago and I am grateful every day that he's around.'
Keith is hilarious (it pains me to put that in writing) and he constantly has us in stitches. Whether that is because he's actually being funny or that he's said something that has outraged one of us, and the rest of us find that funny. He is a master of breaking tension with a joke and making us feel at ease. In fact, he makes everyone, even strangers, feel at ease and is loved by everyone who's fortunate enough to meet him. He is frustratingly logical and is always the person I turn to when I'm thinking of making an extravagant purchase or need some solid, level-headed advice. He has always been there for me and I know he always will be.
I am the man I am today because of Keith (and my mum). Over the years he has taught me to not take life too seriously, to laugh at myself and turn to humour when I'm feeling stressed or about to lose my temper. He emphasised to me the importance of being kind to people and seizing opportunities when they come your way. He was an influence on me joining the RAF and encouraged me to make the transfer to the RAAF, two things that have given me a great life. He knows I love him, even though I express it with abusive birthday cards, but it's nice to let him know how much.
It is not just me he has impacted. He's a brilliant grandfather and is excellent at winding my sister up - which I always appreciate. He is a great influence on my mum. Not only bringing her joy but he encourages her to do things, to travel, to treat herself. Things she wouldn't do if left to her own devices.
It turns out he was exactly who we all needed when he rocked up 24 years ago and I am grateful every day that he's around.
