Julia Rodinec

Block 1
The Things they Carried Memoir Prompt
My Dad
John Rodinec carries his scapular. He first started learning about scapulars when my
Great Uncle was becoming ill. He learned that some were different colors to help with certain
things, such as the one my Great Uncle wore was green which helped with healing. The one my
dad wears is a soft cloth that is brown. He’s had small ones and large ones, ones with charms,
metal ones, but he’s always worn one ever since he found out about them. He wears it as a
constant reminder of his faith, giving him the courage to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
He carries his Swiss Army pocketknife. Ever since I could remember my Dad has always
carried a pocketknife wherever he went because he knew that it could be such a handy tool to
have around. He never bought his own pocketknife. They always were given to him as a gift. At
the moment he carries a camo printed one that was given to him from one his best friends that is
almost like and uncle to me.
He carries his Motorola phone. A phone is a necessity for everyone nowadays, however
many people are always trying to get the latest and greatest iPhone. My dad always believed that
iPhones are overrated, so he sticks to a simple android that gets the job done. He uses it for
communication, but he loves to take photos and videos to capture the funniest of moments.
He carries worries. He is always trying to do the best he can for his family as well as the
community. Since he used to be a sheriff and now has his own security business, he has so many
pressures to not only protect his family, but everyone around him. His worries of keeping people
safe make him always aware of what is happening around him and in the world. He carries these
worries because he cares about other people so much and he wants to do his best to protect as
many people as he can.
He carries joy. My dad has always been a jokester as long as I could remember. He
knows that in a world of suffering and problems he will be able to cheer up at least one person
with jokes or funny faces. He always tries to be positive and he looks for the joy and happiness
in every moment.
He carries his faith. He has always been a religious person and he has found that prayer
and trust in God will get him through any struggles that he is faced with. He believes that God
has a reason for every moment in our life weather it be good or bad. Through his faith he has
also received so many blessings in his life.