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A Hero Slipped

         I'm a little disappointed. I've been researching someone I idolized for some time now. I never knew who he was until last year, but everything I've seen or read indicated that he was very accomplished, smart, and talented, and on top of that, a dedicated family man. He is still very close to his grown sons, and was faithful to the same woman for over 50 years. Her death left him devastated.

         Now after researching him, I've discovered he's a little demented and obsessive. While he was very accomplished and acclaimed by age 30, he's kept his very talented sons under his wings. Now in their 40's and 50's, they have the knowledge and skill, but have lost their fire and passion. His wife may have missed being medically diagnosed sooner and treated for a tumor because she was too busy pursuing his dreams and helping him fulfill his fantasies. It turns out the very people he loved the most may have been hurt by his dreams and ambition.

         I've crashed from hero worship to seeing him as pathetic and sad. His interviews are  depressing. He has such a fatalistic attitude. Now I see him as self-destructive, controlling, and self-centered instead of loving, creative, and passionate. There may be material there for a book. Make my first sentence "very disappointed", not a little. I still admire his accomplishments, but I can't ever see him the same way again.