Proud to be Stubborn
My father was a stubborn man. Maybe I should say determined, for that is a better description of the way he lived his life. He didn’t believe in asking for help, whatever the obstacle, he would overcome it, whatever the task he would accomplish it through determination and a combination of the strengths of body and will. My father was Scandanavian, his parents having immigrated to Canada from Denmark.
I’d like to say I inherited his determination, but it may well be that my form of the characteristic is more akin to sheer stubborness. Which is why I got a laugh out of this story.
Seems about 45 years ago, the Scandavian community in Seattle wanted to erect a statue to Leif Erikson, (Eiriksson, Ericson – you choose a spelling) the Norwegian explorer who is acknowledged to be the first European to set foot in North America, 500 years before Columbus.
Well the city didn’t particularly want the statue but agreed to give it a spot at Shilshole Bay where Erikson’s rigid symbol of determination has stood for four and a half decades now.
Recently the city decided to refurbish the statue and move it to another location. A ceremony was planned and equipment readied to take the statue off its platform and carry it elsewhere. The only problem is, the stalwart explorer doesn’t seem to want to move. Since the first attempt on Tuesday, they have made three attempts to lift the statue and so far Leif refuses to budge. Seems his legs are filled with cement and he’s been cemented to the platform as well as being secured with steel bolts. After 40 man hours and many dulled jackhammer tips, Leif still stands keeping watch over Shilshole Bay.
It seems almost as if Leif’s spirit is embodied in that statue, determined and strong, not swayed by the fact the city didn’t want him there in the first place and now refusing to vacate the spot he managed to secure. It reminds me a lot of my father, that will to overcome and to stand strong, regardless of the nature of the onslaught.
I have decided that I don’t mind being called stubborn and determined, sometimes that’s the way to be. When they come to tear you down, stand tall and proud and look out into the world you have discovered.
The city hasn’t announced when it will make a fourth attempt to remove the statue. Secretly, I hope they give up and leave Leif standing right where he is. Anyone who puts up that much of a fight deserves to win.
‘Stubborn Scandavian’ sticking around in Seattle
Day 3, and statue still doesn’t budge
International Leif Erikson Foundation
