My dad had a thing for bears.
A self proclaimed atheist, he somehow managed his own separate truth as a stout believer in the Great Bear, <insert quote I wish I could remember in detail from him>.
From Azuresphere, a blue bear who sat on the back of his Harley in the 70s' to Bosworth J. Combat Bear (pictured above) who shook "hands and paws" with generals, walked down the plank of C-130's and deployed to Bosnia, the man went most places with a bear in tow.
It's the biggest part of my childhood and the centerpiece of the memory of my dad. I wrote my college application paper about it (Columbia University approved!). I even named my business after it.
So who IS the Great Bear? For me, it's a perfect blend: the memory of my dad along with some of the best universe energy out there. A presence to talk to, a model of integrity and hard work to embrace and aspire to and a reminder to make the most of life, every single day.