It has been 5 years this week since my dad died, March 19, 2004. I miss him so much, and I have been thinking a lot about how much I learned from him growing up. He wasn't a perfect dad, but he was the perfect dad for me, just the one I needed to teach me and guide me into life. Here are some of the lessons he taught me:
1. If you want to have a friend, you need to be one first.
2. Don't complain about your lot in life, just do the best you can with what you are given.
3. Never give up.
4. If you are going to be religious, live it every day, not just on Sundays.
5. No one gets a free ride -- you can have whatever you want, but you have to be willing to work hard for it.
6. Don't talk back to your mother and always help her do the dishes.
7. Pay your bills on time.
8. Life is short so make every day count.
9. The people you should try to impress the most are the ones around the dinner table with you.
10. The richest man in the room is usually the one with sh*# on his boots.
11. The best place in the whole world to be is your own home.
12. If your kids want to order the biggest hamburger on the menu, let them!
13. Don't worry so much, just enjoy life while it lasts.
14. Never stop learning.
15. Education comes in many forms, not just from books.
16. Know a few good jokes so you can always bring a smile to someone's face.
17. Call people by their name and look them in the eye when you talk to them.
18. Cherish, honor and take good care of your parents.
19. Live so that you have no regrets.
20. Never be ashamed to just be yourself.
Some of these things are things my dad told me, and some of them I learned by watching him. We didn't always see life the same way, but I know he did his best to teach me what he thought I needed to know. Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when I was still in Jr. High. He was forced to retire from the Forest Service, and his life was drastically changed from that point on. Still, he lived with dignity, he did what he wanted to do and didn't let the disease stop him. He never complained or asked "why me?". He beat it for nearly 25 years, longer than most. That's why my dad is my hero, and why I miss him so very much. I love you, Dad.
5 comments:
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. I miss my mom every day, too.
Wow, that was nice. Tears come easily to me right now in my life, but that would bring tears to even the hardest heart. Thank you for sharing such great life lessons from your hero.
This made me cry...I learned a lot of things from my grandpa. I'll always remember how he would greet me, Whenever i would go over there he would always say "hello sweetheart"
I enjoyed reading about your dad. I did not know he passed away and remember him and your mom visiting you in Layton. I also lost my dad in July 08. You just never realize how much they impact your life until they are gone! I am sure he is so proud of you and your family!
What a great tribute. Looks like he taught you well, as you have obviously followed much of his advice.
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