Thinking of my father today. He left the planet in 2009 at the age of 90. My siblings and I have shared many positive and negative experiences about my Dad in the past 3 years .But most of all I am grateful for 12 things my Dad taught me by his way of life.
1. Family is everything. My father knew his genealogy and was proud of his German heritage. He enjoyed planning family outings, trips and educational projects. He and Mom made sure we ate at least one meal a day together at the table.
2. Make lists. Dad felt if it was written down in a notable place such as a steno pad, notebook or computer file, it would get done and make room for his mind to be filled with other endeavors.
3. Serve your community. Both my parents were involved in neighborhood committees, recreational facilities, church groups and service organizations. They valued their neighbors, associates and community and bestowed value on them in return.
4. Nature always has the answers. Dad instilled in me a deep appreciation of the mystery of nature, life cycles, animal hierarchy and beauty all around everyday. When troubled I go outside and become one with nature to find the answers I seek.
5. Share your life story. Dad was a good story teller and practical joker. He compiled albums of trips, conventions, family milestones and vacations. He used photography, his own sketches, maps and other souvenirs as a way of telling our life story with color and humor. I have continued with this tradition.
6. Surround yourself with positive people. Dad was quite the networker and was able to “connect the dots” for people to meet those who could help them reach their goals or find something they were looking for.
7. Never stop learning. Education was the most important asset to my Dad since be dropped out of school to be a soldier in WWII. He emphasized a college education to all three of his children and worked and saved for that to be a reality. The opportunities my education has afforded me have been priceless.
8. Invest wisely and quietly. Toward the end of his life when we discussed my parents will, all three of us children were quite surprised at the “nest egg” he and mom had grown through wise investing. They never told us about it until then but shared generous monetary gifts with us while still alive so they could enjoy our enjoyment.
9. When love is right, it never leaves. My parents met on a blind date and were married once Dad returned from the war. They built their own home after 4 years of renting and lived in it for 60 years. They weathered “the good, the bad and the ugly” throughout their marriage but had signed up for a lifetime together.
10. Never feel old. Although Dad regretted his failing health, he was always perky and excited about something going on during his day and welcomed his children’s enthusiasm as well.
11. Believe in a “Higher Power.” My Dad and Mom were mainstays for the church and fellow parishioners. They insisted we attend as a family and donated much of their time and talents to the growth and progress of the congregation.
12. Being on time. My Dad understood the respect given when honoring another person’s time and energy. He knew his own life constraints and wanted to get done the necessary things at the necessary time. Consequently, he was usually 15 minutes early to any meeting, party, or service.
Much of my constitution is built on these 12 principles from a man who still lives in my heart and mind as he does with my brother and sister. Thanks Dad. We are grateful.
