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My last visit...

June 8, 2014

On the plane on the way home after my last visit with my father in October of last year I wrote a few thoughts about my father. Please bare in mind that these where not written to be shared, but here they are:

This has been an interesting week; spending time with my father in Idaho has put me in a reflective mood.

Things I’ve learned learn from my father:

Beside the usual, riding a bike, throwing a ball, and fishing (although, not very well), my father was always passing on life lessons. Not grand truths about the universe, but little one that really make a difference in your life.  I was taught that “there is no such thing as free lunch” and, life’s little problems are always better when approached with a sense of humor.

He always was quick to turn a phrase or tell a joke to bring a smile to your face. He was in his element when a client would come into his office or call. To him humor was a very useful tool.

I learned a work ethic by his example. He always wanted better for his kids, but he wasn’t going to give it to you.  He would have you work for it. As a result, come tax season, us kids did a lot of work in the office. I remember one summer in college; I painted windmills for his wind farm…

Many times in his professional life, he frequently had projects going professionally. With these projects, I learned that sometimes you need to risk everything to have a shot at your dreams. And sometimes you have to pick yourself up after failure and move on.

But most importantly, when you have principles in your life, That IS how you live, and not just when it’s convenient.

Several years ago, we were talking over lunch at Denny’s (or was it breakfast at IHOP?), I asked him what he considered the biggest mistake he made in his life. He told me without hesitation that it was a conversation he had with my younger brother Wes before he got married. He hated the separation that it caused. He taught me how much he valued family. He is a good father, whom I love very much.

Thanks Pop.

 

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