Too many things that are too important to recall just one and why. I rode with the man and saw him at his work every day until I went to work myself at 13. Frankly though, he never did give straight up advise but he did listen well and ask a lot of questions if I asked him for help.
It was the example of integrity in everything he did that stuck with me and I hope to keep until I die. That covers a lot of ground way beyond not lying, cheating or stealing. It included competence, trustworthiness, finishing the job and finishing it well, givng or doing a little more than agreed. He carried a Scout coin with the 12 Scout Laws and the Motto on it and I think he tried to live up to all of them every day.
He was sometimes very harsh and demanding to all whom he knew could measure up and helpful to people who just didn’t have all it took. If he ever did say “I’m proud of you.” or “Well done” you knew you had really earned it because those accolades were never handed out lightly but the smile and the handshake made the efforts worthwhile. I knew that standard performance was different based on his perception of ability and past performance and only execptional performance would merit exceptional recognition. There was a rub to that though since each new higher achievement only raised the bar for the standard.
After 40 years away I’ve moved back home to the town he lived in for nearly 50 years. I never go to the feed store, hardware store, church or see any of the nearly 400 people that worked with him that are still alive that someone some time doesnt’ tell me Dad was one of the best men they ever knew.
Integrity is precious. It is like a genie in a bottle. Once you let it out of the bottle it is just gone. I can’t confirm it but I believe Will Rogers said, “The problem ain’t so much that you’ve lied to me. The problem is that I can’t ever trust you again.”
So Happy Father’s day Dad and thanks for all you taught me. There is not a day that goes by I don’t find some of it useful. There was never a doubt that you loved me and were proud of me. We never said good-bye, just see you later.
Nice memories. Thanks for sharing.