Good morning,
THIS SUNDAY IS FATHERS DAY
In prior years, I’ve shared on Fathers’ Day a story or a lesson learned from my father. For those of us who have lost our fathers, we carry with us snippets of times when we shared our lives with them. These events often will come to mind randomly, but always are welcomed.
Instead of a story this year, I have been thinking about not just what one learns from a parent but how one learns from a parent. In the case of my father, there weren’t long lectures—just lessons by example.
My father didn’t tell me to read more. He sat with me as we read our separate books together—sometimes discussing an idea or reading a quotation allowed.
My father didn’t tell me to be kind. He just repeatedly showed kindness to others.
He didn’t tell me to listen. He just listened intently to whatever anyone else was saying.
He didn’t tell me to treat education seriously. He just regularly read his journals and listened to his medical lectures (on cassette tapes!), occasionally sharing with me something interesting that he learned.
He didn’t tell me to work hard. He just went out and worked hard.
He didn’t tell me to be brave. He merely exhibited bravery, particularly in the face of his daughter’s illness.
He didn’t teach me to accept the unacceptable, while trying change that which was in my control. He just showed me, by living a life of stoicism, a mixture of acceptance coupled with action.
He didn’t tell me to be responsible. He just was everyone’s “go to” guy when they had a problem and the guy to whom people came for advice.
He didn’t tell me how to act with women. He just always treated them with respect, accompanied by a smile, and always holding the door open for them.
He didn’t teach me how to enjoy life. He just lived a joyful life every day—whistling as he walked, laughing at jokes, yelling at umpires whose judgment he questioned, cherishing a hot mocha, playing cards, loving dogs, and loving hot dogs.
And he didn’t teach me how to parent. He just described the failings of his own father and proceeded to do the opposite.
Have a happy Fathers’ Day,
Glenn
From the archives:
I saw Goodnight Oscar last night ... it is stunning