1) “Don’t take any wooden nickels” When I was in high school, he said this a lot. At the time I just rolled my eyes and thought he was crazy, but it makes sense now. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you – don’t let them convince you of something that is not as it seems.
2) Patience is a virtue. When he first came into my life, I was difficult – it was challenging to accept a new parental figure after having spent several years as the only person in my mom’s life. He was patient with me. He didn’t push me to bond with him, he just waited patiently, and when I finally came to him, he welcomed me with open arms.
3) You have to work for your freedom. He taught me how to drive, and when I was ready to sit behind the wheel without supervision, he didn’t just give me the car whenever I pleased, he encouraged me to earn the privilege. If I wanted to borrow the car, I washed it or put in some gas before it was returned to him. This taught me to respect and appreciate the opportunities I was given in life.
4) The heart is capable of so much love. When he came into my life, he had two biological children of his own. It took awhile for me to let him in, but he has always loved me and treated me as one of his own. Eventually, in my adult life, he made it official and formally adopted me. Since then, he has taken in several foster children, and has shown them just as much love as he has shown to us.
5) Do what you love. Like me, he has done many things in his professional life. He has always encouraged me to follow my heart, and has never passed judgement when I’ve decided to switch my educational focus in school, or later, to change my career paths.
6) Don’t sweat the small stuff. He has always approached life with a level head. I have never seen him blow up in frustration, or stress out over the little things.
7) Lead by example. He has taught me how to find a balance between hard work and family time. Not through explanation, but by living it every day, and showing me how it’s done.
8) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There have been things that I haven’t initially seen as beautiful – a painting or an old rundown house that he has just purchased. But he has always proven me wrong, explaining the beauty in the painting, or fixing up the house into the most perfect home for his family.
9) If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. He has taught me to keep my head up if I don’t succeed the first time. That it takes a few misses before you hit the target, and once you do, it’ll be worth the wait.
10) What to look for in a husband. They say daughters will end up marrying their fathers, and I’m so fortunate to have found someone who encapsulates all of the same qualities and values as my father – who can provide the same lessons to our children that I was so blessed to learn.
13 Comments
He truly sounds special, your Dad.
Love the lessons you learned from him. Simple, but so true. And I see where your love of quotes comes from 🙂
What important lessons he taught you. Love the photo.
One of my favorite lists! My Dad has said so many of the things on your list, too. All timeless and given with love. Great post!
He truly seems like a remarkable guy, and those lessons, remarkable!
What a wonderful father and role model–terrific list and tribute to your dad!
He sounds like an amazing man who taught you many wonderful things.
Loved #2 and #5. What a blessing that he was patient with you during a time of transition. Kudos to him. And #5—Yes, I want to personally follow his advice….do what I love. I’m glad he taught you that. I am in transition on this. Blessings.
Irish
What a wonderful list and tribute to your dad. He sure is a wise man and you are a wise woman for knowing it!!! 🙂
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. You are so lucky.
so beautiful. what a special man. definitely sounds exactly like the kind of dad I wished I had.
It’s my first time stopping by, nice to meet you! This is a great post and is dear to me because I have the same relationship with my father and all of his advice one liners. 🙂
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Your dad sounds awesome – thanks for sharing 🙂