Today marks your 34th Father’s day. It marks my 7th. I wouldn’t be the father I am without all of the principles and values I’ve learned from you. Those of which I try to instill in my son, your grandson. I’ve thought a lot about that, but this is the first time I’ve written it down.
You’ve taught me a lot. Some lessons explicit, some unspoken. All valuable.
Here are a few I want you to know.
You have embodied the idea of ‘hard work’ all my life. At times working multiple jobs, running your own businesses, volunteering as a firefighter and more. You did it all with purpose and intent. No complaints. Work ethic has always been core to many of your lessons. Work hard and good things will follow. Yet, you imparted a vision of ‘Work smarter, not harder”. A balance of efficiency and work ethic. “Use your mind instead of your body to make a living.” You used both, but encouraged me to put more weight on mind than body. I did. My goal: Never put tack-strip on concrete floors again! 😉 Most people won’t know what that means, but you do.
Having the discipline to finish what you started was another lesson. Whether it was in sports, chores, or other projects, having the discipline to keep going is something that’s impacted me in a material way. There were many times, in many situations, that it would have been easier to quit. That wasn’t an option. If you’re going to do something, you might as well do it 100%.
You also taught me that to have things, you need to earn them. As an adult, no one is paying for your car, house, food, or otherwise. It’s on you to earn the resources to afford the way you want to live. You taught me to think this way from an early age. I think I started working with you when I was about 12 or 13. I was earning money to buy things on my own. When I turned 16, I paid for my car, gas, and insurance. As much as I would have rather had you pay for it, I have brought this value forward as I’ve grown older.
I learned the importance of not living above my means. The importance of saving for a rainy day. We had nice things growing up- Dirt bikes, nice shoes, trips, and more, but you never put too much emphasis on material things. Experiences and relationships are more important.
And if you have the means to give back, whether it be with money or time, do what you can. You coached my football teams, you volunteered as a firefighter, you were involved in Habitat for Humanity, and most recently you’ve been giving substantial effort to support the West Michigan Cancer Center. You’ve been a leader in this regard and it’s just one more reason I admire you and aspire to your examples.
Each of your endeavors, charitable, business or otherwise, has been guided by your entrepreneurial spirit. A sense of ingenuity to get things done efficiently and effectively. You’ve invented products, started businesses, built houses, designed new flooring concepts and more. Knowing where to invest resources for greatest returns, all while being your own boss most your life.
Your devotion and dedication to mom is another bar you’ve set for me. You just celebrated your 36th wedding anniversary, I’m going on my ninth with Lindsey. There seems to be fewer and fewer instances of long term marriages like yours, so it’s an example I’m following.
Last, but certainly not least, is your ability to not take yourself too seriously. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to sense of humor. Life’s too short to not laugh at yourself from time to time. Sometimes others will laugh with you!
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
With Love,
Your son
