I’ve read many stories about the role fathers have played in their children’s lives. There was one testimony in Sunday’s paper that said the most important thing about being a father was “being there”. In hindsight, I had my disagreements with my Dad but until age 17 he was always there for me. I’m sure he had a lot to do with shaping the person I am today by “being there”.
The Green Bay Packers have had a new President since 2008. It is Mark Murphy who grew up with his Dad around the Steel Mills in Ohio. He attributes his Dad “being there” as a major influence in his life. In 2008 when Mark took over the Packers, they were in the NFL playoffs. There were potentially 2 playoff games in Green Bay in the next few weeks. He talked to his Dad about coming to a game but for some reason, they decided to wait until Fall when the new season kicked off. Mark’s Dad developed brain cancer in March and died in July. His Dad never got to see a Packer game. I guess the message is do things now because you never know what the future holds.
I am going to share the 3 pearls of wisdom, Mark Murphy’s Dad passed on to him as he was growing up. Each pearl could be the subject of a blog but I’m just going to tell you what they are.
Pearl No.1. “Don’t burn bridges with people, build them.”
Pearl No.2. “Don’t sweat the small stuff”.
Pearl No.3. “The harder you work, the luckier you get”.
Last Sunday was Fathers Day. I was showered with cookies and CD’s with 50’s music. I have a lunch coming and one Son and Grandson invited me to eat burnt “ribs”. Even burnt ribs taste good on Father’s Day. I got phone calls and cards. For one day I felt important.
My pearl of wisdom is simple. “Always treat people the way you would want to be treated yourself”. Somebody bigger than me authored that!
Thank everyone for remembering me on Father’s Day! Me? Yep, me.
Love,
Dad