Lessons Learned from Dad

It has been one year since my dad passed away. He was ill for a long time and, in many ways, his passing was a blessing. I have had a lot of time to think about him over the last year. The time has been filled with both happy and sad reflections. My dad taught me a lot and he often taught me things without actually trying to teach me. It was his actions that provided the lessons. As I reflect back, I want to share a few his saying and lessons. Some you may have heard before and some may be new.

1. “Hard work never hurt anybody.”
Interpretation: Get out of bed and do what it takes to get the job done each day

2. “If you could buy him for what he is worth and sell him for what he thinks he’s worth, you would make a fortune.”
Interpretation: The guy has a pretty big ego.

3. “That house is a fooler.”
Interpretation: The house looks a lot bigger than it really is and don’t be fooled by its façade. It can also apply to other situations in life.

4. “Religion doesn’t only occur on Sundays.”
Interpretation: Live your lives every day just like you do on Sundays.

5. “It doesn’t cost a single penny to be kind to somebody.”
Interpretation: Be nice to everyone and do it every chance you get.

6. “He’s a slow thinker.”
Interpretation: Observation of a driver in front of him who can’t decide where to go.

7. “If it’s not broken, then don’t fix it.”
Interpretation: Leave it alone if it is working well.

8. “His word is his bond.”
Interpretation: You don’t need a fancy contract to have an agreement. If you trust someone, what they say to you is all you need.

9. “Don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill.”
Interpretation: don’t over react to things. Don’t make a small issue into a big issue by how you deal with it.

10. “I want to be able to sleep at night.”
Interpretation: The decisions we make in life are ones we should make honestly and sincerely and not have to worry about later.

11. “That is about as strong as a wet paper bag.”
Interpretation: Whatever you are doing, don’t count on it being successful for long.

12. “Fight until the bitter end.”
Interpretation: Never give up. No matter how difficult or how many times you get knocked down, get back up and try again.

Dad was true to his word. He never gave up. He lived an honest and hard working life. He practiced what he preached and his word was his bond. He was a great role model.

Tom Keith is the President of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.