Real Estate by Debbie Reynolds

Remember Your Kids are Watching, Lessons Learned from a Dad

You can watch people throughout their lives and know if they are really good people or not. My dad was one of those good people. He was a cheerful person and had a warm handshake for everyone he met. He is gone now but he left a lot behind. Remember your kids are watching, lessons learned from a dad.

Treat people nice and be pleasant. Dad would smile and be friendly to everyone he met. They would immediately be at ease. 

Care about the way you look, be well groomed. Dad was a sharp dresser and could put an outfit together. He had dozens of ties that coordinated with his shirts and jackets. He was a neat and clean person.

Eat good and tasty food. Dad thought eating was one of life's real pleasures, a social event and he was right.

If you are a guy, don't be afraid to do girl's work. If you are a girl, don't be afraid to do guy's work. Dad pitched in at home, helped out with housework and the cooking. He thought it was everybody's responsibility as being part of the family unot.

Be generous. Dad supported ministries and was generous with people around him.

Remember what matters most in life, God, family, friends. Dad had his priorities right.

Take care of your health and body. He would exercise and keep his weight in check and follow the doctor's orders.

Visit the sick and check on people. There were lots of elderly people in our family and church. He would send cards and go see if they need anything. Show you care.

Treat your elders with respect. He was so good to his parents and my mom's parents. He was never disrespectful and set a good example.

Work hard and take your job seriously. I don't ever remember Dad being late for work or laying out of work. He was the kind of worker that every employer would want.

Enjoy your work and keep on working as long as you can. Dad retired form the Post Office at age 74 and went to work a few weeks later at Service Merchandise. When they closed he worked at the theater and loved seeing people. He was in his later 80's when he had to give up that job.

Save money for a rainy day. Times were tough growing up but later on when they got better he was able to save and have a nest egg to fall back on.

Don't be afraid to show your kids and your family you love them. Dad would hug us all, kiss us girls and tell us he loved us everytime he saw or talked to us.

Enjoy life and don't complain. Even at the end I asked Dad if he was ready to quit hurting and be in peace. He said no, that he loved living and he never complained with the pain of his cancer.

The Lessons Learned from a Dad have bee left for me, have influenced me and are part of the reason I am who I am. I am nowhere close to the example he set but I know where the mark is and I am still aspiring to be there. These are really good standards for living for any of us to follow.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads. Remember your kids are watching.