One of the Greatest Generation

It doesn't take much to remind me how fortunate I am to have had a father like mine. His strengths as a man, a husband, and a father are more evident to me today than ever. And though he's rarely far from my thoughts, certain days each year - like Veteran's Day - bring him into sharper focus. On those days, I owe him the small honor of celebrating his life and his role in helping shape me into the man, the husband, and the father I've become. In what manner are you honoring the veterans from your life today?

My Dad's role in helping shape me into a man shows up most via my strong work ethic. Throughout my working life, I always had at least one part-time job in addition to my full-time one. I'm also pleased to say I never collected a day of unemployment from the start through the finish of my full-time work years. 

His role in helping shape me as a husband is more profound. My Dad's unwavering loyalty to my Mom showed me the critical role that trust plays in building a solid marriage. I know he would have been proud of how I've followed his lead for over forty-one years.

I'm most grateful for what my own father modeled that helped shape me into the father I hope I've been and continue to be today. His unconditional love for the four of us was never in doubt. That all of us would get a college education was a given. Though he was proud of having served the country in WWII, he never once lobbied my brother or I to follow that path. I don't recall him saying these exact words but his example always said to me "Be who you are, not who I am." From the time she was able to understand that message, I tried to convey the same thing to my daughter. My goal from the day I became a parent was to be a father as good as my own. 

To all veterans and especially you, Dad: Thank you for your service.