Dad never said too much, as in famous/infamous quotable sayings. He taught by example. He is/still is a quiet unassuming man of character, thoughtfullness, wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Those are the things that he taught me and my siblings. One time, when I was a teenager, I was walking across a parking lot beside my Dad. I was doing the thing that a teen does best... slouching. Dad put his hand in the middle of my back and said, "You have a nice straight back. Straighten your shoulders and carry your head up... you never know who will be looking to you for an example!" I have passed the same words along to my two sons. They walk tall and proud, shoulders square and their head up. Look a person in the eye when you talk to them! A handshake IS a contract! Stealing 6 cents is as wrong as stealing 6 million dollars! Teach RESPECT, and all other things will fall in place! One time I was driving Dad's brand new '74 Chevy truck (the first new truck Dad had ever bought up to that time), six months after he purchased it. I hit some ice and spun into the ditch, curling the rear bumper under. I was scared to tell Dad about it, but I gritted my teeth and faced the punishment. Dad was in the shop and looked up from his workbench when I told him the news... I was floored when he replied, "Well, I guess that is what insurance is for!" Then he resumed his work. I remembered those words when MY sixteen year old son came in to the shop and shakingly said, "Dad, I had a little accident with your truck!" I told him that when his son comes in and says those words... he can do no less!
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