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drago : 066365

honourable men


Fathers Day ... My dad is one of those rare breed of men - an honourable man, salt of the earth. He has taught me so much, not through words, or by telling me what to do or how to live my life but by example.

One of my favourite childhood memories is of me trying to literally follow in the steps of my father as we would walk around the farm, to stride his stride. One of his favourite songs at the time was "These boots were made for walking". I was too young at the time to pay attention to all the lyrics, but I would have that song playing in my head as I would walk behind him.

He taught me compassion. In the early 70's we experienced a horrendous drought, and living on a farm was tough. The cattle were starving - merely skin and bones. We had little to no money and could not afford to buy them feed. I remember one time going with my bad up into the paddock. He had to shoot some of the cows to put them out of their misery. Although he turned away from me, I saw him wipe the tear from his eyes.

He taught me generosity. He is the type of man who will help anyone in need, but asks little of others.

He taught me the value of hard work, to do whatever needs to be done and to take pride in the work that you do.

He taught me resilience, to never lie down without a fight. To live not by blaming the world or others, but by digging deep inside to find your own inner resources to get through the situation with little or no complaint.

He taught me tolerance and patience. He is the kind of person that can talk to anyone and he enjoys sharing a good yarn; but for the most part keeps his opinions and emotions to himself. He will patiently share his knowledge with others so they can learn through practical experience.

He is an uneducated man with little formal schooling. Although I had a passion for school and have a number of degrees, I never associated the "formal education" as a sign of intelligence because although my dad could not read or write, he is a man of wicked intelligence. One of my favourite stories of his youth was when a teacher asked him to recite a poem in class. My dad got up and proudly recited his poem. "The Three Wells." .... "Well, Well, Well". He got a caning and was sent home. He learned how to navigate through life without those skills with ingenuity and creativity. Then a couple of years ago, he did the most amazing thing - he started to teach himself to read. He has become an avid reader. In doing so, he has taught me that we are never, ever too old to learn.

The mark of a man (or woman) is not the possessions you own or the clothes you wear, the size of your bank account, the education you have or what you say. The true measure of a man (or woman) is the way in which you live your life and how you inspire through action.

Pa ... thank you for a life time of inspiration. I love you and have been blessed to have you as my father.

 

Flying Solo 066365 : Inspire through action.

 

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