A year has gone by since my father passed away. I was fortunate enough to be in the US by his side with my mother during his last few days. When someone is facing death you never know how they will be. Although he loved life, as he neared the end my father was incredible. He would joke around with the hospice staff and always was quick with a smile, even when he could not talk (and he still liked the banana popsicles that he could suck on!)
So out of respect for my father and the wonderful impact he made on my life and the many people around me, I wanted to re-share a few of the insights and wisdom that he taught me:
- Be Kind and Smile. Sometimes we get so busy with work and other tasks that we can be a bit robotic and abrupt when dealing with other people (including our loved ones). Rather than getting upset with others my father would just smile. You get a lot further with others when you smile and be kind.
- Put Family First. My father loved our family. He loved my mother and his grandkids and would do anything for them. When I was a kid he would work long hours to provide, but when he got home he would always have time for me. I also saw this when he was with his grandchildren how he spent time with them. This included having them ride on his John Deere ride-on-mower until they would fall asleep, he had such a big smile on his face. He showed me the importance of putting family first. Remember work is temporary, but family is forever (so don’t wait to let them know how much you love them!)
- Leave a Positive Legacy. This is something that he did not talk to me about, however it is something that he has left. Once he passed I posted the news on Facebook and the comments that came back were incredible. High school friends from over three decades ago remembered him and his kindness. Many also mentioned that he was one of the best bosses they ever had and that the advice he provided made a massive impact in their lives. Legacy is about what you leave behind that others remember. Live your life to leave a positive legacy.
Remember that you have a choice to be the person that shares wisdom with others and helps to make a positive impact on their lives. Be that leader, the one that others say provided fatherly wisdom and you will leave a lasting legacy.
