My father is a great reminder of how life should be lived, simple. Surround yourself with importance. Don’t partake in the things in life that don’t matter. Don’t go after fame or fortune, for that won’t bring happiness, nor satisfaction.

Reference points that I learned from my dad

Take it easy

There is not no need to rush around like a chicken with it’s head cut off (as my dad like to put it) Relax, evaluate the situation and then move forward.

Learn all you can about a subject

My default setting is to take a subject, learn what I can use at that time and neglect to fully comprehend the entire subject matter as a whole.

Feed your talents

The more time you spend on something, the more it will grow. This is true in relationships as it is in your skills and talents. My dad’s musical talent was recognized at a young age of three. He chose to hone these talents and made a living working for himself as a musician.

Stay true to your perspective

I see my dad as a successful musician. Only well known to his community (Lancaster county) playing shows to enthusiastic local attendees, he added to these celebrations and services a key element that most greatly enjoyed, but could easily fade into the backdrop and not be recogonized.

Let your life speak for you

My father is a Christian, but he never pushed this believe on me or my siblings, nor friends or acquaintances. The way you live your life speaks volumes. How you act and interact, it all matters. Often I find in this life, that many say one thing and do another. My dad lived what he believed in his everyday life. There is no need for fireworks to make a statement. Living your life true to your beliefs speaks volumes.

Ask questions

Kids are inquisitiveness by nature, my dad nurtured this quality and thank goodness he did because it’s one of my strongest qualities to this day. Ask questions relates back to learn all you can about a subject. My dad never shut down the why, when, who, how, and where’s; he instead would provide me with his insight and if I so desired to learn more would provide me a resource.

A sense of humor

My father passed along appreciation of slapstick humor; Three Stooges, the Marx brothers, etc. I value this type of comedy in high regards, yes silly at times, it doesn’t have to get vulgar or put others down to provide laughter to the audience.

Sarcasm, a quality that both my father and I have. We can pass sartorial remarks back and forth with ease.  We use our sarcasm to break the ice or reduce the seriousness of a situation.

 

Thank you to my wonderful father for all that you have taught me and continue to teach me. No matter the distance between us, I feel close to you.

Your daughter,

 

Heather

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