Things My Dad Taught Me

Measure twice, cut once – Good advice I’ve used often.

He said it was better to look a fool, than open my mouth and remove all doubt –  I found this helpful, and repeated it in mantra form on the occasion I forgot to use this advice.

He said little girls were meant to be seen and not heard…..Nice try Dad – I’ll let that one slide.

I was his oldest girl, but as hard a worker and as tough as any son would have been.

He taught me sense of direction, by sending me to the shop to retrieve a Philips screwdriver from the north workbench, when it would have been easier to say, “near the clutch press” I knew what that was, but I always know what direction I’m headed – even if sometimes its only forward.

He chaperoned my 8^th grade field trip to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry – which meant spending a day with a gaggle of 13 year-old girls, who weren’t so interested in the sites – Brave Man.

He even attempted to teach me to drive stick in the little red truck after his knee surgery – really brave man.

My Dad can build and/or fix anything, i.e.… my 1979 Mercury Cougar XR7, that Cheryl and I blew up the engine ….ooops.

Together we built a life size replica Suffolk Ewe, the mascot on my float as Green County Lamb and Wool Queen.  He drove me in countless parades.

He taught me work ethic, by making me put snowmobiles together and shine up the ones in the showroom. I was sent out to dig countless thistles in five acre fields, untangle morning glories from nearly strangled corn, cut hay, disc, mow lawn, and fill the bunk.

He taught me to respect equipment, to think and to problem solve.  He taught me to never wear jelly shoes on the farm, and when I didn’t listen and smashed my toe with a metal fence and a cement block. He taught me how to deal with pain and suffer through the consequences.

                Finger pointed at me, face angry “You will go to your event tonight and walk in those heels like nothing’s wrong,” he growled, as I was off to the Green County Pork Dinner, to help out as Lamb and Wool Queen, with my broken toe in pink pumps – I survived.  

He taught me leadership, to stand up for myself, to believe in myself, and to vote for whoever I thought the best candidate was. He watched me make countless mistakes, and dusted me off when I screw up (which was a lot). He offered advice sparingly and even though my best days are still to come, he’s told me numerous times that he’s proud of me.

                I’ve learned a lot from my dad! Hope you have a happy Fathers day, Daddy – I love you!