This is one of
stories my Dad loved to tell, even when he was gravely ill and in hospital.When my father went to camp at age 12, he was voted: ·The laziest ·The least deserving. ·The least likely to succeed.
Perhaps this was because he was tall and placed with boys several years older than he. Ironically, he was probably least lazy, most deserving, and one of most successful people I have ever known. My Dad was a loving husband, a loving father, and certainly a loving son. Beyond these roles and all of his connections with others, I believe he was an encourager of human spirit. He was a realist who truly saw untapped potential in everyone who crossed his path--even me!
I remember him saying that persistence and perspiration would help me meet my goals. He loved to explain that most accomplishments are "Ninety-nine percent perspiration and one percent inspiration." For example, when I was a teenager he would help me wake up at 5:00 AM if I had homework to finish. "Take a shower, have something to eat and then get back to task." He was always there to ease my burden but not take it away. My responsibilities were my own to meet, not his. How could he be helpful but not do my job--Proofreading? Driving me to school late? Brainstorming a topic? He never however, did work for me--it was mine to do. Like all good teachers he never promised that he could remove my pain. He taught that I could live with pain and get beyond it.
He was always my teacher. He taught me how to polish my shoes and to count my packages as I shopped so I would know how many things I had with me. Above all he taught me determination. Never give up. You can do it!
A perfect example was my first year at teaching. I had a difficult child in my large class of second graders. My discipline was going down drain. I felt overwhelmed. Dad suggested that I go to my principal and ask to have child moved to another classroom, where there was a more experienced teacher. "Dad," I asked, "How can I do that?" "You can and you should," He replied, "Why should you carry a load that will set you up for failure your first year?" Reluctantly, I went to principal. He was a bit miffed but he did transfer child and I had a great teaching experience.
