This is the fourth and final entry for the March challenge by Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran "who am I".
My father, like many of his generation was not a highly formally educated man. His wisdom came from on the street experience. He was kind and determined to help relatives and others in his circle. As a result he was a hard and tireless worker, often seven days a week.
I had the privilege to start working at his automobile body frame and repair shop in the late 1950's. Over the years he had mentored many including my uncles who went on to start their own businesses. He gave even when he himself sacrificed. I would often ask why and he would say it makes me happy to provide happiness for other people. I watched as many never said thanks and even say that he had it to give and so he should without so much as a thank you. I did not understand why he continued to act that way.
My Dad passed away when I was 20 years old and I did not understand his lesson. Many years passed and I still never understood. As my circumstances changed and I got into sales management I found myself mentoring others to be the best they could be. That is when the light went on and I finally realized that while I never really learned the lesson of my Dad's teaching by example, I had finally implemented his teaching and it indeed made me happy.
I was also fortunate that those I mentored, for the most part, said thank you and acknowledged my contribution. Those who thanked me provided the push I needed to continue to help others until I retired. After retirement I continued to mentor those who reached out. Hopefully those I helped will help others for then I will know the I finally learned the lesson. Thanks Dad.
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