One of the men that shaped my life is my dad.  I have called him one of the greatest encouragers I know.  He has always been there for me and has taught me most of the basics that I use daily.

 How to work:  Dad never let work be an option.  You worked and you liked it.  You got up at a decent hour and went to bed that way also.  Probably one of the greatest things you can teach your children is how to work.  Dad has had several businesses in his career and modeled the diligence that it takes to be successful.

 To have the courage of your convictions:  Dad is big on convictions.  I can remember him saying that phrase and still does.  It means that if you really believe in something that you will have the courage it takes to live it.  Sometimes that means the cost is higher than you thought.  You still pay it.

No half way jobs.  If you are going to do something, do it well.  Don’t sweep a room and leave a pile of dust in the middle of the floor.  I know that one because I did that one time when I worked at his furniture store.  Only once!

Dad was born in 1929 and turned 79 last April.  He works as hard as ever volunteering at the hospital and several other community outreaches.  I want to wish him a happy Father’s Day and tell him that I love him and am grateful for all he has done for me.