Daddy's Teachings


"A wise son heeds his father's instruction..." Proverbs 13:1

Many people in many ways have blessed me throughout my life, but none compare to having been reared by the best of parents. My Dad has always been there for his children, friends, coworkers, and anyone in need of his many talents, but that is not what makes him unique. What lifts him above the crowd of other good people is his humility and his ability to just jump into a situation and do what needs to be done at any given moment. It’s an automatic reaction on his part; like breathing to the rest of us. And my simple words of platitude will always be insufficient in describing and thanking him.

Daddy made sure we had all of the things we needed, not necessarily the things we wanted so that we didn’t become spoiled adults. He taught us to be self-reliant members in good standing within our church and community. He taught us fairness by handing down punishment and praise in equal measure as we merited them. He taught us love and selflessness through many acts of personal sacrifice, by spending time with us, and by never failing to show that he was proud of us. Daddy taught us strength by being strong. We knew we could count on him at all times without fail. He showed us consistency by never waiving under any type of influence or pressure from what he knew to be good and right. He taught us faith by living the Gospel daily. Dad taught forgiveness by forgiving us daily and by never holding a grudge against anyone. We learned honor by witnessing his honorable behavior, and character by the same method. He also taught us patriotism and the definition of "gumption” by being patriotic and the very definition of a man with a strong worth ethic. Living examples of these wonderful virtues and the Golden Rule taught us, not lecturing or pop-psych experimentation.

Outside the home, Daddy made sure we were involved in good, clean, healthy activities – many of which he was himself a volunteer or participant in such as scouting, sports, and religious education. He is a leader of men. He is firm, but fair. He does whatever it takes to get the job done. If that means getting up at 3:00 a.m. to deliver milk so that he could attend college during the day and work other odd jobs to support a wife and four children, so be it.

Before I make him sound like a drill sergeant, I’ll add that Daddy has his softer side too that shows itself at unexpected moments. How many Dads would get down on the floor and play jacks with their kids? Not many. All of these things and more he still is to his four children, grandchildren, and many "surrogates."

I can only hope to infuse my own children with some of these characteristics. Daddy's shoes are some big ones to fill, but they are also one-size-fits-all because he’d never expect to be anyone’s role model or boast that he was better in any way. This Father's Day, I will take a few minutes to write down my thoughts about the precious gifts he's imparted to me, and hopefully he'll realize how much he means to me.

I will also get him a brand new set of jacks.

Angie Ledbetter © 4/01