295 - Why is your dad (mom, grandparent) your hero?

In my post yesterday about heroes, many people said their dad is their hero. There were other parents mentioned as well.

If you feel the word, hero, is overused or lacks true meaning, this post may not be for you.

We hear about the abuse and tragedies of people's lives all the time.

The majority of us had wonderful childhoods. But, I'm speaking to all the people who didn't have a terrible childhood.

Let's celebrate the nurturing relationships we had with our parents. I would venture to say that most of us had loving parents who cared about our wellbeing and growth.

Like with so many things, we believe that unless you had a traumatic childhood, you don't have a story to tell.

I disagree. There are plenty of great parenting stories that need to be told.

My own father worked hard; so did my mother. They both worked 9-5 jobs to provide for us. My parents did everything they could as a couple to raise 4 children the best way they knew how.

My dad would occasionally take one of us on business trips with him. This meant flying to the Bahamas where he was the rep for his company. Those were incredible experiences.

Every summer we took our annual 2-week vacation that Americans thought was so great. It's the way it was.

My parents taught us good manners and basic life skills, otherwise known as chores. We didn't have the option, or even the concept, to say No back to them. We did as we were told and that gave us clear direction in life.

When I was a kid we didn't have over-the-counter anxiety drugs flying off the shelves for children.

I am proud of who my parents were and how they raised us. They weren't perfect. No parent is perfect. They actually disciplined us. The idea of perfect parenting is part of what is destroying our society today.

What I didn't know at the time was how hard my dad worked as a paint salesman.

One year my dad received an award for the top producer, # 1, nationwide for his company. His reward was a gold (mustard) colored jacket and a handshake. But it meant the world to him.

His secret? He listened. His co-workers thought he was a spy because he never spoke! Talk about a life lesson! I didn't learn about that until he was 80 years old.

But now that I'm in business, I appreciate his journey all the more.

Why is your dad, mom or grandparent your hero?

#growth #business #heroes #mentorship #parenting

He taught me important lessons

I was encouraged to dream big

He/She seemed bigger than life

All of the above, or other..