Lessons From My Father

Years ago, when I was a kid, my father offered $1.00 (yes, that’s one dollar) to myself and my siblings as a prize for the first of us to memorize and recite this poem:

Happy to say, I won the challenge and pocketed my $1.00! Which, by the way, went quite a long way back then, when penny candy really was a penny and an ice cold Coca Cola was a nickel!

For all these years, through many moves and changes, the tattered copy of the poem remains in my top desk drawer,

serving as a constant reminder of my father, now long since past, and the legacy he left behind. One of giving back, of perseverance and fighting against all odds, and it remains my go-to thought when I am feeling especially defeated. It begins:

The author of the poem is unknown, which is a shame, because I would like to have had the opportunity to thank him (or her) for many times motivating me to keep moving forward and upwards, especially when I am feeling the most down. The next stanza reads:

“Life is queer with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns.

And many a failure turns about, When he might have won, had he stuck it out.

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out. The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.

And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far.

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,

It’s when things seem worse, that you must not quit.”

So, I will leave you on this Father’s Day, knowing that my own dad would have been so proud of his kids and grandkids, who every day strive to be better people, to give back to those in need and to greet each day with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, no matter the obstacles. And to all of the extraordinary men in my life, including my dad (and no cracks about the bridal hat, please. It was a thing back in the 70’s!!)

along with my friends and fathers and sons, brothers and uncles and grandfathers, I wish you a very happy and relaxing day filled with the love of your families and friends. Happy Father’s Day, everyone!! Susan