The Things My Father Taught Me

Being a father is much more than a title, and it is certainly not an easy task. I was blessed to have an active, loving, and involved father in my life.

My father owned a garage in the small town where I grew up. He worked long, hard hours to support our family. As an only child himself, having several children meant everything to him, and he always made sure to spend time with each of us.

One of the greatest gifts my father gave me was teaching me to value time spent with the people you love. The moments he shared with me individually remain some of my most cherished childhood memories.

I spent countless hours at the garage simply because I wanted to be close to him. I would walk to the local café to pick up a malt for each of us, or I would fill the soda machine and earn a bottle of pop for my efforts. Looking back, those simple moments became some of life's greatest treasures.

The Importance of Flexibility

My father taught me the importance of being flexible and open to life's possibilities.

One New Year's Day, while we were gathered around the dinner table, my father asked what we would most like to do. I immediately said that I wished we could visit my older brother, who was serving in the Air Force in Massachusetts.

The very next morning, my parents, grandmother, and all four children piled into the car and drove from Minnesota to Massachusetts to spend time with my brother, his wife, and their new baby.

Whether something was large or small, my father taught us that having both a Plan A and a Plan B was essential to enjoying life. Too often, people stand in their own way because they cannot see the possibilities before them.

Discipline and Respect Matter

My father also taught us discipline, responsibility, and respect for ourselves and others.

He was my father first, not my friend. Looking back, I realize that being a parent is far more important than trying to be a friend. Parents help prepare their children to successfully move through life.

His expectations taught us accountability, self-respect, and respect for those around us—lessons that continue to guide me today.

The Value of Family Time

My dad was playful and fun-loving. When we were young, he played with us often, and as adults we still enjoyed games of cribbage and many other activities together. He loved teasing us in a gentle, lighthearted way that always brought laughter.

We did not grow up with a great deal of money. In fact, my mother often made our clothes.

One of my favorite memories was when we purchased an old school bus. All of us children painted it silver with paintbrushes while my mother decorated the inside. We proudly named it the Silver Streak.

That bus became the center of many family adventures as we traveled with friends and relatives to rivers, lakes, state parks, and picnics.

My parents also taught us practical life skills. We learned how to do laundry, iron clothes, set the dinner table, help prepare meals, and clean up afterward.

As children, we did not always appreciate those lessons, but today I understand that they were preparing us for life.

Music was always an important part of our home. Many evenings were spent gathered around the television watching musical programs or westerns while we laughed, talked, and enjoyed being together. Each of us also learned to play two musical instruments, and participating in school band even earned us free admission to school sporting events.

Fathers Help Shape the Future

I feel sadness for those who missed these kinds of experiences because fathers play such an important role in shaping their children's lives.

Careers and jobs are important, but teaching children kindness, responsibility, respect, and life skills is equally important.

My parents never relied solely on teachers to raise us. They took that responsibility seriously and taught us to respect teachers, authority figures, and others.

When mothers and fathers dedicate themselves to raising children with kindness, manners, respect, and strong values, they help their children not only survive in life but truly flourish.

A Legacy That Lives On

Friends may come and go, but my parents were far more than friends. They were a constant source of love, support, guidance, and security.

Today, both of my parents have passed away, yet they continue to live on through their children, grandchildren, and the countless lessons they taught us.

The things my father taught me continue to guide my life every day, and for that, I will always be grateful.

If you would like support navigating family relationships, life transitions, or personal growth, I invite you to learn more about my coaching services at www.susananderson.net.