I am back in time, a teenager again with the power to tune Dad out.
He was “old world” old fashioned you know. Out of date.
He was a European immigrant who became a naturalized American citizen and he created a life and a family in the country of his dreams
And when I was a teenager I could fool him into thinking I was always listening to his words of wisdom.
I must have been listening
because all these years later
I am remembering his lectures.
“Don’t overstay your welcome Darling,” he would say when I was to spend part of a summer with my Aunt and Uncle and young cousins.
“After 3 days, company smells like dead fish,” he said. (What he was really saying was he would miss me terribly.)
But now I know my Dad’s lectures originated from love.
- “Sit up tall at the dinner table and eat as if you are royalty.” (If you act like a Queen you will be treated like one.)
- “A suitor should wear a white shirt and tie and kiss your mother’s hand.” (You will be happiest with a man who respects women.)
- “Do not neglect your education. Learn a skill like typing – something you can fall back on to earn a living.” (Don’t count on anyone but yourself to take care of you.)
- “Take time with your grooming. Your hair is your crowning glory and every strand should be in place.” (If you care, everyone else will care too.)
- “Always be early for every appointment.” (If you are prompt, people will respect you.)
- “Do not borrow. Pay everything with cash.” (Remain self sufficient so you will never be without.)
- Always look for the best and buy quality. (Well made things last longer and are better investments.)
- “Keep a clean house. You should be able to eat an egg from the floor.” (Cleanliness is vital for good health.)
There are more words of wisdom of course, and I hope to remember and record them all.
For as old fashioned and out of date as Dad was, the great part is his lectures always began and ended with love.
Virginia Views 