Daughters learn so much from their moms, but sometimes a man’s strength and dedication gives daughters a different way of looking at the world.
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My dad was a hard worker; he worked long days as a truck driver, then as an Oiler before eventually becoming a crane operator. Just a good ole boy who believed in old-fashioned work.
Even as a truck driver when he didn’t make a lot of money, had grueling days, and probably didn’t even like his job.
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Growing up before the era of entitlement, my dad showed me how lucky he was to have a job. A job was a blessing. Even as a truck driver when he didn’t make a lot of money, had grueling days, and probably didn’t even like his job—he took pride in his work and I never once heard him complain about having to work. I never even remember him taking a sick day.
Money was tight at times, and while I may not have always been grateful as a child, it was because of his hard work that I am successful today.
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McDonald’s, my first job, I rocked it! My very first day, I had a customer ask for the manager just to tell her that I was an awesome employee. I didn’t think my job was amazing; I was just a high school kid looking for a bit of spending cash. But, I knew that if I had committed to a job then I had to give it my best.
I remember thinking, as I heard the customer talking with the manager about me, how proud my dad would be. I don’t think I ever even told him that story.
FedEx, my second job, I drove a truck—I delivered packages, and I did a damn good job. I’d go out of my way to help customers, remembering to treat people like they mattered. I always tried to bring a smile to someone’s face, to make their day a little brighter. Delivering packages isn’t saintly work, but why couldn’t I do my best and try to make the world a little better around me?
My third and most important job was being a mother, because of my father, I am a better mom. Watching him work no matter what–especially when he was sick, always doing whatever it took showed me that I too had a job to do, even as a stay-at-home-mom; I took my role very seriously and worked very hard to excel.
Those days when I was sick and just wanted to lay in bed and have someone take care of me, I’d remember how my dad always went to work–so I’d climb out of bed because that’s what adults have to do sometimes, and I’d thank my dad silently because there wasn’t a single time I forced myself to work that I regretted it.
The funny thing is, I never remember my dad telling me how important it was to work hard–not once. But I saw it every day. Besides his job, he was a man who always had projects going, was always helping someone fix their car, or plumbing, or DIY disaster. Whatever it was, everyone could count on my dad for help.
Let’s not forget that a dad also teaches his daughter how to be a hard working woman.
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He always had a neighbor or three in the garage helping them with something. If there was nothing to help with, he was tinkering or working on something to make our lives better; fixing a fence, household maintenance, painting, or yard work…the man never slept or sat down for that matter!
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Over the years, it didn’t matter what job I had or role I played, I have always done it to the best of my ability. Always trying to help those around me, just like my dad. Not being afraid to try something hard, because I knew how hard my dad always worked and even if he failed he never gave up and always found a way.
Dads, you have a big role to fill. Your sons and daughters are looking up to you, watching everything you do, learning what it means to be a man. You know that. It’s easy to see that a boy learns how to be a man from Dad, let’s not forget that a dad also teaches his daughter how to be a hard working woman.
It’s been one of the most important lessons of my life.
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Photo: Flickr/ LEOnardo Sá