Lessons Handed Down

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Praise for My Dad This Father's Day

It’s often said that a father is a son’s first hero, and in the case of my dad and me, this couldn’t be truer. The relationship between a father and a son is like no other; when you’re young, you look up to your dad as the greatest example of who you want to be when you grow up. Fathers teach us right from wrong, how to respect others and act with kindness, how to carry ourselves with confidence, and how to be resilient. They’re always around to give expert advice, play catch in the backyard, or watch the next big game with you. From our fathers, we have so much to learn.

Saying that my dad was a hard worker is an understatement. When I was growing up, my dad worked full time as a pressman, working with big printing machines, and when he wasn’t there, he was either working on the tobacco farm or helping my uncle out in his auto repair shop on nights and weekends. For my father, the days and nights were long, yet he still always found time for his family. Once he retired, because he isn’t one to sit still, he worked as a store greeter at Walmart and still stayed active by cutting the grass and maintaining the property.

My dad, my role model, quite literally taught me how to do everything. Whether it was farming, caring for animals, harvesting crops, gardening, hunting, fishing, doing household repairs, or working on cars, my dad knew a lot about all of it and shared all of his knowledge with me. Back then, the internet wasn’t available. He couldn’t just look up a video on how to fix or repair something or text a friend for advice. All that he knew was either passed down from his elders or just something he figured out. He was extremely logical, and it was truly inspiring.

My dad’s philosophy was to work hard to have a good life, and his passion and work ethic is what inspired me to open and run my own business. From him, I learned the values of hard work and dedication, and through his hard work and success, I found that perseverance goes a long way. Sure, there will be ups and downs, but having seen my dad power through anything that came his way, I was sure that I could do it too — and I did.

I look back now at the life I had growing up and the life of my father and it was an awesome way of life. To all of the fathers out there, I wish you a very happy Father’s Day! Enjoy your day because you deserve it!

  • Randy Bunn