Mom and Dad taught us to be charitable, in the very real sense of that word. They were always doing something for someone else, often anonymously. Their Christmas projects would start in about August and would involve long hours in his basement shop and working together as a family to assemble, decorate and deliver.
Dad was faithful to the very end to the beliefs he held dear. He taught and exemplified individual and family religious observance in our home. We were not perfect, but these habits have had a lifelong impact. Prayer with Dad was a sweet experience and we knew he was really communicating.
He taught us the moral virtues that much of society lacks, such as integrity and honesty. We knew that it was always better to tell the truth, even if we would be punished.
We were taught the importance of family. We enjoyed memorable family vacations, even though the budget was tight. Mom and Dad somehow knew those memories would last and that the tradition of spending quality time together would extend into our families.
Mostly, we learned the importance of marriage. Their marriage was a model of love, fidelity and service. We watched them work through life’s challenges together. That process was likely the most valuable thing we learned. They never pretended to be perfect or have all of the answers, but they never lost sight of what was most important. Their annual getaways were a great example. They carved out time to renew and refresh, and the house was still standing when they returned.
Dad was faithful to the very end to the beliefs he held dear. He taught and exemplified individual and family religious observance in our home. We were not perfect, but these habits have had a lifelong impact. Prayer with Dad was a sweet experience and we knew he was really communicating.
He taught us the moral virtues that much of society lacks, such as integrity and honesty. We knew that it was always better to tell the truth, even if we would be punished.
We were taught the importance of family. We enjoyed memorable family vacations, even though the budget was tight. Mom and Dad somehow knew those memories would last and that the tradition of spending quality time together would extend into our families.
Mostly, we learned the importance of marriage. Their marriage was a model of love, fidelity and service. We watched them work through life’s challenges together. That process was likely the most valuable thing we learned. They never pretended to be perfect or have all of the answers, but they never lost sight of what was most important. Their annual getaways were a great example. They carved out time to renew and refresh, and the house was still standing when they returned.