What memories do you have of your father? What legacy did he leave with you?One way to learn more about yourself is to think back on your father's character. I enjoy doing this because my dad had such an influence on the type of man I am today.
My dad was a unique blend of no-nonsense and discipline with a subtle sense of humor. He was a quiet and private man. He didn't seem to need many words to get the job done.
His countenance commanded respect. In fact, several boys had personality transformations when they graduated from the third-grade Sunday School class to my dad's fourth-grade class. Paper airplanes were grounded and eight boys sat up straight, listening dutifully to the lesson.
I recall the easy chair that used to carry the shape of his exhausted form. It was as he read the evening paper that I usually planned my assault on him. I'm sure I nearly pestered my weary dad to death while asking him to play catch.
"Hook" Rainey, they used to call him. The tall lefty got his nickname from his curve ball-a pitch so crooked it mystified batters. When he threw that patented knuckler, the entire front yard was filled with laughter-his and mine. I always loved to hear him laugh. Somehow it told me that everything was secure.
When I was three or so, he went hunting in Colorado and "bagged" a fierce teddy bear. He staged the "action" on film and brought the "slain" beast back to me. My kids now play with that well-worn, 45-year-old black-and-white bear.
I watched Dad look after the needs of his mother-he used to visit her three or four times a week. He modeled what it meant to honor one's parents. Most important, he taught me about character. He did what was right, even when no one was looking. I never heard him lie, and his eyes always demanded the same truth in return. The mental image of his character still fuels and energizes my life today.