Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Songs my father taught me

If Dad were alive, he would be 81 today. Even though he has been gone for almost 10 years, what he taught me, in words and action, remain fresh and powerful. I'd like to remember him by sharing what he taught me, refrains he crooned as I was growing up:

*  If the truth hurts, too bad - accept it and learn to incorporate it into your life.

*  Honour your word and behave with integrity always.

*  A righteous person can walk with confidence and stand tall, with head held high.

*  Fear nothing and no one but God.

*  Family is everything so do everything you can for family.

*  Share what you have with others. Give generously for all you have comes from the Almighty.

*  Never despise someone who has less for we are all equals under the sun, regardless of sex, race or creed.

*  Money, status or power does not make me, or anyone else, for that matter, greater.

*  Honesty is the best policy so tell it like it is.


*  Do not gossip or speak ill of others.

*  Every voice has a story to relate, sorrows and joys to share. Make time to listen, then honour that person by speaking truth into his/her life.

*  Champion the underdog, fight for the rights of the oppressed and help the less fortunate.

*  Do the right thing always, even if it might cost you your life.


*  Give your best in all you do. Strive for perfection.

*  Play fair and play by the rules for the ends do not justify the means.

*  Manners matter big time, all the time. Be polite, considerate and respectful of others. Be punctual.
 

*  A lady must walk, act and talk like a lady, exuding grace and beauty wherever she goes.

*  A real man never hits a woman, or another man when he is down.

*  Fight to the very end! Never give up even if you fall. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep going.

*  In your darkest hour, remember, it, too, shall pass.

*  Uphold your heritage, learn how to hold and use chopsticks the right way.

*  Don't ever stop learning.

*  The family that dines frequently together, stays together. (And the food must be good. If it is sub-standard, don't eat it.)

Finally, in tribute to his sports-mad, soccer-crazy ways, something he was fond of saying which is a fitting metaphor for life, if you think about it...

*  The ball is round.

Love you and miss you, Daddy.

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