“No matter who they are or where they come from, you have something to learn from everyone you meet.”
This is one of my two favorite pieces of paternal wisdom I ever received.
The other?
“Making a difference to only one is better than to none at all.”
I find myself considering these messages often. More often than you know.
When a small child spins in front of me, appearing not to notice my presence. When my seatmates on the airplane tell me of the Santa Rosa home they lost to the fires. When I watch an unhoused man give generously to his peers. When my host mother spouts opinions with which I strongly disagree.
Even –– especially –– when it feels impossible to do so, it’s important to let my fellow humans be my teachers. And maybe sometimes the lesson will be short and simple (e.g., Let me never be so rude as this man). Or maybe the lesson will turn into a course I never expected to take.
And what if I can make that one person’s day? What if I can make him feel safe? Or change her perspective?
You’ve taught me many other things, too:
- the power of concise writing (“Don’t use more words than you need”)
- others’ opinions will affect me less and less over time
- the ideal cholesterol and blood pressure targets
- vehicles must be in neutral to start
- to pursue my dreams with tenacity
- how not to caulk a shower (“So that was probably much more than we needed”)
- it’s beneficial to level a shelf before drilling into the wall
- “unplug it and plug it in again” is usually the solution
- Costco mixed nut containers do(n’t) make good storage containers
- getting to the airport ahead of time is (un)important
- it’s okay to change your mind and admit being wrong
- a 21st birthday won’t even touch a 60th
I love you, Dad. Happy birthday. Thanks for always reading and supporting.
