A huge event just happened, but you probably didn’t notice it. No, it wasn’t the Grammys. It was something much more relevant !! What was it?
My dad turned 70 years old !!
So what? People hit milestone birthdays every day. What’s so big about this one? Let me share a story . . .
You see, my “Dad” is technically my stepdad. My biological father passed away when I was four years old, and my mom raised my brother and I on her own for nine years until she met Don. Again, not a significant tale . . . yet.
The night Don proposed to my mom, he came into the bedroom that my brother and I shared. He quietly said, “Boys, your Mom and I are going to get married and I wanted to ask you something. Do you want to call me ‘Dad’ or ‘Don’?”
Now, I was the man of the house as the eldest son, and I was also an ignorant teenager who defiantly replied, “You’ll NEVER be our Dad !! He’s dead and you can’t replace him.” Don looked back at us and said, “That’s fine. I just wanted to ask,” and he humbly left our room. I thought I had put him in his place and didn’t think that I was being awful at all.
That was 1976. He still married my mom and for years I held true and called him Don. He was still the model father and husband regardless of my not claiming that he was. Then high school graduation hit. I was valedictorian of my small school and gave a speech. This was very important to my dad because he loves a great public speaker. I was nervous, but it went well. As I walked out of the gym after the ceremony, he hugged me (for the first time) and said, “I love you Steve.” I broke down and said, “Thanks, Dad !!”
He’s truly been my Dad from the day he came into my life. You may still be asking why this should matter to you as a reader. Here’s why . . .
My Dad has stuck with me ever since he came into my life. He knew that it was his role to leave a mark on my life. He modeled everything I have hoped to be as a father, husband, citizen, man of faith, humorist, speaker, etc. He never walked away even though I wasn’t accepting of him at first.
In HR, we meet people every day and in various situations. Do you look at those interactions as a place to leave your mark, or are you too rushed and busy to see that you could make a difference? Are “things” more important than the time you spend with people?
My Dad showed me the example of who I am, and who I plan to be for the rest of my life. Every person I encounter has purpose and meaning. I have a chance to leave a mark ever day, every moment, everywhere.
So do you. The question is . . . will you?
Steve – thanks for this post. It’s both a lovely story and a powerful reminder, a hugely enjoyable read.
Love – Doug
Great stuff. I was a stepdad as well. It’s difficult to fill the shoes. Your dad did an admirable job.
I very much enjoyed this post.Thank you for sharing this inspiring reminder to make our mark.
Enjoyed this Steve. Great reminder on how what we do (or don’t do) everyday can shape others lives.
Steve, what a tremendous story of faith and dedication. We are called to leave a mark. Whether we slow our pace to care, to give, to listen, to acknowledge makes all the difference in the true richness in our lives and whether we live lives of meaning. I have so enjoyed meeting you and share your passion for HR (and everyone) truly making a difference for our organizations.
Great post Steve and a nice reminder on the importance of taking time for the little things in life that make the biggest impact. Thanks for sharing!
I lost my Dad in August of 2010. I admired him as much as you admire your Dad. He taught me to treat people with respect and “kill” them with kindness when they didn’t respond. He was a wise man and I think my approach to HR comes directly from how I saw my Dad treat those who worked for him. One of his employees came to his calling hours and hadn’t seen my Dad in 20 years–the man wanted me to know my Dad made a mark in his life. I couldn’t have been prouder of my Dad. I hope some day someone recognizes a mark I am able to leave in their life. Thanks Steve for the post and making me lovingly think about my Dad.
This is very inspiring and a great read, Steve. Your dad sounds extraordinary and you well…you know how highly the HR community thinks of you. : )
All the best,
Janine
Steve, this is a beautiful post. I imagine that your Dad is terrifically proud to know that he’s not only shaped who you are, but in a small way has contributed to all the people that you’ve subsequently touched in your life- that’s quite a legacy! The world could use more people intent on making a mark, rather than paycheque- you set a wonderful example.
I can relate, Steve. My step dad came into my life when I was two. We had some rough times when I was younger, but he always provided for our family. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your heartwarming story Steve, and the important message of leaving a mark. Really enjoyed it.