Remembering Dad — How to honor a Father’s Legacy
By Lexy Capp
On this Father’s Day I remember my father, who recently passed away at the age of 92 in Minnesota. He was the man I loved most in this world and he played an undeniably crucial role in helping me become the person I am today. He lived a full life and was very well respected among his peers in a community where he lived his entire life and raised my brothers and I with our mother. His presence was always apparent whenever you saw him, as his sense of humor truly was one of a kind. The magnitude of the effect of his passing will have a massive impact on my entire family, and it will be the hardest challenge of my life to overcome this terrible passing. However, even in the worst of times it is important for those of us who face the loss of a loved one not to let life bring us down and become filled with such inconsolable emotions, but rather celebrate that person and admire what they left behind: a legacy worth remembering.
My father left behind four children and several grand children and great grand children, each of whom will carry on the wisdom and understanding that he taught them all. There is a saying that with every generation brings forth new wisdom and understanding. My dad was able to connect with each individual differently and imparted unique life lessons in anyone he ever met. One important lesson he always shared with me that I will never forget and continue to pass on is that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all and you can learn something from everyone.
There is a funny saying the life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end the faster it goes! Life is a breath and it is important to take time to pour into our loved ones. I am fortunate that I had a great relationship with my father and I want to encourage fathers to invest in your children. Children need love, security and discipline.
The world has become so fast with video games, social networking and many distractions that it is easy to take our eyes off of what is important. Plan one on one time without a cellular phone, take a fishing trip or talk about current events. A simple life really is the best life. Honor your father and make it a priority to pass on to the next generation the love, understanding and traditions that helped make an impact on your life. At the end of the day, there is nothing more important than family.
Lexy Capp is the Owner and Founder of Nannies & Housekeepers USA. She is very involved with Children’s Miracle Network and St. Rose Dominican Hospitals. Mrs. Capp’s column appears quarterly in ParentsGuide of Las Vegas.