For 42 years my dad has gotten out of bed at an ungodly hour, showered, dressed in uniform, and driven to work with coffee in hand. His days have been long in all weather conditions, besides mentally and physically demanding. He never ignored an opportunity to work overtime. Most of his weeks were 6 day weeks of at least 10 hours a day. He’s worked sick, injured, and I have no doubt there are days when he wished he would have been anywhere but in his mailroom, casing and sorting mail.
And still he showed up, my dad. With integrity and an iron work ethic.
My dad is a popular man. People are drawn to him for his kindness, generosity to a fault, and soul-warming laugh. He’s kind, considerate, and has a jovial nature. A great conversationalist and the heart of a child with everything still to learn.
I honor him for his wisdom. I respect him for his endurance. And most of all I thank him. Not only for being a provider of everything we could ever need and want, but for being an example of the person I will always strive to be.
Congratulations, dad. On your retirement and the beginning of your new future.
