What Has Your Dad Taught You?
I scare my dad. He lets me know each time I see him. So, I’ve been seeing less of him these days. He’s scared for my health, my career and concerned for my overall happiness. As a parent, I can completely relate to the need to know your child is safe and happy. I can relate to the worrying. Lately, it seems that my parents have been so concerned about my happiness that they can’t see that I am actually achieving it.
But, with Father’s Day coming this weekend, I thought I’d dig inside my memories a bit and try to discover what reasons I have to thank my dad. It’s not like I had to dig far. I immediately remembered my first real writing award. I was in sixth grade and I won first place in an environmental speech contest. It was a huge deal. My dad sat for hours with me writing the speech and he was so proud to come hear me speak. Even though I tripped on my words.
We talk a lot about parents on this site. Many of us express how our folks don’t understand or completely support our entrepreneurship. It’s been a rocky road in my family too, and it probably will continue to be. But, have you ever considered that your folks, your dad, or whoever raised you – supports you with every ounce of support that they can muster?
My dad is an extremely loving man with a short temper and a dry sense of humor. He was nervous when I told him I was getting married. He works overtime every week and still makes time to do the laundry. He came to see all of my high school plays, and never said a word about my strange boyfriends. He is a human being.
If you’ve turned into an entrepreneur, and the people who raised you are not entrepreneurs – you’ve become someone that they cannot completely relate to. But, perhaps you’ve become what you are because of who they raised you to be.
Who held you as a child, gave you space as a teenager, and made you feel that you could conquer the world? Who empowered you to be you? Thank that person this weekend. A dad need not be a natural father. It could even be your mom.
Being an entrepreneur doesn’t automatically put you at odds with family, authority and the norm. I believe you have developed your mind beyond the scope of their understanding. This may mean that it is your responsibility to be the one to forge a connection with them.
My dad is a quiet man. But somehow, I feel he inspired me to communicate. And I know exactly what I’m getting him for Father’s Day this year. I’m getting him the new Paul McCartney CD. He’ll love that. I know because he taught me all about music too.
3 Comments
Sharat Thakur
June 15th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Very beautiful post Gina. Whatever we may achieve in life, we owe a lot of it to our parents. Though my parents passed away in an accident, but I still live their principles, and it has guided me in every aspect of my life.
People, dont forget to respect what you have. Its only when you loose things, that you tend to realize its importance. So go ahead, and give your parents the due respect they deserve and do something special for them every now and then. God forbid but if somethings happens, then by that time it will bo too late….
Mark Bowness
June 17th, 2007 at 4:22 am
Great post. My parents have been extremely supportive with my businesses ventures, at times encouraging me when I cant be bothered, take a battering or given up hope. It is they that have kept me on this path which is really encouraging.
Mark Bowness
http://www.peoplepassionplanet.com
David Askaripour
June 17th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Indeed, support from your parents is crucial. I was extremely lucky to have 2 very supportive parents who continue to remain in my corner ’til this day. Thanks mom and dad!
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