Honoring Papa

**See, I'm getting caught up.  This should have been posted in mid-February.  I'll close the gaps eventually!**

Some of you who know me well know that I am very close to both of my parents.  I love them both dearly, they are a HUGE part of my kiddos lives, and I am proud to consider both of them among my best friends.  My parents are pretty different people- and I have taken pieces of each of them into my own personality.  This apple didn't fall too far from that tree..... (here's a photo of the parental units... just for reference... you can skip the comments about inheriting their looks too... I know! I know!)

When I think about my dad, I always think about his work ethic. As long as I can remember, my dad has worked.  And I know that this is true of most people- this is what dads do.  They work.  But I don't know if everybody defines work the way that my dad does.  See, it's not enough to just show up to work every day, according to the book of Ted.  You show up on time (or early), you work hard, you are thoughtful about the work you do, you search for ways to make the work better or more productive or smarter, you come home (usually after the time you were scheduled to go home) and you get up the next morning and you do it all again.  You treat your subordinates well, and never as subordinates.  You bring treats.  Lots of homemade treats (I just wish I had my mom to bake them for me too!).  You dress appropriately for your position, you present yourself professionally and you never ever EVER quit.

My dad has worked hard his WHOLE LIFE.  He enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 17 and served his country for 22 years.  During parts of the time when he was in the Air Force he worked two jobs (he worked at a gas station at night) to make ends meet.  My dad retired with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant- which is the top level for an enlisted man in the Air Force.  It is VERY rare for someone to achieve this rank in such a short period of time.  But my dad did.  After my dad left the Air Force, he went into the private industry- and he worked even harder.  Through all of this he continually made sacrifices so that he could provide for his family.  He worked hard, got promotions, got pay raises, and kept working even harder.

Then the lay-off came.  I don't know if it was a surprise to him, but it was a surprise to me.  Julia wasn't very old at the time, and my mom was watching her when I worked.  All of a sudden- my dad- the dad who had ALWAYS worked- wasn't working anymore.  But he approached that situation with the same determination that he had approached his career to that point.  At the same time, he got a huge gift... the opportunity to be at home for a little while AND bond with my Julia- which was just amazing to watch. (this is also the time that my 'dad' became 'Papa' and hasn't been called anything else since...)

The next few years brought several different jobs- some a better fit than others- and some with some very interesting schedules- but he finally ended up at a company where he was back working with airplanes and airplane parts.  Just his cup of tea.  And the old dad was back again.  Going in early, coming home late.  Thinking, suggesting, and fighting when there was a fight to be fought.

And then the time came.  Time to retire.  The man who was born to work- who taught me about working- from whom I've gained my personal work ethic- hung up his hat and called it a day.

He's now been officially retired for about six weeks.  I think it's going well.  But, I think the whole process is going to be a transition.  I think it might take a little while for him to find a comfortable place in life that doesn't revolve around working... but I think know he's going to love it.

See, in the end, I think that is why you do what my dad did.  Working and having a good work ethic is amazing.  It is challenging and you learn a lot by doing it.  The work is exhilarating, it's hard and it fills you up.  I know.  I'm following my dad's footsteps every step of the way.  But at the same time, I know that one day, my turn will come too.  And I know that I will enjoy my retirement.  Because I will know that I gave it my all everyday....

Here's a huge thank you to my dad.  Thanks for all you taught me- both on purpose and just through example.  I hope that you enjoy every moment of your retirement....
C

PS  This post is about my dad, but it isn't fair to NOT mention my mom in this post.  A LOT of what my dad was able to accomplish was made possible by my mom... who stayed home, raised us kids, fed him great meals, ironed his uniform, AND listened.  Every day.  She was his sounding board.  I do not remember a dinnertime at our household that didn't involve my mom and dad talking about his day at work.  She was there for him and was a huge part of what he accomplished.  Sometime soon I'll share some of the great stuff I learned from my mom too.....