Steve & Dad at Parliament

 

Writers Note: Part of this was originally written in 2000 when my parents celebrated their 50^th Anniversary. More was written in 2009 when Dad turned 80. This version includes pieces of both those original writings with another year of gratitude included.

For several years I had the pleasure of working with my Dad in the metal fabrication trade. I had just finished high school and was ready to take on the world; during that time period, I received some of the best education about life and the working world from my Dad. He taught me what it meant to give an honest day’s work every day and to take pride in my workmanship. Dad’s enthusiasm and confidence in which he approached the job (especially when it was something that he hadn’t personally tackled before) taught me that anything is possible. I’ve adopted that trait and it’s given me the confidence and entrepreneurial spirit I’ve demonstrated throughout my career. Frequently when I am asked, “How did you learn how to do that?” the answer is simply, “My father taught me.” Thank You, Dad!

But bonding with my father started much earlier than my post-grad years…

At about age 5 I’d sit looking out the front window waiting for him to come home from work. I’d rush outside and carry in his lunchbox. At age 7, I remember Dad hitting the bell at the carnival hammer swing – I was amazed after muscle-bound 20-somethings failed just prior to him taking his swing. Or when I was 9 years old and standing in the outfield during little league, I’d always notice when he arrived for the final few innings – I’d know the exact moment he’d arrive! Or during family get-togethers, Dad would bring out his accordion and play music for hours.

Those are just a few of my memories of Jack as Dad – now let me tell you more about Jack the man.

(more…)

You can't sit here!

Imagine a little boy saying good-bye to his mother at the bus stop as he boards the bus to attend his first day at school. As he ascends the steps of the bus, the driver blows smoke through her nostrils from the cigarette dangling in her mouth. The little boy starts down the isle looking for a place to sit, looking for a friend, or minimally for a friendly-looking face.  Instead he is met with scowling expressions and hears, “This seat’s taken.” … “It’s taken!” … “You can’t sit here.” Wow! Not exactly a warm welcome.

Now fast-forward 16 or so years and the little boy is now a young man. This time he’s boarding a bus to boot camp as he has joined the U.S. Army.  He again ascends the steps of a bus looking for a friendly or welcoming face and introduces himself to the bus driver. The return is a drill-sergeant-style tirade, flinging insults in his face; “Nobody gives a hunk of *&@% who you are, fuzzball! You’re not even a lowlife scum sucking maggot! …” The young man makes his way down the isle and as he arrives at the first available seat he’s told, “This seat’s taken.” At the next seat he hears, “It’s taken.” At that moment, the young man wonders if he had made a mistake.

Of course the little boy and the young man are one and the same – Forrest Gump. For Forrest, those moments must have been déjà vu. The amazing thing about both of those scenes was that what started very badly ended up OK in the end. In fact, both of those horrible beginnings ended up much better than just OK. In both cases, the very next thing that happened, after feeling totally alone and out-of-place, was that Forrest met the two most significant friends he had in his life – Jenny & Bubba.

Have you ever had an instance where something starts out bad but turns out good in the end?

(more…)

Have you ever been on a real shrimp boat?

When Forrest Gump joined the U. S. Army he boarded a bus to take him to basic training. On this bus ride, he first meets Bubba who proceeds to do most of the talking while Forrest listens cautiously. A memorable dialogue occurs when Bubba asks Forrest, “Have you ever been on a real shrimp boat?” And what is Forrest’s reply? “No, but I been on a real big boat”. Bubba clarifies by stating, “I’m talking about a shrimp catchin’ boat.”

And so goes the English language and the subtle meaning of words. It’s a great reminder that confusion can occur in our everyday communication. American Heritage dictionary lists the first meaning of shrimp as any of several small, long-tailed, chiefly crustaceans, certain species of which are used as food. The second meaning listed is informal or slang:  a diminutive or insignificant person. Obviously Forrest thought of a small or diminutive boat when he answered Bubba’s question – though Bubba was clearly referring to a crustacean-catching and food-harvesting vessel.

That simple, humorous exchange reminds us of the complexity of the English language, the dual and multiple meaning of words, and the challenge of communicating in everyday life. Are you working hard to be understood in your communication? Do you find yourself frequently misunderstood? and/or frequently misunderstanding? If yes, you are probably not alone.

(more…)