6 Lessons I Learned From My 60 Year Old Father
Lessons from my father on toxic relationships, long marriage, and the power of raising children in a trustful way
A father, being the strength and stay of the family, means to be burdened with many responsibilities. We rely on him to be our protector. I personally looked at my papa as a powerful figure my entire life.
He was there for us to always make sure we are disciplined and safe.
When I was in college, he made me carry a pepper spray in school, even when he brought me there and fetched me therefrom.
When I made mistakes, he didn’t scold me, but he slowly explains and teaches me the right thing to do.
A father is his wife’s best friend and unconditional lover. No matter what happens, he should always stay by his wife’s side, be patient, and maintain the love and care he has had for her since day one.
My parents rarely get into a fight, but when they do, my papa is always the quiet one. It never comes to a point where he raises his voice or lays a hand on my mama.
The love and patience he gives my mama has inspired me to be the same patient and loving person today.
1. Family Always Comes First
My father taught me the importance of family.
A family is worth being protected and cherished. It is the primary source of a person’s strength and happiness.
Growing up, I witnessed my father put his family first. Whenever he wants to buy something, he’d look the other way and use his savings to buy something for me, my mama, or my brother instead.
He is not extravagant, and he always makes sure he has something to give.
I grew up with everything that I needed because of my parents’ hard work and love for the family.
2. Saving Is Important
A person who knows how to save is a person who survives.
It is important to save for the rainy days, as my father taught me. He only bought what needed, and he made sure we know that.
During this pandemic, many people became unemployed and lost their businesses. This shows that saving is very important. If my parents lived an extravagant life, we wouldn’t make it this far, considering the ongoing pandemic.
Life is uncertain. We don’t know when we’ll need money the most.
It is important that we all have savings for emergencies. Don’t spend extravagantly today just to be left empty-handed during trying times.
3. Love Your Partner Unconditionally
My father showed me how important loving your partner is to maintain a relationship.
His simple gestures of kissing my mom good morning and good night already emanate how much he cares about her.
My father is not the person who will show love through giving material things. He shows his love through actions. When he sees my mom doing chores, he always offers his help.
He always gives my mom unsolicited hugs and “I love you's”.
He is vocal when he misses her, which makes my mom feel like a teenager after years of marriage.
My father knows how to keep their love alive, and for this, I am thankful.
4. Maintain Healthy Relationships
In our lives, it is important to keep healthy relationships, because this has a great impact on how we live our daily lives.
We should choose to be around people who contribute to our growth and don’t pull us down.
My father, having many friends, taught me this.
If a relationship is toxic, learn to let it go, whether it be friends, boyfriends, or acquaintances.
This is because toxic relationships would constantly cause us to doubt ourselves and our capabilities. It would slow us down or stop us from reaching our goals in life. People who don’t support us in our growth do not deserve to be in our lives.
It’s important to choose positivity.
We only have one life to live.
Wasting it in the company of people who cause us nothing, but toxicity is unnecessary. We are all worthy enough to be surrounded by bright and positive energies to keep us going.
5. Grades Do Not Define You
I grew up as a grade-conscious person. My father constantly reminded me not to stress myself too much regarding my academic life, and that health is more important than passing my subjects.
My parents never pressured me in my academics. They were always supportive. They always reminded me they will always love me regardless of my grades.
This kept me going.
My parents’ constant reminder that I should only give what I could, and that I should not stress over trying very hard, is what kept my mental health from falling apart.
My parents’ love and support are the reasons I’m still on my journey to becoming a lawyer. As long as they are there, I will always have a reason to pursue my dreams.
6. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
It is through mistakes that we learn.
Mistakes are lessons in disguise. In the long run, the mistakes we make lead us to a better and knowledgeable character.
I’m not saying that we should make mistakes in order to grow and mature. I’m just implying that it is okay to make mistakes.
It’s okay to be imperfect.
Through doing the wrong thing, we learn to prevent ourselves from doing it again. As a result, we abide by the rules, and this makes us better individuals.
My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.— Jim Valvano
My Father, My Hero
My father’s trust and support were enormous factors for me to be where I am today.
His words comforted me, and his protection gave me strength.
I am thankful every day for giving me someone who I can depend on in my life.
Although we have different fathers, I am sure your fathers have instilled many values in your lives and hearts, just as mine did.
I hope you enjoyed reading my article. Here is a pre-selected suiting article of mine for you :3
