My dad is turning 70. Here's what I've learned from him. | Opinion
One of my favorite people in the world turns 70 this week − my dad, the man who quietly has taught me most of what I know about work, faith, family and politics.
Besides my mom, I can't think of a person who's been more influential in my life. Dad is a Scandinavian stoic, whip-smart and a bit reserved, but the older I get, the more I realize how many things my dad has taught me without saying much at all.
In some ways, I think I had an idyllic, if not unusual, Minnesota childhood. A lot of it is due to my dad's constant presence. From my dad, I learned how to shoot a gun, waterski and formulate ideas on politics. But I also learned the importance of family, faith, hard work and fun.
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Work hard. Play hard. God first. Family always.
With a graduate degree, my dad could have taken another path. Instead, he ran a remodeling business to be a hands-on dad, changing his work clothes before attending every volleyball game. At 70, he’s still at it.
When I was a kid, after a long day, Dad would often take a quick 3-mile bike ride (sometimes with me), before a family dinner and some bookkeeping. I hung out in his office whenever I could, just to be nearby. Even as a young girl, I could tell he liked being a dad. When you know your parent likes being your parent, you grow up feeling safe and loved.
The value of hard work was cemented into our brains as kids. When I was about 13, Dad started taking me on job sites. I hated the work. It was hard and messy. I complained. I demanded to be paid before he did. I was a wimp; I cringe to think about it now. But it built my work ethic. And I needed that.
There was an upside: spending time with him. We'd work and listen to Rush Limbaugh's radio talk show, and on the way home, we'd discuss it. I didn't learn about politics or conservatism in school; I learned about it during talks with my dad in between hard work.
After work, we played. In Minnesota, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," that meant we'd be boating, which is also work, but the fun kind. So many of our family and friends fell in love with the way a weekend at the lake makes them feel. Relaxing together on the water brought us together. My brother has carried on the tradition now with his boat.
Dad always brought us to church. For him, being a Christian isn't just an identity. It is the way he's lived his life. He always reads the Bible and talks about God and the core principles of his faith. He's a man of his word, reliable and honest. He loves my mom well, sacrifices for his family, and helps others with his time and resources. A core Christian tenet is that we really know people of faith by what they do, not what they say. I think he's done this well.
My dad's still parenting in some ways
I'm 43 now and have four kids of my own. Looking back on my dad's life and how it's intertwined with mine, it's clear I was so influenced by him that I've tried to model my own parenting after his. I'm sure I have failed at times. But if imitation is the purest form of flattery, I guess I've been flattering him for years. If the lessons I'm trying to teach my kids stick half as well as my dad's did, I'll consider that a success.
My dad's been an amazing grandparent, spending time with my four kids the way he did with me. He's taught my eldest son a lot about working in a trade and being helpful. He attends my kids' school and sporting events, takes them out for lunch or a treat, and texts them random science facts. He's introduced one daughter to some of the best music of his youth: The Beach Boys and Chicago.
My dad has lived 70 years with intention and faith, focused on his family and work. Many daughters my age don't have their dads around anymore; I'm keenly aware of this. I've always been aware of how lucky I am to have had a great dad as a kid and now as an adult with kids. We've all learned from his life and his example.
Happy birthday to my dad. I'm grateful I've had him for 43 years and counting.
Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: My dad is turning 70. Here's what I've learned from him. | Opinion
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