This Thursday, July 26, 2007, marks a monumental day for my Dad. After putting in 50+ years of working for “The Man”, my Dad is finally calling it quits and retiring. Putting all my jealousy aside, I can’t tell you how excited I am for him.
My Dad’s name is John White, but he goes simply by “Terry”, “Dad” or “Umpa” to his close friends and family. He has had quite a ride in his choice of career paths (yes, paths is plural!), but always made darn sure he was providing for our family. I’ll probably miss a couple paths here, but I clearly recall all of the following jobs through his working life:
- Being a Police Officer in Milwaukee for many years
- Being a Car Salesman for Pat Long Chevrolet
- Being a Tool and Die Maker for MANY years
- Being a route delivery Salesman for Jewel
- Being a route delivery Salesman for Schwaans
- Being a Salesman for All American Window and Door of Germantown for the past 10+ years
My Dad was responsible for teaching me that you do not need to be financially rich to live a life full of riches. He taught me not to live to work, but to work to live. He always worked his tail off at any job he had, and put 110% into every one. Anyplace he ever worked, he made tons of friends and was always well liked and successful. He gave everything of himself to support our family and help all of us live the American Dream. At times, if he overextended us financially, he would simply put in some overtime to make up for it. But he rarely had to do that, because he much more enjoyed being home with us as a family. If that’s not a great example to live by, then I don’t know what is.
So, this one is for you Dad. Thanks for all you have done for your friends, family, coworkers and employers throughout the years, but most of all CONGRATULATIONS, because you truly deserve a break.
And although it’s not your final curtain call, here’s a link that sums up your story quite well if I do say so myself………….. One for Dad
CONGRATULATIONS DAD!
p.s. By the way, can you watch the kids for us all of next week? (just kidding)
The difference between a job and a career is the difference between forty and sixty hours a week. ~Robert Frost
