I lost my lifetime mentor when my Dad passed away on Monday of last week. He had fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, having been diagnosed 15 years ago.
I will greatly miss him, but it is certainly a blessing knowing that my Dad no longer suffers and is now in heaven, living eternally in the presence of Jesus, and my Mom, and all his family members that have gone before him. Additionally, I have an immense amount of positive memories and lessons that I have learned from my Dad during my lifetime that will continue to serve me through the balance of my life.
I would like to share some of those lessons he taught me about servant leadership.
- My Dad taught me the importance of humility. He was the humblest of men, never looking to bring attention to himself, but instead always working behind the scenes on behalf of his family and co-workers.
- My Dad taught me the importance of hard work and a commitment to excellence. As a printer, there were always deadlines to meet and he never called it a day until the work was done, at the highest level of quality standards.
- My Dad taught me the importance of selflessness. Even though he was always busy with his job, yard work, or general work around the house, he always had time for me when I wanted it. He would spend countless hours catching me while I pitched to him in the summer, or playing Ping-Pong with me in the winter, or talking “shop” as I learned the printing trade.
- My Dad taught me the importance of commitment to core values. There was never any question in our household that all we had was a gift of God, and it was up to us to be good stewards of the gifts that we had been given. And when he drew a line in the sand…I knew not to cross it or there would be consequences.
- My Dad taught me the importance of positive recognition. After any sporting event that I participated in, my Dad would always have a positive comment about some aspect of the game. Even when I probably didn’t deserve it, he would find a way to build me up. That carried on into my working years as well. My Dad was my biggest cheerleader.
- My Dad taught me the importance of mutual respect and trust. Having worked in the printing industry his entire life, from the bottom-up, he had a huge amount of respect for all people in the organization, no matter what their role. I never forgot that.
All of us have significant mentors in our lives. Please make sure you take the time to thank them for the difference they made in your life. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to thank my Dad for all he did for me, and for being such an amazing role model to me, all of his children, and his grandchildren! We were blessed by his love for us, and his presence in our lives. Give your mentors a gift, and thank them for what they have done for you!
Mark
PS: I also thank my Dad for raising me a St. Louis Cardinals fan. It has brought a lot of pleasure and fun in my life.
Death of parents are one of the toughest things to work through. To look at the relationship and what was taught is one of the best healing experience one can have. It is a reminder that there is always a positive aspect of the relationship that you can keep in your vision.
It is also a reminder for parents, whether together or not, the importance of encouraging and keeping relationships in tact. It is equally important for children to welcome interaction of parents when it is not possible to be together as a family unit.
Pat,
Thanks so much for your meaningful comments. They are greatly appreciated! I know your Mom has been an inspiration for you, as well as you have been for her. Family is what it is all about! I trust all is well out in Ohio, and I wish you blessings in all your activities!
Mark
It is treasure to be able to look back and reflect on all of the incredible and positive attributes your dad has passed down to you. It was an honor getting to spend time with your extended family this past weekend and being able to hear all of their stories. I was shown all of the values you were raised on by your parents and enjoy seeing those same core values come out in Dan every day. You have an incredible family built around love, faith, and compassion! Although, this is a sad time, it is comforting to know that your dad is in heaven and can now remember everything!
Jenna,
Thanks so much for your extremely thoughtful comments! It was wonderful having you share in the weekend of celebration for Dad’s life. We were certainly blessed by awesome parents that equipped us with those key core values for our lives. I know you can definitely say the same about your parents! Blessings on your week.
Mark
What a beautiful post my dear friend. I can see now that you are truly a “chip off the old block” for you yourself embody these very qualities. I can now see where you got them. You dad was clearly a very special being and he continues to positively touch lives of many through you. Many blessings to you, your dad, and your family.
Vinay
Mark, what a beautiful tribute to your father! I’m sure your dad is very proud of you to see you carrying on his legacy in such an honorable way! Prayers for your family in missing him. Take care!
Beautifully done Mark. Many lessons for us all. Your dad truly lives on in you and all of those you touch. Blessings. jean
Vinay, Joanne, Jean,
Thank you all for your heartfelt comments. It really means a lot to me, and I am humbled by them. Please know that we have felt your thoughts and prayers during this time and are so appreciative! Thanks so much for your friendship.
Mark
Mark,
I am sorry for the loss of your Father. It sounds as if you had a wonderful role model in your life- what a gift. You did a wonderful job honoring his memory. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace, and in your memories of your time together. Carli
Carli,
Thanks so much for your kind thoughts. I certainly had a fabulous role model, of which I will be forever grateful! I gained a real appreciation for your industry of aging healthcare and services during the last few years. You are all gifted people with servant hearts. Thanks so much for what you do!!
Mark
Mark, thanks for sharing your thoughts and your life with us. You are an inspirational leader. If I had met your dad I am sure I would have seen where you got it from. His influence lives on through you to so many people! What a legacy, what a blessing!
Jeremy
Jeremy,
Thanks so much! You know how much you inspire me daily, so this really means a lot from you. I was certainly blessed to have my Dad as a role model in my life! I will do my best to continue to carry on his legacy.
Mark
Good Stuff Mark, sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. The gift that we are given as children is time… to appreciate who and what our parents really were, sometimes hard to see in our teens, 20’s and 30’s. Blessings to you.
Andrea,
Thanks. That is a great point, many times it does take us a while to grasp and appreciate the super role models that we have had in our lives until we have had time, sometimes years, to process it. You certainly have a great Dad that I was blessed with the opportunity to work beside in my formative years. He taught me a lot! Really appreciate your thoughts!
Mark
There is no doubt that your Dad taught you well, Mark! It shows to many of us in your day-to-day living. The loss of a parent is difficult, but as you mentioned, I thank God every day for the wonderful memories that He has given me of my parents. And something that really popped out to me in your tribute to your dad was the part where you talk about him teaching you about ‘mutual respect and trust’. In our years of working together, that was a trait that I so appreciated in you! At the plant, you made sure that each of us knew, no matter what our job title was, that we played an important part in the success we had. I thank you for your great leadership, Mark.
Marla
Marla,
I am humbled by your comments, they are greatly appreciated. There is no doubt that every person within an organization is absolutely critical to its success. And no one is any more important than the next. Thanks so much for all you do serving others. You are the model for many of us, and I will always be appreciative of your servant spirit!
Mark