Principles to Guide Us
Sometimes, the most profound wisdom comes from stories that seem ordinary at first glance. As a recent gift to my parents, I gave them books to record their life stories and memories. My dad has always been a storyteller, weaving lessons into anecdotes from his life. I was impressed with how seriously he took the job at task – he spent a lot of thought and time answering each prompt, handwriting the responses and then typing it into a document that my brothers and I can have for our own families.
It is priceless to have all these stories captured from him – and especially because he shared additional examples and experiences from our grandparents and others in their generation.
Here are a few of his pearls of wisdom that continue to resonate with me:
- Choose Trust Over Doubt
One of my dad’s most memorable lessons came from a simple act of generosity. A man once approached my grandpa for money, and my grandpa gave it to him without question.
When my dad asked him why he gave without hesitation, his father replied, “If he lied to me, shame on him. But if he told the truth and I didn’t help, shame on me.”
This moment wasn’t just about giving; it was about choosing to see the good in others and leading with compassion.
It’s a lesson I hope to embrace and pass along to my own children.
- Hard Work Paves the Way
My dad’s stories often revolve around hard work, and it certainly makes sense. Our generations past were Irish immigrants – indentured servants and railroad workers – who did their best to achieve the American dream for their own children.
Whether it was his determination to graduate college debt-free or his insistence that his kids take responsibility for at least part of their education, my dad has always made it clear that there is no easy route to be successful in life. His own parents could afford to pay for the first year of college, but after that, he was told, “The rest is on you, so work hard.”
That drive to persevere, even when things aren’t handed to you, has been a cornerstone of how he’s lived—and taught us to live.
- Being Present is Everything
One of my favorite quotes that he wrote in the memory book is, “A big part of life is just being there.”
Whether it was school events, games, or even small everyday moments, our parents showed up for all that they could. And they do for their grandchildren as well.
It’s a reminder of how much being present matters—far more than grand gestures or material things.
Just being there is an act of love.
- Cherish Simplicity and Play
My Dad often reflects fondly in the book on the simplicity of his childhood—games in the neighborhood, train rides to Chicago, or selling newspapers for pocket change. As a child, he was able to take the train into Chicago for the day and watch a Cubs game.
He says, “In those days, you didn’t need much to have fun—you just needed imagination and friends.”
In a world that feels increasingly complex, his words remind me to find joy in the simple things and make space for play. Interestingly, one of my fondest moments from this past year is when we co-hosted a family day of games outside and a campout. No electronics, no phones – just family fun outside together.
Creating those opportunities are golden in our hectic and technology led lives.
- Happiness Comes from Within
One of my dad’s most profound beliefs is that happiness isn’t something you buy or achieve—it’s something you cultivate.
He wrote, “You alone are responsible for your happiness. It doesn’t come from what you have; it comes from who you are.”
It’s a lesson he’s embodied his entire life, finding joy in family, friendship, and a life well-lived.
Reading through his words and hearing his voice in my mind, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. His wisdom has shaped me, grounded me, and guided me through life’s twists and turns.
Thank you, Dad, for your stories and your steady presence.
Your words are not just memories; they’re a roadmap to live by.
And if I can pass on even a fraction of what I have been taught by my parents and grandparents, I know I’ll have done something right.
Here’s to celebrating all the wisdom we learn (and sometimes earn!) —and a challenge to apply all of the above as we make the most of our daily lives.