An Old Book Of Mine
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I found an old book I wrote in just about 20 years ago,
That my daughters gave me to fill out that I did love so.
“A Father’s Legacy” was the book I filled out back then,
That I enjoyed writing in as a very much younger old man.
At the end of each month was a philosophy question,
That I gave some thought as l gave it my close attention.
I will reproduce my answers for some months in this blog,
As they still apply to this old man sometimes called Hawg.
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An Old Book Of Mine
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The question for January had just a little bit of spice,
“Recall five of the most important lessons learned in life”.
I thought about for a while and wrote my answers down,
Here are the responses that my much younger mind found.
. “January
1. If your conscience or instinct is telling you not to do something because it is wrong, don’t do it.
2. Give that extra effort when you are doing something new to you, and most of the time you’ll out do the experts.
3. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
4. If anything can go wrong it will, be prepared.
5. When you get in a real bind, turn to God. He will be there for you.”
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The February question seemed less serious as I did begin.
“Share your ideas of what makes a very good friend?”
I must have been running late when I wrote these answers,
As I had to strain to read the hand written answers in a blur.
“February
1. Someone who you trust like a brother and who trusts you like a brother.
2. Someone who will help you out when you are in a bind.
3. I think the best definition of a friend is a Dale Bebee.”
(Refer to an earlier blog called “True Friends”)
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March’s question is about ideas working with one another,
“Share some of your insights about working with others.”
I had lots of good experience with this at work and at play.
Good work ethics to me always went a very long ways.
“March
1. Always do more than your share of the work and you can’t go wrong.
2. Volunteer for the tough jobs and you will receive much respect.
3. Always take time to help others when they ask for help.
4. Listen to what others are saying. There is always more than one way to skin a cat, and their way may be better.”
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For May, the question relates to the way I lived life on the fly.
‘Recall the principles which you chose to live your life by.”
I think I always tried to do the right thing when I could,
But I see back then, I threw in a few fun things like I should.
“May
1. I always try to give more than I receive.
2. I always try to do the best I can on every job I do.
3. When I tell someone I will do something, I work hard to see that I get it done.
4. I always try to be honest with everyone.
5. I believe family comes first and work comes second.
6. I always believed you should have a few beers on the weekend to relax.
7. I always believed in honky tonking occasionally for fun.”
June had a question about how did my wife Pam and I do,
“Share ideas on what makes a healthy marriage for you.”
I think I had some fairy good responses in some places,
Others may not have been very good example cases.
“June
1. Holler at each other occasionally.
2. Share the load.
3. Only eat half the ice cream that’s left.
4. Always be honest with each other.
5. Have hobbies you love to do with each other – square dancing, clogging, junking, honky tonking, etc.
6. Have lots of good sex.
7. Do lots of family things together that the kids love to do.
8. Plan stuff together.
9. Doctor each other’s hemorrhoids.
10. Feed her often.
11. Be nice to each other.”
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August had a question about having fun in our great nation.
“Share some of your tips on how to have a great vacation.”
When we went on vacation, we always looked for big fun,
While getting away from the daily grind at a very fast run.
“August
1. Take plenty of money.
2. Plan your vacations well in advance.
3. Plan something you like to do.
4. Go with people you have fun with.
5. Develop a packing list and check it twice.
6. Don’t forget your hemorrhoid medicine,
7. Go before you get too old. (Amen)
8. Take your fly rod with you.
9. Take lots of pictures for future reference.
10. Enjoy yourself.”
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The September question kind of made this old man feel blessed,
“How would you describe the secrets to your success?”
I believe anyone who follows this recipe will surely succeed,
Just like a bunch of coon hounds with a big old coon treed.
“September
1. Strive for excellence in everything you do.
2. Always keep family above career.
3. Never take credit for another persons work.
4. Always use a little common sense while performing your work.
5. Share rewards for a job well done with fellow enployees.
6. Do something you like to do so you will enjoy your work.
7. Do everything you are asked to do even though you may not like some of it.
8. Sometimes follow your instinct and do some things that are not the norm.”
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The November question was a strange one to this old guy,
“Name four things you wouldn’t leave behind on a trip and why.”
There are many more than four things I could not do without,
But I did come up with a few that are important, no doubt.
“November
1. Clothes and shoes – so I won’t have to walk around naked.
2. Shaving kit – so I won’t look and smell like crap during the trip.
3. My music box and music – I need to have my fix of country music even on trips.
4. Pam – we always have done things together which I believe makes a healthier stronger marriage.”
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I think, I still agree with my responses from way back when,
But I am not obsessed by hemorrhoids now like I was then.
And it was interesting to go back and look at them again.
When I hit 94, I’ll look one more time to see where I’ve been.
Family always comes first.
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By Bill
PS: Kristi took all the beautiful flower pictures I put herein.
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Thanks for reading An Old Book Of Mine,
Bill