Herman School of Business
Climbing out on a new ledge...
Gulp…I turn sixty years old today. My father’s sixtieth birthday is burned into my brain because it was the day I was interviewed for my first major sales job at a corporation almost thirty years ago. We were hosting the party for my Dad and at the last minute my interview was scheduled for the exact hour dinner was to begin.
When I spoke to my Dad about the dilemma over my schedule conflict he didn’t flinch…go to your interview, it’s a great opportunity. Missing his birthday dinner was hard for me because my father is the most important man in my life…even now 26 years after his death.
OK…so I skipped the dinner, got the job, set sales records, became sales manager, gained enormous confidence and went on to great success. My Dad had a wonderful birthday celebration and I missed it. He was proud of the fact that going to the interview worked out so well over time for me. He always put his children ahead of his own wants and needs. Maybe that birthday more than any other day of his life showed me the value and purpose of a parent. Put your children’s needs ahead of yours.
My Dad was a workaholic, a kind man who never used bad language, gave away his time to help others, and put his kids first.
Tonight I am having dinner with my wife…the kids are coming from all over the country this Saturday…and as I eat my fried shrimp and reflect on my sixty years…I will look skyward and thank my father for what he taught me with his life…thanks Dad, and welcome to my sixtieth birthday dinner.
- Posted: 4 June 2009
- Comments: 3
- Category: Business success
Comments
Happy birthday, Herm, and congratulations. Leave an extra place setting for dad. I’m sure he’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Written by BillOGoods on 5 June 2009
How touching Herman, I was fortunate to have a Dad like yours. L
Written by linda on 7 June 2009
Happy Birthday, Herman! And thank you for the poignant reminder.
Written by Ann on 5 June 2009