1. Be generous to others
My dad has always been a generous man, and I hope I have attributed that characteristic from him. No matter if it was the last dollar in his pocket he would always give back and help someone in need. No matter where we were, everywhere we went he always met someone new and even if it was something little like buying someone a drink, it was still the act of kindness he had in his heart. He always was giving back like raising money for the college he attended (Eastern Illinois University), holding events for his high school (Oak Lawn Spartans), and many more things. Words can't describe how generous he was, and I hope to follow his footsteps as I grow older.
2. Work for what you want
He taught me that nothing is handed to me, and I'm so grateful for that. If I wanted something I would have to do something in return to earn that money he was about to give me. My Dad was probably one of the hardest workers I will ever know in my life, he always put his best foot forward and gave it his all.
3. Be Independent
He taught me that I shouldn't rely on my parents to do everything for me, from figuring out things on my own, and to never depend on a man for anything. He taught me how to believe in myself and set dreams as high as you can, and know if you work hard enough you can reach those dreams.
4. How to Negotiate
If you knew my dad, you know that he would always negotiate literally everything, and through that, he taught me to never settle for something. No matter where we were, he would try to get the salesperson the best deal, even if it was for me and my sisters sitting there for an hour watching him go back and forth, it was worth it in the end because he was happy and we got something new out of it. No wonder why he worked at the Chicago Board of Trade ;)
5. Never give up
He taught me that no matter where your mind is or how stressed you are to never give up, no matter how bad you want to. He always showed that everything is not an overnight success and that anything is possible but just give it time. His perseverance helped me transfer colleges and get my college GPA to a 4.0, I will always be so grateful for this quality because it helps me get through long nights in the library and the loads of homework I have.
6. Be respectful
He taught me and my sisters to shake hands, give thanks, and be kind to everyone we talk to. If either of us forgot to say thank you we would get a whole spiel on the car ride home, and trust me you didn't want to be in that car, lol. He made me and my sisters the respectful girls we are today and I wouldn't want to change that for anything. No matter where I go, I always look into someone's eye, smile and ask about their day. He was incredibly successful and known around his workplace because of the kind and respectful man he was. Every time we went to work with him everyone knew who he was and always had something nice to say about him.
7. It's okay to cry
Well, knowing he had four girls, it had to be okay to cry in our house sometimes. But, when going through a tough time or a hard day, It is okay to be upset, there is no need to hold your emotions in. But, we would barely see my dad cry, unless he was watching Extreme Home Makeovers, he would tear up (we would make fun of him for that), haha. When he was passing away we all held hands and let out tears, and that moment I think brought us closer and gave us the closer we all needed with him, and I will always remember that moment.
Dad, I love you with my whole heart. Thanks for everything you've done for me, I can't wait to make you proud. Keep watching down on me from heaven,
XOXO
