How to give praise? My next Toastmaster manual speech requires me to give someone praise. An interesting process began in my head as I thought of eulogies. I would much prefer to praise someone while they are alive so that they know how I felt, how they had inspired me, taught me and what a gift it is to be in their circle, how important those memories are.

Not a family portrait

What a waste to share that message only after they can no longer hear the words that would mean the most to them.

I have a person in mind to talk about but I realized quickly I was thinking about how they had  affected me.  How their example I carry somehow by osmosis, how by watching them since I remember they showed me how to live, work hard, to give,and how to respect others.  So many lessons I learned, others I have yet to master.

My Dad is the person I want to speak about. I can not help but to relate from my point of view but I want to show that he is that person all the time.

He was a fair manager at his work, but he is fair in all his relationships. He is fun to spend time with me, and fun! but hetelling stories and being light-hearted is part of his nature.

He is a rock of support to me and taught me, shared opinions about everything, and challenged me to develop opinions of my own but he communicates with everyone like that, well maybe not everyone to that extent. I think I am extra fortunate in how he communicates to me.

You see I have been blessed especially. Not only did I get to enjoy my Dad growing up but he has always remained close and supportive.  A real special bonus came when I worked in the same office with him for 12 years. We had lunch and coffee breaks together and I count those times as priceless.  Not tired of his company, I enjoyed playing golf and visiting with him and Mom on the weekends.  Injections of memories directly to my heart arteries.

Thanks Dad for inspiring my speech to come, I hope I can do my Dad justice.

Love always.