I'm watching/helping my step-dad working in the freezing cold to repair a busted pipe. I appreciate this man to no end.
I grew up helping him do all sorts of odd jobs around the house. Anything from plumbing to roofing to building porches and fire pits. I've helped him rebuild cars, fix lawn mowers and erect metal buildings. My take away from these experiences was not only to be comfortable as a woman living alone and not relying on a man, but that these things are applicable to all facets of life. He also taught me that there are times we don't know things and asking for help is strength not weakness. He gave me tools to navigate the world as well as an actual tool box.
He has taught me about the importance of doing a job right. I learned to take the extra moments to problem solve, measure, double-check, and make sure, when something is done, it is right the first time. The extra moments you spend doing this will most likely save you more time down the road when your half-assed attempts fall apart.
I appreciate being taught how to take the time to understand and gather what supplies and tools you need for a particular job. To take that moment ahead of time, to start a job prepared, results in time and energy saved. Yet, I learned that even the best laid plans get derailed. And he taught me that it's okay to get frustrated but not to bury myself in it. Instead, we assess the situation and pivot to the appropriate action to correct the problem.
I learned that sometimes we have to endure some discomfort to ensure our things are properly cared for. Leaving it to fester or worsen is not an option.
He has taught me the satisfaction you get from a job well done. Looking at something that you created from nothing or scraps, seeing something that was in disrepair being made whole thru your knowledge, skill, time and sometimes discomfort - it is immensely fulfilling.
He imparted these life lessons throughout my childhood and it has carried over into my adult life. I don't always choose to utilize the knowledge he gave me. But, when I do, I know that the choices I am making are right and will result in amazing results at the end. To do it the right way may be harder and more time-consuming at the beginning but the end result will be an enduring one, a correct one.
Shout out to all the awesome step parents out there! Thank you to this amazing man who didn't have to be anything to me but chose to step up and be an example, not thru words but thru actions. He didn't just talk, he did.
