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Lessons from the Main Man

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

While my father passed away nearly two years ago in August 2006, we both were very comfortable with the mortality of all our lives. We used to laugh that when you think about it we are all "terminal", some just get pronouncements from doctors if they get a terminal illness and an estimate about life expectancy. But each day we are all out there "dodging bullets" and you just do the best with the cards you are dealt. We both agreed that in death we would both see each other again some day. That is from our belief in our faith. But while separated it would be nice to have that heavenly telephone number to check in and see how things were going every once in awhile. In any event, I wanted to share my life lessons with you all from my father, John C. Woltal, Dad, from a son's perspective, and Uncle Johnny from my cousin's perspective:

John WoltalLive each day to the fullest. Pack as much love and laughter in as possible.

Be patient. Everything is not on your schedule.

Mistakes are ok. Forgive quickly. Make the world around you approachable and safe for others to enter.

Be nonjudgmental. There is no time to love if you judge.

Take vacations.

Life is meant to be enjoyed. Have fun every day. Do not be a workaholic.

Your example is living proof to the world who you are. Your ACTIONS speak volumes over your words.

Being gentle and quiet and of few words can make you more powerful than others who are loud and have many words to say.

Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, be "KIND" to everyone. It doesn't matter who they are or how THEY are treating you. Your daily kindness will profoundly impact them. They'll take notice and how you are one of those real difference makers in the world.

I hope everyone has a Happy Father's Day whether you are a father in your family, you want to honor your father who is still with you or you are honoring those fathers who have passed.

Happy Father's Day Dad. I love you and you are still with me.

Comments (52)

Anonymous
Tinker Hulsey Century 21 Indian Realty Jonesboro Ark

Gary,

What a great post! I also lost my Dad several years back to a sudden heart attack. The way you talked of your Father is just like mine. Being kind was so impotant to my Dad and also always to help others who have less than you. Anyway Happy Fathers Day!

Jun 15, 2008 08:39 AM
#33
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate

Gary- Sounds like you and your father not only had a great relationship, but that the beliefs you both held, made his passing easier.  Your messages are top of the line, and this one was no exception.

Jun 15, 2008 08:51 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Tinker: Kindness is so easy to practice. We need more of it in the world. Happy Father's Day.

Kathy: Thank you for your most generous comments. My Dad and I are (were) at peace with life.

Jun 15, 2008 09:23 AM
Dan Woodworth
The Connection - Garden City, ID
Encouraging Communicator

Hi Gary,

Your father modeled how to be a man to you.  His influence in your life is living today!  You have inherited from him how to enjoy overflowing life!

Jun 15, 2008 10:56 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Gary, What a beautiful post and tribute to a very wonderful father with some very wise words of advice!  Seems to my you follow in his footsteps with much inspirations and kindness.

Jun 15, 2008 11:19 AM
Linda Scanlan
A Fan of AR - Burleson, TX

Gary, what a sweet tribute to your Dad. I can see where you get your kindness from. What a blessing it is to have someone pass down wonderful traits. Your Dad did good.

Jun 15, 2008 11:33 AM
Carolyn Gjerde-Tu-Davis
Lyon Real Estate - Davis, CA
Ca Real Estate

Gary what great memories and lessons your father left you.  I especially like the thought on kindness.

Jun 15, 2008 01:43 PM
Kate Elim
Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA
Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a

Hi Gary...You seem to have taken your dad's guidance to heart.  What a tribute you are to him and what an inspiration he was to you.

I am happy for you.

 

Kathleen

Jun 15, 2008 02:39 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Dan: Thanks. Those that give us good role models help us in our lives.

Carole: I keep trying. Thanks.

Linda: It is a blessing for someone to give you a good example. Yes, I am big on kindness.

Carolyn: I'm glad we share kindness.

Kathleen: Thank you.

Jun 15, 2008 03:29 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Gary, this is a lovely post!  Thank you for sharing your dad's wisdom.

Jun 15, 2008 03:32 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Patricia: Yes, there were some good thoughts there. Thanks.

Jun 15, 2008 03:46 PM
Kris Wales
Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI
Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

I wish I had a father like yours.  I was blessed though, I had Grandpa.  I think they would have liked each other very much.

 

Thank you for this beautiful tribute to your Father.  It had a wonderful message for all of us Gary.

Jun 15, 2008 10:07 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Kris: Thanks for your comment. Your grandfather sounds wonderful.

Jun 15, 2008 11:49 PM
Becky Respess
Broker/Associate Century 21 Judge Fite Co - Cedar Hill, TX
ABR, CRB, CRS

Gary, what a wonderful tribute to your Father. I think you inherited his genes by all means. I lost my Daddy in 1997. I still miss him terribly. I spent the day at the hospital in Allen with my Mom. She is pretty ill. Happy Father's Day, Gary! (a little late)

Jun 16, 2008 07:11 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Becky: When those close to us pass away it is sad for sure with them not being around anymore. But we hold them in our hearts. I hope your Mom does better. I know you had moved her.

Jun 16, 2008 08:51 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Gary, Love this post and the way you have honored your dad....your sensitivity is so refreshing.  I have a feeling that John C. Woltal was fortunate to have you for a son!!

Jun 16, 2008 11:13 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Margaret: I try to be a good son. He was a GREAT father. Thanks for your comments.

Jun 17, 2008 02:53 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Gary - I somehow missed this post the first time around, but I absolutely LOVED it.  Such sage advice from your dad.  I am including this one in the Family Ties recap tonight.  Thanks for the perspective!

Jun 22, 2008 01:30 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Jason: Thanks for your support.

Jun 22, 2008 03:57 PM
Steve Homer
The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate) - Round Rock, TX

I missed this one too, Gary, but I am glad that I caught it this time around!  I also promoted it to featured in the Encouraging Posts group!  Thanks for posting such a heart warming tribute to your father!

Jun 23, 2008 12:04 AM