Father's Day Archives - Interview Doctor

Father’s Day is more than a day to buy a card and a cheesy gift. Father’s Day to me is a day to remember my favorite role model.

“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” – Albert Schweitzer

Roger Dreuth 2nd from left

My dad, Roger Dreuth, was a neat guy. His mustache and goatee reinforced his professorial look. He was a musician, a teacher, almost a PhD, an artist, a great debater, and a tinker. He had a million hobbies. His wood sculpture is on display in a museum. Music filled our home. The basement was always a mess with half-done projects in various stages of disrepair.

To my mind he invented the idea of a bucket list because he and my mom always had one constantly being revised as they checked off major accomplishments.

Dad wanted to hold his daughters close forever but bravely sent us out into the world to face challenges, heartbreak, and accomplishments even as his heart broke for our difficulties. But this is what parents do. They do their best to infuse the proper values and habits then they let us spread our wings and take on the world.

He kept his mouth shut as I made mistakes then held me close when the disappointments hit home. He never once said, “I told you so” even when I richly deserved it. He was always there with a comforting word.

When I grow up I want to be someone’s role model. I want to behave in a way that someone wants to emulate. I want to keep my mouth shut and let others make mistakes so they learn by doing, not because I keep butting in with my opinion. I want letting go to make someone strong and confident.

I want to do this with my own children, with my clients, and with my protégés. I want to be a role model like my role model.

This Father’s Day, say thank you to your role model. Maybe it is your father. Maybe it is someone who is like a father to you. Then think about what it takes to be a role model to someone important in your life. Be quiet. Be present. Most of all, let your actions speak louder than your words.

Thanks Dad. I miss you every day.

Katherine

My father was a school principal, a talented musician, an artist and archer, a learned man, a woodworker, an optimist, a simple man, a messy man. He laughed a lot and was curious about everything. He built boats and rode motorcycles. He opened the door to talk to Mormon missionaries because he enjoyed a good debate. He loved his family.

Other people might have seen a different perspective from where they stood. That is ok.

We all have a lot of dimensions. We see what we want to see. We remember what we want to remember. People are doing the same about you too. What do people see when they look at you? What will they remember?

I miss my Dad a lot. I think about him frequently and wonder what he would think about how my life is turning out. I am not defined by my job but I am defined by my character and the way I behave. I try to be curious, optimistic, and energetic just like my old man.

On this Father’s Day, take a moment to thank that multi-dimensional, probably imperfect man who loved and cared for you while providing an example of how to approach the world.

Thanks Daddy!

Katherine

How to be a Father’s Day Role Model

Father’s Day is more than a day to buy a card and a cheesy gift. Father’s Day to me is a day to remember my favorite role model.

Remember Dad on Father’s Day