06/18/2023
I loved and respected my dad, but all who knew him knew he wasn’t an easy man; there was his way, and, well—his way. He taught us early and often to stand up for what a Stites should believe in—hard work, honesty, love for our family. Never tolerate or back down from a bully. Should I or my brothers stray from his principles, we paid with hard, old-fashioned discipline, but we never doubted that he still had our backs in any conflict.
I’ve tried to carry those principles my dad taught me, adding some of my own, of course, and in turn, passing those on to my children: being “right” is not as important as being happy and kind, give to those in need, find and follow God’s plan for your life. They will decide which tenets they pass on, and so on. Most of all, I want them to know I’ve always loved being their father and want the very best for their lives.
As for bullies—the only kind I tend to now is furry. She hopes I’ll exchange a cookie for a toothsome smile or give a wriggling rump a good scratch.
Happy Father’s Day! Take a stand and allow your loved ones to celebrate you.
