A Joyous Perspective On Listening To Veterans: Words from my bonus Dad.

It's Friday, and time for another Friday Night Thought Tale Hour with the Hendersons. Tomorrow, we will celebrate Veteran's Day here in the U.S., honoring the service of the men and women in our Civil and Military Forces. I thought that tonight I would share with you all some wise advice I've collected from a Vet in my life over the past 20 years. He will also celebrate a birthday soon, so it's an appropriate post. Below are some of the things I've heard Charles Albert, as his beloved wife used to call him, say over the years. I hope you appreciate them as much as I have grown to cherish them. 

Sometimes it's best just to keep your damn opinions to yourself.

It's no secret that my husband and I both have some pretty strong opinions and beliefs. It's challenging, especially when dealing with family who doesn't share your views, to remain neutral and calm. However, Chuck has demonstrated to us over the years just how beneficial this can be to the overall well-being of the group, and also to yourself. Unless it's a physical danger that needs to be avoided, stay calm and let them learn on their own. You're not the only teacher they'll encounter in life.

Don't make such a big ass deal out of everything and every event.

Oh, how I love to put on a party or celebration! It gives me

such pleasure to plan and execute the best possible time I can give to those who I can host. But Chuck (and with Cathy when she was here) always have such an easy going way about getting together. There's no tension or concern over who will be there and what we'll eat. No 'Command Performance' as Cathy used to say. Chuck seems to think it takes all the fun out of getting together to make such an event of it. And I'm beginning to think he's spot on. It indeed takes a lot of the stress out of a holiday or function. So the next time you have the opportunity to put on a big to-do, consider taking the casual route. You don't have to go all out all the time. You might be surprised how nice it is.

When you get to be a certain age, never let anybody tell you what to do with your time. 

We live most of our lives responsible to a calendar and accountable to a company or organization. There is little time left over to just do what you want with whoever you want. When you get there, it will be easy to be pushed and pulled in many different directions, but you've worked hard so that you didn't have to follow instruction anymore. People will try to dictate to you what you should be doing, but only you know what you've always hoped you could do and who needs it the most. Every day is a gift, especially as we age. Use each one just the way you wish. 

And most importantly - Value your tools.

My father-in-law and husband have a collection of tools that are second to nothing I've ever seen in my life. If you need something to fix a thing, just ask Chuck. If he doesn't have it, he has the tool of knowledge and experience to know how to make it. Yes, he has taught me the value of my tools. Not just the tangible ones, but the ones I possess in my mind, body, and spirit. We need to take good care of them and keep them sharp because we just might need them for a good long time.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” 

― Mahatma Gandhi

This is a truth my father-in-law Chuck has lived.

So tonight, Chris and I will be toasting to Veterans, and to the life of our Dad, Charles "Chuck" Henderson. We will be drinking Budweiser in the bottle, which is the only kind of alcohol I've ever seen Chuck drink. And even then, never more than two. As he says, you should always keep your head clear, because you never know who is going to call and need a hand. Cheers, Friends.

(P.S., if you know him, please don't tell him about this. He'll probably be ticked off at having so much attention!)