My Parent's Legacy

I decided to write this as I reflected on the loss of my dad recently. I want to thank God for the wonderful parents I had. I have been thinking recently about how parents helped mold me into the person I am today.

My dad was very practical. He understood well how to negotiate. While I am not the master negotiator he was, I did learn that it couldn't hurt to ask. He also gave me some advice about politics when I first expressed some interest. He pointed out that its important to have principles and ideals, but to not be naive or idolize politicians because he had the experience of watching politicians start off very idealistic and then compromising core values along the way for political advancement. He also taught me that there is more than one way of being standing up for my principles. He was a registered Democrat, even though he disagreed with extreme Democratic Party had become on issues - particularly on abortion and homosexuality. He saw it as an opportunity to vote for the moderates in the primary elections, even though he typically voted Republican in the general elections. From that I learned that some times it is more realistic to work inside an organization with which I might have disagreement on some issues in order to have a positive impact overall; and to be honest when asked about the disagreements to avoid becoming cynical or deceptive.

I acquired my love of science from my dad. He majored in chemistry at college, and was good with math. He didn't teach me directly, I caught it by osmosis. He enjoyed magazines like Popular Science, and I enjoyed them also. In high school, I was able to use an older computer to work on programming. He gave me opportunities to work with engineers and scientists at the Lawrence Livermore Lab. While I never had the love of numbers he did, I continue to enjoy reading science and technology magazines. God created an orderly universe, and I enjoy discovering more about it and how it can be used to help improve life for all people.

I know I caused my dad frustration and concern at times, but I always knew he loved me. It really impressed me in college how he was able to interact well with my friends. One of my college friends told me that he had got along better with my dad than with his own dad. While I was down in Ripon for my dad's funeral, I was stuck by all the ways he impacted people's lives - mainly just by taking time for people around him. In his own way, he demonstrated the unconditional love God has.

My mom taught me in important ways as well. She encouraged me to read, both by example of her obvious love of books and by her taking my sister and I to the library many times, especially during the summers. I acquired my love of history and novels during my childhood for those reasons. During high school, my mom encouraged me to read books by Francis Schaeffer, C. S. Lewis and Dr. James Dobson. Those and similar books have greatly shape the religious and philosophical views I have today.

A lot of little boys think war is kind of neat. My mom gave me a more balanced view. My mom also encouraged me to read; I read a lot of history, which reinforced that view. She also explained to me at a young age that racism is wrong. My reading of history confirmed that view. My sense of a need to stand up for justice comes from my mom's willingness to stand up what she believed was right. My concern to protect human rights is a reflection of my mom's concern for equality rights. I am proud to be a compassionate conservative, and I am glad my mom gave me the foundations for that while I was still young.

I always knew my mom loved me even though there were times when we disagreed; so she too taught me about unconditional love. It wasn't until I was in college that I realized my mom had been right on many more occasions than I initially believed at the time. But it impressed me when I was in high school that when we had an argument, she apologized afterward that she had gotten carried away. My mom taught me the importance of being humble and honest enough to admit when I made a mistake. No one is perfect, so I respect people who can apologize and distrust anyone who refuses to admit mistakes or tries to cover up.

My parents were Christians and took me to church. My family typically had a Christian radio station on most all the time when I lived at home. I would listen to Francis Schaeffer on Saturday nights. That, combined with the preaching I was starting to understand as a junior higher led me to dedicate my life to Christ. I told my parents I loved them on several occasions - and I am glad I did when I had the opportunity, but I never looked at how they had affected who I am today. Thanks, mom and dad, for all you did for me, and for helping me become who I am.