She Magazine June 2014 | Page 120

sirvey | in every issue What is the most important LIFE LESSON you learned from your dad? Will Crosswell Florence One of the most important lessons I learned from my father was not by something he said but by his actions. My father always showed us what it meant to “be present,” especially when it comes to your family and friends. He would work a 12-hour shift on the railroad, come home in time for dinner, drive me to my little league game (where he coached me), then drive me over to my sisters’ softball games (which he also coached), and he’d still have time to spend time with my mom before the day was through. He’d go to sleep for a few hours, ready to do it all again the next day. I never knew this until much later, but he would help kids on his team with carpooling and even buy them meals if their families couldn’t afford it. He wasn’t only present in my life, but he was there to help those who needed it. Jamon Jordan I Marion Mike Haynes I Florence There are lots of lessons that I have learned from my dad, but the most important thing he has taught me is about family. He has taught me to always keep family close and put family first. Your family is what sees you through the good and bad times in life. My dad is a great example of this... his family is always first. 120 Matthew Jeffords I Florence My father taught me so much about commitment to family and therefore instilled in me a deep sense of trust. Especially when I was growing up and very involved in the arts; he and my mother were ALWAYS there to support and encourage me. I pray that my own five children will always have that same unwavering trust in me and pass that commitment and love on to the next generation. The most important lesson my dad taught me was a good work ethic. Always put 100% of yourself into work or anything you do, always be early, help others and finish what you start. June 2014 shemagazine.com