I've always been fascinated by Leroy Jethro Gibbs' rules on NCIS. If you watch the show, they're very familiar (Rule #5- You don't waste good).
Well, this list is too good to waste.
Douglas Pittman wrote these 24 points to his son 24 years ago when his son was in college. For whatever reason, he never gave him the letter.
His daughter found it and shared it. And I think it will be shared by a lot of Dads... and Moms... who see the wisdom in his words.
Not going to make you pore over all those handwritten pages... Yellowhammer News transcribed them and gave us more on the story--
- Never be the first to break a family tradition.
- Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
- Never laugh at anyone’s dreams
- Remember that no time spent with your Mom and Dad is ever wasted.
- Accept a breath mint if someone offers you one.
- Rehearse a joke before telling it.
- Once in a while, invite the person in line behind you to go ahead of you.
- Never be photographed holding a beer or cocktail glass.
- Do your homework and know your facts. But remember, it is passion that persuades.
- Don’t be so concerned with your rights that you forget your manners.
- Don’t dismiss a good idea simply because you don’t like the source.
- When you say, “I’m sorry,” look the person in the eye.
- Give people more than they expect, and do it cheerfully.
- Someone will always be looking at you as an example of how to behave. Don’t let them down.
- Overestimate your travel time by 15 percent.
- Never say anything uncomplimentary about your family in the presence of others.
- No matter how old you get, hug and kiss your mother whenever you greet her.
- Remember that everyone is influenced by kindness
- Phone home if you are going to be more than 20 minutes late.
- If you’re away from home and hear church bells, think of 3 people who love you.
- Pray, there is immeasurable power in it.
- Avoid using the word “impacted” unless you’re describing wisdom teeth.
- TRUST in God.
- Call your Daddie.
I have to say there are a few that really hit home for me as a parent. There are some huge lessons here.
And some small, yet practical lessons. (Believe it or not, we had "punchline practice" in our home... you should ALWAYS rehearse a joke before telling it!!).
Of course, for those who can.... Call your Daddie. Because no time spent with Mom or Dad is ever wasted.
Thank you, Mr. Pittman (and family) for reminding us.