I'm 54 and have children of my own, including a son (16) who will be receiving his Eagle Scout rank on 6/24.  As a father, I've passed on many of the lessons learned from my father. Three that I would like to share are the most profound lessons of life, having served me well and brought me to where I am today.  I've instilled them in my own my own children, and as a Baltimore Police officer (27-year veteran) I've shared them with the many juveniles I've come in contact with (both arrested and mentored).
1. Your honesty and your integrity are the most valuable things you'll have.  Only you can attain them and protect them ... and only you can throw them away if they don't mean anything to you. Nobody makes you tell a lie ... you make that decision.  Nobody makes you cheat or steal ... you make that decision.
2. Your education is the second most valuable thing in your life.  With it you can be and do whatever you want ... your education is the key to your success. The teacher gets paid whether you learn or not  . . .  It's your choice to take advantage of their efforts.
3. Work hard, give 110% effort.  It will be noticed and appreciated. Your boss doesn't owe you (a job) ... you owe him your loyalty and an honest days work. (My father served 28 years in the Army, and then 20 years with the United StatesPostal Service.  He never missed a day of work from illness.)
I thank God for the many lessons my father taught me.  They have all served me well throughout my life.
Thanks for the opportunity to tell you of this remarkable man.
Sgt. Laron W. Wilson