Random Rodricks: What my father taught me -- more good stuff - Dan Rodricks' blog from baltimoresun.com

Persistence - this lesson came through a game my dad played with my sisters and me. He'd put some change in his fist and have us take turns trying to pry open the fist. The winner got to keep the change. This lesson resulted in my persisting in acquiring my own education, in educating our two sons and, as an educator, prodding my students to do their best work.

Politeness -- dad taught us to shake hands with visitors to our home and with people at church or in town and to call them by name, using a title for grown-ups. As a woman today, I tend to offer a firm handshake when greeting people and to offer my hand first when greeting men.

Proper decorum -- even in a household with two parents, it was my father who would say to us girls as we sat in a chair with rungs, "Keep your feet on the floor," making us aware of proper posture for young women. Later when my dad discovered that I had taken up smoking in college, he made one plea, "Do me a favor; don't smoke in the street." I think of Dad today when I cross my legs at the ankle while sitting on a dais. Of course, the smoking ceased even before I married and had children.

If the aforementioned lessons seem dated, perhaps they are. I grew up African American in the 1940's in rural Virginia. My dad had only an elementary school education, though he stressed education for my sisters and me. He had expired before I earned my doctorate, but I know that he would be proud that I kept my feet on the floor while I pried open doors to education and while I continue to encourage my students to persist.

Mary Hairston McManus

My father taught me to be honest......but to think like a crook. In 1944 or 1945, prior to the days of "Dicks" or "Sports Authority" my father took me to "Simon Harris" on Gay Street and bought me a new baseball glove, really nice. We lived in Hamilton and I played a lot of ball at Hamilton Junior High School.I alwaws rode my bike and carried my glove by the strap on the handlebar. Upon returning home one day, I decided to stop in the Acme store that was located on the east side of Harford Road just a little north of Hamilton Avenue to buy some chocolate candy. After making my purchase, I proceeded on my way home and when I reached St. Dominic's Church, I looke down and realized my glove was gone. I retraced my path but of course, the glove was nowhere to be found. My next task was to tell my father, the glove was practically new. He looked me straight in the eye and said that because I wouldn't take something from someone else that I wouldn't think someone else would take something of mine. He didn't want me to be dishonest, but he wanted me to protect my belongings as if I would was a thief and would try to take them. He then bought me another glove, exactly like the one that was stolen. By the way, I also always wear an undershirt as did my father, although I can't recall him pointing this out, so I must have acquired this habit by example.
Samuel A. Bellestri

What my father taught me -- more good stuff

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