My phone rang. I answered using the speaker in my jeep. Kim and I were driving to my mom’s house for a visit. My mom missed my dad. He was in the hospital, and not doing well. My brother was calling. He said hello, his voice wavering. I could tell he was shaken. Perry had just spoken with a nurse at the hospital – my father had passed away peacefully a few minutes ago. I thanked my brother for sharing the sad news with me. I told him that I would let mom know. The next conversation would be difficult. Sharing sad news is never easy. Neither is driving and crying.
I want to be a good father to my sons
It is important to me that I become the best dad possible. The good news is that I had an excellent role model. Opa was a great dad. He was a fabulous father my whole life. Over the years I learned a lot from my father. Too many lessons to list here. Instead, I want to share with you six life principles that my father taught me. They spell the word FATHER. Over the next several weeks I plan to explain these lessons my father taught me in greater detail.
- F: Faith is not complicated
- A: Attitudes are contagious
- T: Talk with your feet
- H: Have a good time
- E: Express love to your children
- R: Remember who you are…a Ranger
My son, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:11-12
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.
Here is a link to my father’s obituary.