The Lessons of a Father
This Father’s Day will be the first one I’ve ever spent without my father, Lloyd, who passed away in April. But I will certainly feel his presence, mostly because of the way he lived his life, and the lessons for doing so that he taught, by example, to me and my sister.
I’ve said before that I love my job, and I know how important the work we do at General Motors is, but the most important job I have is being a father. My wife and I have been blessed with three amazing children. And being their dad is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
My father was always a perfect role model and true inspiration for me, both professionally and personally. I have always tried to set the same example for our kids. And that job, a labor of love, is a lot easier because of what my father taught me. These are just a few of his many lessons.
Do what you love
Do what you love and you’ll love what you do. It’s not like he made that up. But it has an astounding effect when, as far back as you can remember, you see your father working each and every day with passion at a job he clearly loves.
My Dad basically grew up in an auto garage and dealership and was tinkering with things, as only engineers can, from a very young age. That passion stayed with him forever, and was passed to me, and I’ve tried to instill that same value in my children. Identify your passion and pursue it. It’s key to happiness and fulfillment.
Do it with integrity
Your kids see everything you do, and they’ll follow your lead. Make sure you do things with integrity and kindness. My sister and I learned from our parents to do the right thing, and that starts with recognizing and listening to your conscience.
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We all find ourselves in tough situations occasionally, and while there might be an easy way out, it’s usually not the right way out. If the right thing to do and the easy thing to do are the same thing, then it’s not a tough situation. You don’t learn from that. You learn from doing the right thing, especially when it’s difficult. It makes you feel good, too. That’s one of life’s rewards.
Do for others
My father always tried to make other people’s lives better, whether it was GM customers while he was working, or our community afterward. His was a life of giving back. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”?
Our Dad lived these words his whole life. He devoted his days to helping provide opportunities for others in need of education, for example. He relentlessly supported places that make an impact on education – community groups, schools, museums, the symphony and other cultural institutions. Giving back was his true purpose, and it was where he found true rewards.
That’s his legacy, his way of ensuring his presence would still be felt long after he was gone. It’s an extremely valuable life lesson, and it’s why I’ll feel his presence this Father’s Day, and every day, until we’re together again.
My thoughts are with him this Father’s Day, of course, but also with all of the fathers out there and those that play an equally important role as father figures.
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OSA at pd
8 个月PUT YOU FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE NON SAFE VEHICLE YOU SOLD ME AND CAN'T FIX . GM DOESN'T cares about your safety. $$$$$ is all they care about. My vehicle has been in for service 6 times. The infotainment system locks up, like everything is on mute. I can't use my phone, Instagram or radio. I am a disabled senior citizen, live very rural. What happens if I have an emergency and this freezes? I am afraid to drive this. Dealership doest care and GM just wants payments THEY ARE AWARE THIS VEHICLE HAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND DO NOT CARE. I CAN ONLY GUESS THAT THEY HOPE I DIE IN THIS VEHICLE AND SOMEONE CONTINUES TO MAKE THE PAYMENTS
President at Thompson Sales Company
1 年He was a true Leader. Sorry about his passing. Just remember all the great times.
Beautiful tribute, sincere condolences.
Chief External Relations Officer @ NPower | Experienced Fundraising, Marketing, and Public Affairs Executive
1 年Mark Reuss your father was such a strong presence in my life. I remember reading about his decision to serve at Focus: HOPE after leaving GM a few years before I met him. I actually clipped that article (back when we did that) because I was so moved. I still have that article. A few years later I became the VP of Lawrence Tech University and met him for the first time (1999). Your father became my boss, mentor, advisor, and friend over the next twenty years of my work with LTU, Focus: HOPE and the DSO. I work in a field where I am blessed to work alongside many incredible people. But so few were as consistently impressive as your father. He balanced work, family and service in a way I have rarely seen. I had a few chances over the years to hear your dad talk about you and his grandkids. And, although Mr. Reuss (he will always be Mr. Reuss to me) was what’s a little formal and reserved, his love and pride was always clear.
Branding & Business Development Specialist
1 年Class, Respect and Empathy. Terrific tribute and article Mark????????