What my dad taught me about work ethic
Lisa Hinz, CPC
Speaker | Facilitator of Transformative Workshops & Webinars Empowering Women to Lead with Impact l Leadership Coach l Former Corporate Director
My dad was the most amazing man I will have ever known in my lifetime.?He would be 91-years-old this month. He passed away June of 2019.
He worked hard – he was an engineer for Burlington Northern for 30 years. When he wasn’t working on the railroad, he was working on many things at home – farming on the side and building and maintaining his own personal railroad, known as Burlington Little Line (BLL).
In my early teen years, me and one of my sisters spent the summer building track for BLL. At that age, that’s not exactly how I wanted to spend my summer.
I complained a lot. I swore a lot (when those little spikes don’t go into the tie straight, it’s a lot of extra re-work). It was hot and sticky out. The June bugs were everywhere. My sister and I would get into arguments every time one of us would mess up. I’d give anything to have video footage from that time – I’m sure I would now find it pretty entertaining!
Although I complained a lot that summer, little did I know at the time that our effort would bring enjoyment to thousands of people over the coming decades. My parents would open their home and railroad to families, church groups, and schools over the years to enjoy the gift that my dad wanted to share with everyone – to join in on his love for trains. ?The smiles on the faces of so many are forever embedded in my heart.
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I learned a lot from my dad. I learned that hard work isn’t always about yourself. There is a duty in sharing your gifts with the world so that others can benefit.
I also learned that the journey isn’t always fun. It takes hard work to get to where you want to go.
We had to build the track to be able to ride the train. Had we not, we’d only be able to simply look at the train. And while it was amazing workmanship to look at (my dad rebuilt several from the ground up), in no way did it compare to getting on and taking a ride. ?You wouldn’t have felt the soft breeze on your face or smelled the fresh-cut grass or have seen the stunning sunset in the western sky.
He taught me a work ethic that is hard to find. And while I didn’t realize it in my early teen years, I am forever grateful.??Cheers to my dad.?As he would say, “Love ya’ll.”
#workethic?
Author | Screenwriter | Film Producer | Director | Public Relations
2 年Thank you for sharing this amazing story, and tribute to your dad, Lisa. Often, appreciation and gratification is delayed. It seems from the little I know that your dad had a plan all along. Well done.
One of The Worlds Leading Motivational Speakers. I am dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself! “You have greatness within you “ I am here to help you bring it out!
2 年Thank you Lisa. This is a very inspiring story that hopefully will empower all who read this. With hard work there is nothing we can’t accomplish, and in your father’s case his efforts will benefit everyone.
Owner and Contractor/Interior Designer at Trish B Designs ASID, Allied Member
2 年My dad worked for BN his entire life. We lost him in April of '15.