Today is my father’s 74th birthday. I recognize how blessed I am to be able to share it with him, and I don’t want to wait until he’s gone to reflect on what I’ve learned from him. In no particular order:

1. Give help without being asked.
2. Hard work really does pay off.
3. It is possible to create a new life in foreign land.
4. You don’t have to hold a college degree to be intelligent and educated.
5. Love is expressed by what you do, not what you say.
6. Having someone you can count on is one of the greatest gifts in life.
7. What’s inside is more important than what it looks like on the outside.
8. A strong commitment will keep you going when the road gets rough.
9. Don’t ever assume you know how a person will respond.
10. Don’t take  your blessings for granted. Life can change in an instant.