As a baby-boomer who would say he’s achieved the American Dream, much of the credit for my success must go to my father for showing me the way. Obviously, Mom had a lot of influence as well, but this article is a father-son comparison.

Looking back to examine my life compared to Dad’s, the similarities are amazing. As the family’s male role model, his imprint was strong and lasting. So much so, it persists to this day. Dad just turned 90, and I can only hope that my path continues to follow his.

Although he never lectured or tried in any way to orchestrate what I would do in life, he didn’t have to. There was no need. His example was so strong that all it took was observation of his hard work hard and drive to be successful to learn a lesson for a lifetime. Knowing what he wanted to achieve, he invested the effort and made the sacrifice required to fulfill his goals. I watched, naively, not knowing this was a tutorial.

Dad is a World War II veteran. He survived kamikaze attacks in the South Pacific and returned home to go to college, get married and raise me and my brother in a family on the rise. What I mean by “on the rise” is a family that was advancing in strength and prosperity. Dad moved up professionally in the insurance industry and Mom, me and my brother were the benefactors of his hard work. His career required him to travel, a lot. He was frequently out of town overnight, so his presence at home during the week and on weekends seemed special. What we took for granted was Mom’s consistent presence at home. Dad, and the economic conditions of the time, made this possible. There’s something very special, in a confidence building sort of way, about having Mom dependably in the home. It was great for us, but a mother at home was normal then. Today it’s an aberration.

Dad and Mom did well. One could say they prospered, with time enough to sail the Great Lakes and recreate for years and years in a home on a golf resort. They continue to live comfortably to this day. I envy them.

Looking back, I pretty much did exactly what my Dad did, expecting a similar result. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Dad should feel immensely flattered by my conduct.

Coming of age in the 60’s, I can’t recall ever being confused about my path forward. The simple truths prevailed. If I worked hard I could earn whatever I wanted. So I did just that.

At thirteen I got a paper route, and thought I was rich. I earned enough to buy a 10-speed Schwinn bicycle, and later a pool table for the basement. Save and spend. What a concept. That’s what Dad did.

In 1968, I was eighteen. I was not a scholar, more of an entrepreneur. I did manage to graduate from high school that year, and shortly thereafter I was required to register for the draft. I knew enough about the horrors of Viet Nam to avoid being sent there by joining the Navy. Dad was in the Navy, so the choice was obvious. The difference here was that Dad, at seventeen, rushed to join in a war, where I rushed to avoid one, at least the shooting part.

My next six years in the Navy’s submarine service taught me everything I needed to know to be successful in life. I’m sure Dad’s wartime experience did the same for him. Mostly, I learned how I ranked as a human competitor, and what I was able to achieve if I had the confidence to pursue it. Fearlessness is a critical success factor for a fulfilling life. Parents have an obligation to teach their children to be fearless. Dad had it and he handed it off to me.

Over the next thirty years, I pursued one goal after another. All by applying the simple rule I learned from my parents. If you want something, you’ll have to work for it and quite likely sacrifice some of that ‘quality time’ which seems to be more treasured these days. No doubt, ‘quality time’ with family is precious, but if I had to choose between having that quality time with Dad or fully learning from Dad the lessons and rewards of hard work, I’ll take the lessons every time.

So, following that roadmap to the American Dream, so well-demonstrated by my father, I worked my butt off to live a productive life hoping to achieve similar rewards. And, I did achieve similar rewards.

I worked my way through college, choosing a degree program that was not my “passion”, but rather, one that would give me skills in high demand. And, upon graduation in 1979, not the best of times economically, I had multiple offers to choose from. A career in high-tech ensued and has served me well.

I met a wonderful woman and got married, had three sons, travelled a lot and provided a life for my family so similar to what I had experienced through Dad’s example it is startling!

Now, moving into my retirement stage, I’m anxious to continue on that path so well illuminated by my father. A time to recreate with family and friends. A time to celebrate the joy of children and grandchildren. A time to relax in the calm offered by less responsibility and career demands. And finally, a time to be thankful for the lessons, the example, the love and generosity of a wonderful father.

THANKS DAD!