Like Father-Like Son

October 12, 2017

Tommy Spaulding

Blog

Yesterday was my fathers’ 75th birthday. The greatest man I’ve been blessed to know. My two sisters and I flew to upstate New York to surprise him on his special day. These are the words I wrote in his birthday card.

Dear Dad,

Like Father – Like Son. Many hear those words all the time. “Your son is just like you!” “You’re the spitting image of your father!” But, Dad, you and I are different in so many ways.

I love to travel the world – you do not.

I am organized – you are not.

I am a risk taker – you are not.

I am an entrepreneur – you are not.

I love sports – you do not.

I’m driven – you are not.

I’m adventurous – you are not.

I am an extrovert – you are not.

And I love sushi, golf and rock concerts – you do not!

The list goes on and on.

The beauty in all these differences is that you have many talents and attributes that I don’t have. But there is one amazing thing in my life that we have in common. It has brought me the most happiness and the most success. And I learned it from you. LOVE.

I learned to love from you, Dad. To receive love. To give love.

I remember when I was a young kid and would come home from school. Most parents would ask, “What did you do today?” “What did you accomplish?” You never asked me those questions. Instead, you always asked, “Who did you bless today?” “Who did you love and serve?” The “what” never mattered to you, Dad. You only cared about the “who”.

Who did you bless today? Who did you love and serve?

Those two questions have changed my life. They define who I have become. They have directed my career. They have made me into the husband, father and friend I am today.

Thank you, Dad, for not being like all the other parents. Thank you for always asking me the “who” questions and not the “what” questions.

Makes me proud to say…. Like Father – Like Son.

Happy 75th Birthday. I love you!

Your son,
Tommy

Maybe today can be the day that we stop asking our kids, our employees and our colleagues all the “what” questions. What did you do today? What did you accomplish? And we start asking all the “who” questions. Who did you bless today? Who did you love and serve? My guess is that it will change your work and your life, just as it has changed mine.

Tuesdays with Tommy

Tuesdays with Tommy

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Tuesdays with Tommy

Tuesdays with Tommy

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!