What I've Learned
I've learned a lot of things in my life, we all have. But on reflection I've found that the things that I've learned from friends and family far outweigh the things I learned in school. Not that any of them help me particularly in my job or are of any true finacial value, but they are valuable in that they created a bond between myself and whomever was teaching me. I thought today I would share a few of the things I know.
From my mom I've learned how to cook. I can read a recipe, buy the appropriate items, and with a fair amount of success make a meal. She's also taught me how to look at a few items in the cupboards and prepare a meal or snack based simply off of whats at hand. I can make jellies, jams, and preserves. I fondly remember sitting in a steamy kitchen while my mom patiently cut up fruit or measured out pectin and glistening white sugar. She also taught me how to properly set a table, wash dishes, clean house, and garden. I can sew, not by using a machine, but by hand with needle and thread. Somehow I know how to darn a sock, not that its a skill I often use, but I can if need be. Finally, she taught me that sometimes true happiness comes from turning off the TV, sitting in a quiet place and reading a book.
My dad taught me how to fix things, build things, and if need be destroy things. I can do basic home repairs, minor construction projects, or even major ones with a little help. Dad taught me that just because something has broke doesn't mean that its broken. I can safely fell a tree so that it falls in the general direction of safety. I can use a chainsaw, an axe, a wood-splitter, even a hammer and wedge with success. He taught me how to hunt but that with the act of taking a life comes a great responsibility and respect. With that came the knowledge of how to properly handle and respect a firearm. Never have I thought a gun was a toy but rather a tool to be handled carefully. Most importantly he taught me temperance. Sometimes its best just to bear down and weather the storm than to fight against it.
My brothers have taught me how to share, wait my turn, and be patient. They have also taught me how to argue and even fight. I learned to ask nicely and accept "No" as a response. I learned to communicate long before I learned to talk, and I learned that sometimes no one understands you like your brothers.
My wife and taught me true love, something more valuable than gold. I've learned a different way of thinking and that not everything is black and white (but gray can be wonderful too). I've learned from her that even great disappointments can have a way of becoming great joys so long as you'll let them.
Finally, from my one year old, I've learned that sometimes the best thing in life is to let someone tickle you while you laugh your head off.