The Measure of a Man
In my last post, I wrote of the incredible feat that Nik Wallenda had accomplished when he became the first man to cross Niagara Falls. He was successful in fulfilling a childhood dream. His persistence and dedication are inspirational.
My dad wasn’t successful in that way but nonetheless, I do not see him as any less successful. He inspires me every day by the way he lived.
My father, Peter Klewchuk, had lots of dreams and lots of talent. With his looks, and his charm, he could’ve been a movie star. As he had a great voice and could play the violin by heart, he could’ve been a successful musician. He was a master of chess, playing against the best in Manitoba, but it wasn’t on any stage. It was at his kitchen table. He loved poetry and would quote it often, while parading from the kitchen to the living room, his arms extended, a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and me, his audience. With his love for the written word, he could’ve become an English instructor.
He became none of the above. He dropped out of school before he finished grade 9 – long story. He had one tough job after the other, labouring in the quarry, laying train tracks, and during the time he was married, injecting brine into pork bellies in a meat packing plant.
He was also a very honest man. He’d say, “They call me Honest Pete, honest as the day is long.” Given the economic collapse of many banking systems, I’d venture to say it’s a trait missing in much of business today. Even news is tampered with. Look at the disintegration of the Murdoch empire . And then there’s the debacle of the Iraq war. All those innocent lives lost due to government’s manipulation of the facts. Lies heaped upon more lies.
Though he didn’t achieve his dreams
The Poem In Dad’s Closet
in work, he achieved his dreams with family. He succeeded in areas where many men fail. He was my father, the best there could be. He gave me my love of books and nature; he taught me how to swim and throw a ball. We used to dive for stones in the lake, laughing and spitting out water when we came up for air. He was also a great husband, and showed my mother respect and love for the 44 years they were together. He was her right hand, she was his left. And he loved the grandchildren, couldn’t get enough of them. Family was what was important to him and he showed it every day. He worked hard, loved well, and passed his sweetness on.
When he passed away, I found the poem IF, by Rudyard Kipling, rolled up in the corner of his closet. The poem describes my father to a T. He was “a man, my son.” I wish that kind of success on all young boys.
I love that poem. The story of your father brought tears to my eyes. What a lovely man. And what a lovely daughter.
Wow…I see you much you admire your father and that is something huge. We might think wrongly that one has to do amazing big things to make a difference, but the little things say a lot and impact us in such a way.
It’s so true. Small acts of love and kindness go a long way. My father didn’t get a lot of breaks in life, but he appreciated what he got and gave what he could.
There are not many “Honest Pete’s” in today’s society, whether in man or business. You are privileged to have had such a good father, who was also a good husband to his wife. Most people get one or the other and others don’t even know who their fathers are, so you got a good break.
We all have dreams and ambitions but what I feel is much more important is how we conduct our lives on a day to day basis. No sense in being the person who had great wealth, many friends, gold and silver but was the most dishonest person on earth.
Beautiful and touching post.
Thanks for your lovely comments.I was very lucky to have a father like mine. He wasn’t perfect but pretty damn near. Because of him, I appreciated men in general, even during those women’s lib. times. You’ve summed it up well. What’s important is how we live our lives on a day to day basis, and not the riches we collect.
There are all kinds of heros. Your dad was one and your honesty, generosity and openess show you are one, too.
Thank you, Diana.
Thank you for your lovely comments. So kind.
Very touching. What a fantastic human being he was.
When you described his work experiences and how hard his life sometimes was, it reminded me of my own father. I doubt we ever truly appreciate and recognize all the gifts our parents leave with us. He certainly gave you his love of words.
Honest and inspiring post.
Mimi, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. As you say, we don’t always appreciate what our parents have given us, and what they’ve endured in the process.
You’re one of his great achievements in life. 😉
Our fathers got something in common: master of chess. ^^ I learned Chess from him.
I like your post, reminded me of my father. We didn’t have good relationship, till I moved out and started living on my own.
Now I always say, “my father is the first smartest man I met in my life. ” eheheheh
Ah, Rose. Thank you for your thoughts. I hope you’re a better chess player than I am. My dad was incredibly patient with me. He could see the whole board and planned his moves. I did them, one at a time. I could never beat him. I like your comment about your father being the smartest man you met in your life. So lovely, that you recognize his wisdom, all wrapped up in love for you.
My dad is the opposite of your dad, I guess. He’s not patient. Hahaha. I learned Chess from him, but he didn’t really teach me. I used to watch his games, when I was a kid. He said before, I couldn’t play Chess because I am careless. I was challenged, wanted to show him that I could. Well, dads got their own ways. 🙂 Thank you. 🙂