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My dad -"Gene"
With 2014 quickly upon us, perhaps its reality will prompt some thought of our own influence on the opinion of others. There's no doubt that the New Year brings some level of reflection, but I, personally, am going to take stock in what I rank as significant in my life and concentrate on applying that ranking on questions that need addressing and decisions that need to be made.
My dad is the friendliest person I know. When little, sitting in the front seat of our car with dad, I would practically be embarrassed (although down deep, rather proud) as he waved to everyone who passed by. They could be entire strangers, but he acknowledged them like they were his friend. His wave always accompanied a smile and if he were face to face with them he'd be polite in asking them, "How are you doing today?" This was my dad's meme. A 'meme' you ask? Yes, a meme. A meme is something of value, usually of a cultural nature, that is passed down from one person to another. Others imitate that meme or pattern of behavior and pass it along to others. Often your meme involves the reputation you leave behind that impact people--this can be good or bad.
My dad became known as one of the nicest guys in Algonac. He was sincere and genuine in his caring, even if it was just a moment of sharing a friendly conversation. I have many examples that have found a home in who I am as a person because of my father's significance and what he passed on to others. He did things for no other reason than to exhibit a kind heart. I'm sure many people have good opinions of my dad and his reputation to this day, and probably the first thing they'd mention is: "That Gene Beavers, he is a good man, a man who cares." This is one of his memes. I know, because he's passed this value and quality of kindness down to me. I try to follow a similar pattern of friendliness.
Would having a kind heart be at the top of my ranking in life significance? Is it at the top of what is truly important to me and to those around me? I'd say yes...but I want to have at least "a Top 5" list of ranked memes that I see as having consequence and import not only in my life but in the lives of those around me. Maybe, at the start of the New Year, you could ask: 'What would be my top 5 significant behaviors, goals or ways that I'd like others to imitate and perhaps even pass on to others? Make a list of what is significant to you and 'wave' a "hello" to 2014.
**According to book mentioned above, the Top Significant Ranking for historical figures: 1. Jesus 2. Napoleon 3. Muhammad 4. Shakespeare 5. Abraham Lincoln