My father was an example to me in how to care for my things and be organized.  I’m sure having served in the Marine Corps during Vietnam helped a little.   They’re pretty particular during boot camp with the quarter bouncing off the bed, cleaning the latrine, and shining those boots.  So who better to teach me how iron, make my bed and keep my things in their proper home than my dad.

At the age of 7, I was learning the proper way to make my bed.  Around 10, I learned how to iron a shirt that rivaled any military standards.  But much before that, I was shown how important it is just to take care of & respect my things simply by making sure everything had a home to return to at the end of the day.

And I could see how important all of these things were to my dad because he did them everyday too.  He put his clothes away at the end of the day, made his bed every morning (okay, so my mom helped but hey she messed up half of it) & he cleaned up behind himself after tinkering in the garage or mowing the yard.

He taught me many things through his life because he loved me and wanted me to experience a full life.  This one just happen to be the basis for everything else.  Vital, small steps that when taken on a daily basis, keep life moving forward.  And for that, I will always be thankful.

Who was your example growing up?  Who showed you to value & respect your things?