[NY65912]

I worked with my father from the age of 8, all through high school and college. He was from the "other side" as they used to say, Italy. He did concrete, brick, marble, tile, plaster and terrazzo. I was his gopher. I carried his tools and fetched the materials. I did not have summer vacations or holidays off from school. He started his day at 5:30 AM and worked six, sometimes seven days a week with side work.

He taught me that hard work was good and never to be ashamed of what it was you did for a living if unglamourous. I am always early for work or an appointment and stop work when the job is finished. All good attributes that I have passed on to my children. My grandfather was the hardest worker I have ever heard about, but that's another story, that's where Dad got his work ethic.

My father is 91 years old and the biggest complaint he has is how he cannot do the things he wants to do physically, mostly working in his garden and fixing things around the house. But he can still crush your hand if he shakes it!

But, at 59 years old I am tired of 10-12 hour days and I for the first time am thinking of retirement.

So Dantilla, I completely understand and agree with you. You (we) were very lucky to have a dad like yours. Although at the time it did seem as though I was slave labor.

My Dad made me who I am and is the major force in my success.