What is it that reminds you of your father?

For me, it's the smell of diesel. No, that's not a typo... You see, he was a mechanic who spent his life repairing engines. He came home tired at night, his work clothes streaked with grease and oil. I grew to love that smell. It meant, "Daddy's home!"

He's a bit older now, a little grayer. He's not as tall as he once was. And he moves much slower these days. His joints are tired from years of standing and kneeling on concrete.

Yes, there've been many changes over the years... But things I've learned from him remain the same:

* Tenderness need not be mistaken for weakness.

* It's okay to be humble - you have nothing to prove to others.

* It's easier not to do a thing, than be forced to watch over your shoulder constantly.

* Pursue the things you love, even if they don't work out the way you hoped they would.

I like to think I've inherited his love of learning. Word has it he's been learning new songs from sheet music recently...

And money -- was there something I learned there, too?

*Enjoyment* I don't need to buy everything new in order to enjoy my purchases.

*Appreciation* I learned to appreciate the things I have. To take care of them. To make them last.

*Patience* I learned to hold off buying things until I could afford to pay for them with cash.

*I've learned from his mistakes -- and his successes.

Is it any wonder a father holds such a special place in a daughter's heart?

What have you learned from your father?

Have you told him lately?