Who are the Men You Admire and Appreciate?

Male role models are abundant, aren’t they? A couple that come to mind include John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Not so sure about the politicians and athletes of today qualifying as role models, but I will admit to looking up to Peyton Manning. None of these men were perfect, nor were they readily accessible in my life.

For that, each of us has to turn to the men who were involved in our daily lives. Men like fathers, uncles, grandfathers, friends, bosses and colleagues. Those are the men we appreciate for so many things.

Admiring someone and appreciating someone are two different things:

When we admire the men we look up to, we might learn about:

• Aspiration – we see they have accomplished something so it gives us hope that we can do the same
• Awe – the talents of many inspire awe; to some that is the impetus to do better; to others it is just admiration

When we appreciate someone, that is an entirely different level of respect and esteem, isn’t it?

• My father taught me how to use a hammer, plane, and a power saw. I think of him every time I pick a tool up. I felt he could do anything with those tools. And because of that – and his lessons – I still feel like I can do anything, too.
• My dad also taught me how to control my emotions, too. I can relate at least two or three times when I was told to give him a few minutes and “go to my room.” I know see that he had to have the time – it wasn’t so that I could stew about the “trouble I was in.”
• My uncle taught me about commitment and loyalty to family. Although he worked full-time and had a family and home of his own, he worked my grandparent’s farm every day, too. Because of him they had corn and alfalfa for the cattle and pigs. Because of him the wheat was planted and harvested.
• Another uncle taught me about using my skills, talents and interests – for myself. He, along with most of his brothers, were woodworkers. He had a hand carved chain that was about 30 feet long. Every year he added a length to it. I’m still not sure how that was accomplished, but a left over board became another set of links. We all loved it and marveled over his “genius.” He loved doing it and loved our response.
• My grandfather taught me to appreciate what was special and unique about people. He died by the time I was seven, but I remember his love of chocolate covered cherries, ice cream and the disabled pig who lived in a special pen he built in the meadow behind the house. Now I remember things about people that are special to them.

The list could go on for a long time of all the lessons I have learned from men in my life. I’m sure your list would be equally as long.

When these men age, they may seem to lose some of the strength to do battle every day, but the skills, wisdom and love they shared continues to evolve. Maybe they need someone to help now with the carpentry or the farm, but we are able to do that because they have shown us the way.

Giving back to men with strength is not always easy. They don’t like to admit that they need help or, even less will they admit they want the help.

At Keeping In Touch Solutions, we have Care Callers who talk with senior men every day. They enjoy a conversation just as much as women. So, if your dad, grandpa or uncle could benefit from a daily check-in call, don’t worry, even though they might say, “Nah, don’t bother,” they will appreciate it in the end.

A daily check-in call could be the lifeline, the joy you give someone that makes the biggest difference in their perception of what old age is like.

Contact me at 317-480-1038 today. Let’s make a difference together.

I’m Diana Beam, Founder of Keeping in Touch Solutions. It is my heartfelt desire for every person to live a happy and healthy life in the place they call home, no matter what their age. You can’t put a price on peace of mind for your parents and yourself. It’s priceless . . . and significant.

For that reason, the goal of every Keeping In Touch Solutions program is to provide a caring connection and service that both the elderly and their caregivers can rely on to make living that good life easier.