Things I Learned from My Dad - Part 1

My dad passed away Friday night, August 15, at 10:15 PM.  Grant McBroom was 75 years old, and for three years he had been fighting a losing battle against a blood disorder related to leukemia.  I wrote my dad a love letter thanking him for the lessons he poured into my life.  About 10 days before he passed away I sat by his bed and read it to him.  Dad was very alert and sharp at that point and he asked me to read the letter at his funeral. Since the funeral will be a private family service I will share some excerpts from the letter this week in my blog.  Dear Dad...

Risk vs. Gain – you taught me that every decision carries risk and rewards.  Things that look like a lot of fun, may carry too much risk.  The safe decision may not carry enough upside.  I’ve applied this to thousands of decisions in my life – big and small – thanks for giving me room to make lots of decisions.  To succeed and to fail. To avoid unnecessary risk and reap incredible rewards. 

Mind Over Matter – while not always possible to succeed, you taught me that the attitude we choose helps determine if we win or lose.

Kill ‘em with Kindness – this was more than a phrase on the Sears pencils you brought home from work.  Kindness wins every time.  You taught me how to encourage people in every relationship that I have, and success as a leader comes more easily with kindness and compassion than with any other approach.

More later.  I'll miss you Dad.

Visitation:      Friday, August 22, 4-8pm.  Shirley Brothers  9900 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Indiana.  

Comments

[Scott Weber]

Evan,

I am terribly sorry for your loss. Your father's legacy lives on through you personally and professionally. It's an honor to call you my friend.

S c o t t

[Joyce Long]

Evan,

What a man your father was! His life and light will continue to shine through you and your children. My father had a stroke this summer and we've been going through much transition, too. It takes times like these to hold onto what's really important in life--our faith and our family.

Joyce

[Ed]

Evan,

These are wonderful thoughts. Thanks for all you've become because of all he became. You're one of the most sincere and significant encouragers in my life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you of course.

Warmly,

Ed

[Lynn Noe]

And as hard as these times can be, your Dad was blessed to see his family legacy living on in you and to know that it will live on in your children. What a blessing for you to have had a Dad like that. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.

[Leah Norton]

Thanks for sharing, Evan. How amazing it must have been for your Dad to hear these words from you. And what incredible life lessons and character traits. I see them in you so strongly ... your Dad must have been an incredible person. Praying for you this week.