Lessons from Dad

Just a few weeks ago, I was enjoying a family vacation at the lake with my dad. We breathed in the fresh air, listened to the loons, roasted marshmallows, and took a boat ride. I didn’t expect it to be the last time I did those things with him. At his funeral service this week, I gave a speech in remembrance of his life. Some family members and friends have asked for a copy of this tribute to Dad, so I am placing it here for easy printing and distribution.

Lessons from Dad

I’d like to share a few words about our dad. I know he’d want me to keep it brief because he was never a big talker, a scene stealer, or trumpeter of his own accomplishments. 

Our dad was quiet and humble. He grew up without luxuries and even struggled for the necessities at times. His parents worked hard and taught him to do so as well. Growing up and throughout his life, he polished the characteristics of determination, perseverance, confidence, leadership, and loyalty.

Dad liked making lists, and so I’ve started a list of my own. It will be an ongoing list of lessons my brother and I have learned from being his kids. Here are a few I think you’ll enjoy:

Lesson 1— We can do hard things. 

Once, when our kids were young, my husband and I bought tickets for a weekend getaway to the Drake Relays. We were excited to visit with friends at my alma mater of Drake University. My parents traveled to our home in Minneapolis to babysit. About halfway through our trip from Minneapolis to Des Moines, we realized we had left our tickets behind. 

I called my dad and told him my predicament. He calmly told us not to worry, to just keep going, and to trust him to get the tickets to us. Later, when we arrived at the front desk of our hotel, the check-in clerk slid an envelope across the counter to us. Inside were the exact tickets we had purchased. He would never fill us in on the details of how he made that happen. 

Dad enjoyed showing his love through acts of service like this. He found ways to solve problems that seemed unsolvable. Calmly taking care of things, he would smooth out the wrinkles of chaos. 

In recent years, he faced new and unpredictable challenges with his health. Yet, he continued to be positive, calm, and think outside the box Parkinson’s disease tried to put him in. His actions to overcome obstacles, both personally and professionally, demonstrated how a little creativity and willpower can go a long way.

We CAN do hard things.  

Lesson 2— Patiently wait out the storms. 

In both his work and personal life, dad modeled a quiet patience. In the storms of life and in actual snowstorms, he reminded us, “It’s okay to be lost awhile, even in the worst possible conditions.” He taught us to take a step back from problems and decisions that seemed pressing and not be in a rush for answers.

And when it came to getting along with other people, he showed us how time and space could benefit both parties. When we faced tough situations or relationships, he’d say, “Remember, it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around. Let the dust settle awhile, give others an opportunity to think for themselves, and play fair.” He believed most people would respect you for these things and come back to join you at the table.

Troublesome situations will often resolve themselves if we patiently wait out the storms. 

Lesson 3— There’s nothing wrong with a little sugar. 

Dad had an undeniable sweet tooth. He loved Grandma’s cherry pie, Aunt Shirley’s peanut butter fudge, mom’s homemade ice cream, my Christmas toffee, and Joe and Melissa’s campfire s’mores. 

When we were growing up, it was not unusual to see him eating a slice of pie for breakfast. He kept saltwater taffy in the glovebox of his truck, just in case you needed a little pick-me-up. 

Sometimes on the weekends, our family drove to Rowe’s Sombrero restaurant in Grandview for tacos. When dad paid the bill at the counter, he also purchased packages of strawberry and chocolate licorice for the ride home in our station wagon. 

His wonderful caretakers would tell you, that in recent years, he developed a fondness for all flavors of the Dilly Bar. 

So, clearly he believed there’s nothing wrong with a little sugar. Treats are made with love, and he knew sharing them would bring people joy. 

So, to sum up—

I hope these lessons from our dad’s life help you reflect on your own. 

Remember when life isn’t easy, a little creativity and willpower can help you overcome obstacles. God loves us, and he gives us the strength we need to do hard things. 

And, when life isn’t perfect, be patient and willing to wait out the storms. Time and space alone solve a lot of problems.    

Life isn’t easy. Life isn’t perfect. But, life is good.¹

Enjoy its sweetness.

Think of my dad when you enjoy things like—
the sweetness of a favorite treat, 
the sweetness of being with your pets, family, and friends,
the sweetness of a lake sunrise or a fresh blanket of snow,
the sweetness of unexpectedly flushing a grouse,  
the sweetness of a Hawkeyes or Packers win,
the sweetness of a well-earned accomplishment. 

I know in my heart, our dad would be happy with that. 

Thank you.

Jamie Trunnel ©2023

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

Press on in faith my friends ~Jamie

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^{1 Bert Jacobs, Life is Good, Co-founder and CEO (Chief Executive Optimist)}

Note: The photos I shared in this post are from my dad’s favorite lake place.