THROUGH GOOD, BAD, DAD'S THERE

I've never written a column for the newspaper before. But today I want to pay tribute to a personal hero: my dad, who has a been teacher, mentor, protector and friend.

Each year, I gain a greater appreciation for all that he has done for me.

I appreciate his never-ceasing effort to teach and share. I remember family dinners during the years that my five brothers and sisters and I lived under the same roof. It was the early 1970s. Dad was a state representative and had recently ventured into a newspaper startup, despite having little money. Needless to say, we faced many challenges. But Dad was a rock as he shared the issues he faced at work both good and bad.

While many of those dinners took place when I could hardly see above the table, I know I learned a lot. His inquisitive mind, competitive spirit and passion for knowledge was inspiring. I did not appreciate those dinners at the time, but I cherish them now, not only because they present additional opportunities to learn from his life experiences, but I also gain greater insight into how I am wired up.

It wasn't just dinner.

Dad never missed an opportunity to share his knowledge. There was a summer during high school when a friend and I were assigned the task of cleaning up the warehouse above Concord Printing. We were having difficulty moving a large bureau when Dad checked on us. I am sure we looked like two stooges as we attempted to push a large piece of furniture across the warehouse floor. Dad proceeded to show us how to tilt the bureau and wedge it onto the dolly he fetched from downstairs.

I remember him uttering the words "life is leverage" as he pushed the piece across the floor. That led to a 30-minute speech on competitive business strategies and effective ways to leverage resources. I am sure he incorporated the trial of the day as an example.

While hugs are infrequent between Dad and me, he has shown his love in many other ways, even the most simple act of holding my hand. I carry a fond memory of such an act today. I was 6 years old. Dad had taken me to a Cardinal baseball game in St. Louis. I was overwhelmed and intimidated by the big city. But I couldn't have felt more secure as Dad held my hand as we maneuvered throughout the sea of moving people and the congestion of cars on our walk to the ballpark. I had tremendous faith in him then, and I have tremendous faith in him now.

And I remember Dad's discipline. And do I ever. There was a time that I had to wear only one shoe to church because I had lost my other shoe. And a time while in high school when Dad made me run down Broadway during peak cruising hours on a Friday night because I had been late to a meeting with him. I may have not understood the purposes of those punishments at the time, especially while hearing my friends hoot and holler from their cars. But I realize today the importance of discipline and the love that must guide it.

I am thankful Dad cares enough to hold my hand through calm and congestion. I am thankful for the "life is leverage" speeches. And yes, I am even thankful for his love and discipline when I veer off the path. I am also thankful that Broadway traffic moves a little faster now.

It has been great returning to Cape Girardeau and this community. Among the greatest joys is spending more time with my dad.

Thanks, Dad.

Happy Father's Day.

Rex Rust is co-president of Rust Communications.