Proud of my dad

My dad is a 61-year-old safety trainer and salesman. He’s owned his own business, helped raise three kids and has been in the same house since 1981. He’s the hardest-working person I know, is never late and hasn’t ever given up in the 30 years I’ve been alive.

This past August, he was laid off. And he’s still looking for a job. But that didn’t stop him from living.

Since then he’s gone on his annual hunting trip, hiked/camped on his own and even run a half marathon for the first time. He even BEAT me.

But today he did something that surprised me. A few weeks ago, I connected him with Jason Preston of 140tc, hoping he could volunteer, like I did in Los Angeles, for the Seattle conference and get in free.

My dad has tweeted twice. He’s never used a Twitter app. He has almost no idea how Twitter works or how to use it effectively. Yet he went and worked the sign-in table.

I’m sure it was a little scary. I bet it took a little pride swallowing. I’m positive it was all a bit overwhelming.

But he did it. He learned a ton. He listened to his crazy-ass son and did something he would have never considered doing a few months ago. Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard, but he nailed it.

Dad, I’m proud of you.

UPDATE: Looks like he got a job today. He’s already asked for help redesigning their website. Oh, and he INSISTED on putting his Twitter name on his business cards, even though they looked him like he was crazy. Congrats, dad!

How about a random post?