But it wasn’t until the day after he died last Wednesday that I found the diary he began writing the day he lost his job.
Wednesday April 28th, 1971: “Received notice of lay off.”
Thursday April 29th, 1971: “Gave Gil Carmichael copy of resume, registered with Mississippi Employment Office.”
Friday April 30th, 1971: “Registered with Coats and Coats, gave Harry Lackey a copy of my resume, interviewed at IDS.”
And so his daily diary went for the next two years, highlighting every job lead, every interview, every rejection notice and every hopeful possibility. He looked for a good paying job for two years but ended up taking a job without a salary, hoping that he could somehow feed his family of five on a straight commission arrangement.
Dad’s final entry in that diary was simple. “.”
And he did. Over the next four decades, Dad worked without ceasing, raised three children, paid our way through college and supported us without fail time and time again. /Joe Scarborough, via Politico.
This was a great tribute piece to a great man. Did I know him? Never laid eyes on him. So. how do I know he was so wonderful? From the people who knew him best.
With the Lord’s help, I will do well
I am not talking about wanting to please people, this is about character. This is about what we do because it is right and noble. It is because we understand that whining or wishing, doesn't make it so and Sometimes, we just have to persevere and within that perseverance, are brave, courageous and resilient.
With the Lord’s help, I will do well
We all have troubles, and Somedays, it feels like we have more than our fair share. If one adopts Mr Scarborough's mission statement, it covers all troubles, not just the ones that seem fair. Admitting that you can't do it alone is a Big Step. It allows you to let go of all the things you would fix if you could but realizing that you can't. It also makes you aware that by doing so, you will do well. Who can argue with that?
My greatest sympathies go out to the Scarborough family. May your own legacy be inspired by your husband/dad/grandad. There can be no greater Love...
