Kids & Family

The Best Advice Dad Ever Gave Me

Locals share the best advice their father ever gave them.

, Captain, Fairfax County Police Department: My father Purvis, Sr., always told me: "Son, just do the right, next best thing," and you'll be fine. Don't compromise your morals and values; but be willing to listen and value the opinion of others and you'll find middle ground to move forward.

Do you really listen or do you just hear? Are you really "seeing" or just looking? Make sure you give your audience your full attention. 

I have tried to live my life upholding his advice. 

, Principal, : “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” 

My dad said that a million times and I still use that statement with my teachers and my own kids.

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Michael Frey, Sully District Supervisor: My dad was not really a great philosopher or even a big talker. He did things quietly and never talked much about himself. He was typical of many WWII veterans in that he never talked about the war or what he did during it. He went into the service, Pacific theater, immediately upon graduating from high school in 1942 and didn’t come home until over three years later. He was a tail gunner on B-29’s, which meant he climbed into the crow’s nest under the tail, with no radio contact or communication with the pilot or crew throughout the flight. He received several commemorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star. He truly was one of America’s greatest generation.

One thing I learned from my father was the only person you need to make happy is yourself. He set the highest standards for himself, and didn’t worry about what others thought of him. He was comfortable with who and what he was and that was good enough for him. I have always thought that was pretty wise thinking!

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Readers also shared their memories on the Centreville Patch Facebook page

Melissa Hatch Sheldrake: Do what you love, and be kind to others. Happiness is the greatest success in life.

Christopher Gee: "Finish the job." If you start something, give it your all and make sure you don't stop for anything less than your best. This mainly started as a mowing the lawn lesson but now resonates into Aerospace Engineering around the last hours of a work day.

Aisha Jamil: "Never look at the people who have more than you. Look at the people who have less, and appreciate what [you] have in life."

‎Tim Kirby: "Do you want to be successful in life, son? Do you want to know how to make it?" "Yes, Dad." "Keep showing up."


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