When I was a boy, our house was robbed. Some teenagers down the street broke in while we were on vacation and stole a coin collection, some of my mother’s jewelry, and an old black-and-white television.
Dad made a list of what had been taken and filed a claim with the insurance company, which appraised each item and sent him a reimbursement check.
A month later, Dad found the TV in the weeds behind our house. It must have become too heavy during the robbers’ getaway. We brought it inside, dusted it off, and plugged it in. It worked just fine.
Dad pulled out the claim list and saw that he had been reimbursed $75 for the TV. He sent the insurance company a check for $75 with a letter explaining that he had found the TV and wanted to return the money.
The company wrote him back, graciously thanking him for his honesty. They also commented that his check put them in a quandary, as their system did not have a way of accounting for returned funds. No one ever gives money back to an insurance company.
This was the model of behavior I grew up with. Dad didn’t lecture us about morality. He just lived his days with such clarity that the basic virtues of goodness, kindness, honesty, and authenticity soaked into our bones.
When I think of Dad, I am reminded of the power of small moments and quiet actions. Every choice I make is a model for someone else.
In loving memory of my parents
Jean Sphar, February 16, 1937 – January 23, 2024
Bob Sphar, September 9, 1937 – August 22, 2024
My deepest sympathy for your trenendous loss.
What a lovely tribute to your dad. Simple and clear just like he was.
Thank you Karen. He was a helluva model to follow.