VALUES - Mr. and Mrs. Lee have a belief system. Their Christian lives serve as a grounding point for all they do and all they are. That belief system ties them to their family, their church and their community. It is the basis for all that they are, and is unwavering. There is no flitting to and fro trying to "find" themselves or looking for the answer. They have the answer, and they are willing to share it with anyone.
CHARACTER - Character speaks to the moral and ethical qualities of a person. It's most evident when no one else is looking. Do you do the right thing, even when no one else will know? Over the years, I have seen instances when it would have been expeditious for Mr. and Mrs. Lee to make an easier choice but they never did. Their character shapes all that they do and has become the anchor for their family over the years. I would like to say I've always made the same choices, but in a lot of cases I haven't. Even when I didn't however, I always asked myself "what would Mr. and Mrs. Lee do?"
WORK ETHIC - This might be the most overlooked trait of what Tom Brokaw has called "The Greatest Generation." This country was built on the backs of people like the Lees, who literally packed their lunch and went to work every day. There were never discussions about "I don't think I'll go in today, I have a cold or a headache." You just went to work and got the job done. And when you came home, you started on all the jobs you had to do there as well. This work ethic has been imparted to those around them and forms the basis for success; however it is defined. Without the willingness to work and work hard, nothing can be achieved.
Mr. Lee is struggling with some health issues now as are many in that age bracket, and Mrs. Lee is there as his caregiver. How fortunate we have been to have had their example over the years.
Their story is not unique; in fact, just the opposite. Their commitment to their beliefs and family are the same as many people. We just often forget to thank them. So here's to the Lees and those like them. We are grateful and thankful for your sacrifices and appreciate all that they have done for us.
Jim Guest
