Tomorrow is Father's Day. For those members who live in different parts of the world, Father's Day is that day of the year when we say many thanks to our fathers.
My father passed away in 1984, when I was still serving in the U.S. Navy. But he crosses my mind, especially at challenging times. He survived World War II, And he always had a smile on his face. I still remember those dinner table discussions when he preached to us kids about "think of the consequences of your actions." It was wise advice from a man who only finished the 8th grade.
My father influenced me as far as my interest in science and engineering goes as well. He would bring back junk from work (motors and electrical stuff) and he let me tinker with them and pull them apart. I remember one summer he bought my a junk lawnmower and said, "take it apart!" It was a challenge getting the pistons and rings off with the tools I had, but I think tinkering is an important part of engineering. The only difference is you tinker with big and more complex stuff!
My father was strict and expected excellence, but he also believed in balance. I recall in high school, during my 2nd semester of chemistry, in frustration, I just threw the big fat chem textbook against the wall in my room! He wondered what the heck was going on. He put two and two together, and said time for a break. Letting your frustrations beat you will not win the day (or the exam in that case.)
My father didn't talk a lot. But her could speak a lot with his presence.
So, to all the fathers out there on element14, have a great Father's Day.
Randall Scasny
--element14
