What is the most important thing you have learned from your father?
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| Contributed Photo/Renee Dube Ed Dube and his daughter, Renee, show off their catch after a successful fishing trip several years ago. |
Love unconditionally
By Renee Dube
Orono
If I could choose the most important aspect I’ve learned from my dad, Ed Dube of Caribou, it is to love unconditionally.
Ever since I was a little girl, my dad was a wilderness man. He’s a forester, which requires him to go to bed early at night to be ready for the early drive to his destination for the day. After working 11 to 12 hours each and every day, he comes home exhausted from a long day of being in the humid summer or bitter cold, but it doesn’t stop him. My dad always comes into our house with a smile on his face, excited to give us hugs and kisses and ask about our days.
After years of looking back at the times he helped me with my homework, stayed up to watch Bruins games with me and go hunting and fishing with me when he clearly knew he had other things to do around the house, I knew my dad would do anything for my family and I.
My dad never complained if he needed to stay up to help us, and when he recognized there was a moment that he wanted to be part of, he would make sure to not miss it for the world, disregarding how early he needed to wake up the next day.
He told me all the time I was growing up that I should spend as much family time as possible, for one day I would be out of the house and would regret all those times I didn’t. Now I find myself in my own place three hours away as well as going to college, and I can’t express how much I took that for granted.
My dad taught me how to live each day like it was my last and to never go to bed angry. I will be forever thankful to have this amazing person as my mentor. He’s the best dad and husband anyone could ask for. I do not tell him that nearly enough.
Thank you for everything you do for us. I love you, Dad!
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| Contributed Photo/Susan White Bob White and his daughter, Sue, pose together after Bob was inducted into the National Federation of High Schools Hall of Fame in July of 2012 in Nashville. |
Give back
By Susan White
Caribou
I think if I had to narrow down what my father, Bob White of Caribou, taught me, it would be to work hard, set high expectations for myself and to be active in the community.
Watching him run the Caribou Little League for so many years brought all of that to life for me. Seeing how he gave of his time and energy during the year for the success of that community program served as an inspiration to me.
To this day, he still tells stories of the people he worked with and recalls stories of specific kids when they showed him their new glove, came to the field in their uniform after they slept in it the night before, or when they got their first hit.
Remembering those things after all these years is an excellent testament to the pride he got from being a part of something that benefited not only my brother and I, but hundreds of other kids over the years he was there.
I feel fortunate to have such a great role model in my life. I owe a great deal of my success to my dad because of the beliefs he instilled in me by modeling them, not just telling them to me.
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| Contributed Photo/Rhonda Cyr Rhonda Cyr and her father, Dana, enjoy a dance together at Rhonda’s wedding in 1989. |
Work hard
By Rhonda Cyr
Old Orchard Beach
My dad, Dana Cyr of Caribou, has taught me more during my life than I think he even realizes. Throughout my life I’ve studied his every trait, his talents, his struggles, his sense of humor, and his compassion.
I remember the many hours he spent fixing my junk cars. I’d stand in the garage watching his aging hands. In the winter, I’d imagine how cold and sore they must be. There were never many words spoken. That, to me, was time well spent.
Any time I could find with my dad was well spent, even if it meant I had to load sawdust or cord wood. Just to be in my father’s presence was enough
My dad always worked very hard. Even now, struggling with fibromyalgia, my father works non-stop. He forges ahead day by day. There is always a smile on his face.
I am very proud to be called my father’s daughter. I find myself acting like him every day. I work hard like my dad, I laugh like my dad, I drive like my dad, and I am strong like my dad. I will never give up, just like my dad.
My father is my hero. I can only hope that as I age, I can have but an ounce of his strength.
I love you, Dad!
Be kind
By Laura Searles Roope
Mapleton
What I learned from my dad, the late Gordon Searles, formerly of Caribou, is to be true to what you believe is right. Never hurt others intentionally. Always take care of those you love.
My dad never really talked about his feelings, but he showed us every day how much he loved his family. He was our quiet strength and I miss him so much.
