Retirement

on this day,
the final one of so many,
thank you

thank you
for teaching me how to work;
how to give my best -
how to give even more -
and find the satisfaction
in a job well done.

thank you
for showing me how to lead by example,
through consistency, dedication
and silent, tireless determination.

thank you
for showing me how to honor the job
by remaining humble and hard working -
not stopping
until it was seen through
to the highest standards,
your own.

thank you
for showing me how to keep going,
how to wade through the shit
while continuing to do the work
because it was the job you were paid to do,
and you always give more than what you're paid.

I don't know if you realized it -
I know I never said it -
but I was always watching,
always listening, always learning,
and have since tried to emulate,
though the ethic has proved
impossible to match.

thank you for setting the standard,
for showing me the way.


thanks Dad 
congratulations
zp