FATHER’S DAY PRESENCE.

In the words of Mr. Callahan, who I tormented in 8th grade math class, “let’s get out some paper and . . . do some math!”

Not just any math. Walmart math. 

My dad, Don the Legend, worked at Walmart in the 1980s. He had been laid off by Chrysler in Fenton, Missouri, and took the job to pay the bills. 

Quickly, he was promoted to department manager. Sporting goods, which suits him perfectly. 

Because my dad is a hard worker - and just an all-around good guy - Walmart offered him a spot in their management training program. He declined. 

At that time, Walmart was growing at an insanely rapid clip, opening stores across the country. What my dad knew is that Walmart picked your new town for you. Your placement.

My dad was not willing to move our family every few years - even if the payoff was immense. 

Here’s where the math comes in. 

Walmart stock was part of the compensation package offered to my dad. Twenty-five shares of Walmart stock purchased in 1981, according to Motley Fool and Digrin, would be worth $1.25 Million today. And I’m sure my dad was offered more than 25 shares. 

Wow. 

But my dad didn’t choose excitement. He didn’t choose profit. He didn’t choose himself. 

He chose what was best for his family. 

He chose presence over profit. 

This is a great, practical example of sacrifice, I didn’t fully appreciate what it meant until I was an adult. It’s an example of making the hard decision for the betterment of your family. An example of not chasing what the world tells you to chase. 

My dad’s sacrificial giving - outside of just his job choice in the 1980s - shaped who I am. It prepared me in many ways to be a special needs father. 

To dad, hoghead, Don the Legend . . . 

Thanks for the presence.