My Dad, Arnett Tiede, was the greatest influence on my life and was always my “Hero!” He was a member of that “Greatest Generation” having made (and survived) the Normandy Invasion that led to the defeat of Nazi Germany. He returned from the war and quickly married my Mom. He became a successful farmer as well as running a successful insurance agency. He was the President of G.M. (No not that G.M – but the President of a 3 county farm mutual fire insurance company called German Mutual! For many years he taught Sunday School at our church. There are so many things I learned from him. During my Mom’s final four year battle with Alzheimer’s, he showed me and all who knew him what it means to be fully committed to your spouse as he devoted 100% of himself to her care.
I asked him a lot of questions growing up and more as an adult. He has been in heaven since May of 2009. Since then I realized that there are even more questions that I wished I had asked!
June 17, 2018 is Father’s Day. What are your plans for honoring your Dad? Bet they are great! Would you like to add horsepower to what you already have planned? Would you like to find out somethings about your Dad that you don’t know? Do you know how you can? You are 100% right! – All you have to do is just ask him some questions!
Here are 10 Questions to ask your Dad (or Grandpa) on Father’s Day: (You might even want to videotape your Dad as he answers)
1. What are your favorite memories of times you spent with your Grandpa?
2. What was your grade school like? What do you remember about your favorite teacher?
3. Who was your best friend? And what did the two of you like to do?
4. What kind of things did you do as a kid that got you into trouble at home or school?
5. Growing up what did you want to be?
6. Outside of the family, what was the very first job you had that you got paid for?
7. How did you meet Mom? (Grandma) How did you ask her to marry you?
8. What is the hardest thing that you ever had to do in your life?
9. What is the greatest compliment that you have ever received?
10. What is one thing you still want to do that you have never done? (What is still on your “Bucket List?”)
Bonus Question: If your Dad’s answer on any question leaves you wanting to know more, simple ask: Dad can you please tell us more about that?
Bonus Question: If your Dad (Grandpa) is a Follower of Jesus, ask: Is there a story you can share about how you came to be a Follower of Jesus?
You can add to the list! In fact, would you please share your additional question(s) in the comment section? Thank you very much!
Borrowing from a Zig Ziglar saying: “If you ask your Dad these questions, you will be glad you did! If you don’t ask your Dad these questions, you will wish you had!” I am betting on you – that you will be glad you did!
You may enjoy reading the special gift I gave to my Dad on his 90th Birthday: “50 Things I Learned from My Dad” It is available for complimentary download at: Leadership Development Resources from Bob Tiede
