What Would My Dad Think?

Driving wasn't effortless today thanks to Mother Nature.  I needed gas but decided it wasn't a good morning to stop and fill up.  But, the car will definitely need gas tomorrow regardless of what mother nature has in store for us.   

I couldn't help thinking of my dad.  He told me never to let the gas gauge go below half a tank, especially in the winter.  That was a long time ago.  Vehicles, like everything, has evolved with time.  They are built better. But, more importantly, most gas stations have some sort of loyalty program, which are only rewarding if you are filling from empty.  

Another thing my dad told me was that I was always supposed to have two quarters in my change purse at all times.  They were for emergencies.  If I was in a pickle, I would be able to make two phone calls from a pay phone.  There is the odd pay phone still around, but, they are about as easy to find as Waldo.  My dad also had me have a $20 bill folded in a special compartment in my wallet.  Again, in case of emergency, I would always have cab fare.  Well, I don't do either any more, but I have a cell phone.  In this plastic world, I rarely have any bills or coins in my purse at all.  The world has changed so much since I was a teenager.  

I wonder what my dad would think.  I'm sure he would love this age.  He always loved the newest gadgets and embraced change.  

My dad was my best friend.  He has been gone since 1992.  He belonged to a particular political party so that was the political affiliation that I chose.  I always that my dad would roll over in his grave if he knew that I didn't vote for that party.  Over a decade ago, I was faced with a dilemma.  The person who was running under that political party was someone that I could not vote for.  I wanted to honour my dad but I just couldn't vote for his party.  It was the only election that I didn't vote.  

Since that time, I have been a swing voter.  I vote for the person who I think could best represent my interests.  As it has turned out, I have never voted for my dad's party again.  And, I have felt guilt that I was betraying my dad.  

Then, this morning, I finally got it.  Time and experience has caused me to shift.  My dad was a very smart man.  I am quite positive that if he was still living, he would have shifted his allegiance as well.  He would have changed as well.  

Shifting is a normal part of personal development.