Ssshhh... Keep Your Mouth Shut

First, I need to acknowledge that today is the 6 month anniversary of my father’s death. I’ve been thinking about him a lot. In fact, I was just telling my mom the other day that I miss getting the weather report from him. When I used to call my dad, the first thing he would always talk about was the weather. He was always telling me what the weather was like where he was. I think it’s because there really was never any weather to report in California, but in Wisconsin and Arkansas, there’s weather!! haha So, I would always tease him about giving me the “Weather Report.”

Act 63:

“It’s never too late… To Be Silent

Silence can show your depth. It can draw out the truth. It can be eloquent. It can disarm. It can soothe. It can cool passions. Sometimes it takes more courage than to speak out. Sometimes it’s just smarter.” – Patrick Lindsay

Quote in book: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt” ~ Abraham Lincoln

As I read Mr. Lindsay’s words, my mind wandered to my dad… so I guess I am gonna be writing about him (at least for part of this). My dad wasn’t a very loud or boisterous man. For the most part he led by example, instead of with his voice. He wasn’t the kind of man that would give the Braveheart type pep talk. There was always a quiet confidence about my dad. He never really every had to say a word. He would just lead and people would follow him.

I’m not really known for being quiet. It’s something that I can learn from my dad. I’m very loud and opinionated. I do know how to speak out, but what I’m learning over the last couple of weeks is that sometimes when you keep your mouth shut... it allows the other party to hang themselves. And as Mr. Lindsay points out… if I am silent, it’s not expected, so it can and does disarm.

Being silent can lead to a lot of information gathering…well that in conjunction w/ listening. Being silent can also make a bigger impact. It’s kinda like Silent Bob in the Kevin Smith Movies. He doesn’t say much, but when he does it’s always profound. Being silent can also be the best course of action. Remember if you get arrested, keep your mouth shut and ask for a lawyer!

This is going to be really random, but when I read this act. I actually was thinking about those silent moments you have with a loved one. Just being silent and taking strength from just looking at each other or hugging. Not saying a word, but just feeling and sending the love. There’s no better feeling that feeling loved w/out any words being spoken. My dad was really good at this. He would just look at you and you would know he loved you. You knew he would always be there for you.

I’ll say it again… I love and miss him. RIP Daddy!