Dad Never Spoke to Me Again

Opportunity is fleeting. When it knocks, you are either ready or you are not.  ―Dad

She never called.

I didn't even know she had the number to my work. So when I was told mom was on hold, I braced myself.

There was no need for small talk. In less than a minute l was on my way. Only eleven words were spoken. Son, dad has 48 hours to live, if we are lucky. 

He had been in a rest home for weeks. When I arrived I thought he was at his next destination. There was no sign of breathing. He was unshaven. Dry spit covered his lips. His eyes were closed. Mom said they had not been open for days. 

I glanced at mom and my sister. I glanced at the two patients sharing the room with Dad. The only thing that was certain, death was imminent everywhere. 

I looked at dad and leaned into him, cheek to cheek, my mouth to his ear. I screamed at the top of my lungs. Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!

Every head turned. Nurses rushed to the room. 

I ignored the commotion. I crazy glued my eyes to dad's eyes.

Gradually, his eyelids forced themselves open. 

I dove as deep into them as I could and whisepered, "Dad, I love you."

"Son, I love you too."

His eyelids shut for the final time. He never spoke or awoke again.

Sometimes you are lucky. You do not win the lottery. You have the right conversations. And, you have them often, at the right times. 

When it came to great money habits, dad made certain we had those conversations. We had them early. We had them often. 

Dad clearly understood three things. 

One, education transforms lives. I believe that is why he made a habit of reading and adding to his vocabulary daily. His role modeling of reading, that included the dictionary, are permanently tatooed into my head and heart.

Two, he would only have a very brief opportunity to educate and shape our thinking on money when it mattered most, when we were young. So he did it. He talked to us and taught us about money our entire lives.

Three, habits make a difference.

When it comes to kids and money, studies, surveys, statistics, common sense and the proliferation and purchase of 'flaming hot' cheetos reveal we are in a global crisis. 

Three essential things, among many, you should know about kids and money are: 

1. A University of Cambridge study revealed adult money habits and attitudes are set by age seven
2. According to a survey by the Global Financial Literacy Center two out of three adults are financially illiterate
3. Also, according to the Global Financial Literacy Center educators feel unprepared to teach students about personal finance

Is it worth having conversations with kids about money at early ages? Should we require mandatory financial education in schools? Are kids dreams and futures being diminished due to lack of financial knowledge?

Those are questions every parent, teacher, and community leader should ask and answer themselves. What I can share with you, I am glad my father and mother had those conversations with me.

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