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200 words, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, faithfulness, family, growing up, loyalty, parents, Seuss, Word
“I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. An elephant’s faithful, one hundred percent.” ~ Dr. Seuss
Growing up, one of the most remarkable things I witnessed about Dad was his loyalty to those closest to him.
Oma, Dad, Mom, Mike and me
Through his actions, the most valuable lesson he taught me was that a person is only as good as their word.
His word was always surer than any signed contract.
Of course there are always extenuating circumstances that interfere with one’s desire to keep their word,
like a thunderstorm spoiling a promised picnic when we were kids;
for the most part, Dad did all he could to keep his word.
Loyalty and keeping one’s word consistently are attributes that lend themselves to integrity.
I work hard to exemplify these qualities. I want my word to be as good as – if not better than – any contract.
I want to be that person who means and does what they say,
who can be counted on and is loyal to those that I’m closest to.
Even if it means that I don’t come out on top.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
talktodiana 
I’ve always been a huge believer in the idea that, “A person’s word is their bond.” There are so few things in life we can control, but our word is one of the few. I’m very circumspect about giving my word, because I take keeping it very seriously. I don’t use words like “promise” or “love” lightly!
I wonder sometimes if all this cell phoning and texting and blogging and TWITting and commenting hasn’t made our words cheaper and more casually given. There certainly are a lot of words floating around these days!
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That’s a great question Smitty!
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Love this post, and ArtsyFartsy’s use of the word integrity. It’s what it boils down to, and sadly, looks to be an endangered character trait.
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Yes, at times it does seem that way…
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I always think of my grandpa when I hear the word “integrity” – he was known as someone who kept his word. One time we went to a car dealership and he test drove a new car – after the drive we walked into the owners office and he said he was interested but he needed to show grandma and would have to arrange things for another day – the owner stood up and told him to take the car home and either bring him the car or a check back in the next few days. They shook hands and we left – no paperwork – just a handshake. He was always treated like that, I think because he earned it by keeping his word thousands of times.
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Wow – that’s an amazing story Lorri! Do you think the times were also different in those days? I mean even if I implicitly trust someone now a days, the company I work for would have protocol and I would be prevented from doing business in this way, wouldn’t I? Oh how I wish we could do business in this way today! I would love to see this story and others from your grandparents in a post – just amazing!
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I think that this was unusual for that time too. I think we can do things this way these days, but it takes a step outside the lines from ownership to make it happen, and it pays off – Grandpa bought his last three cars from Ed – the owner. He loved getting Grandpa’s used cars to sell because they were meticulously cared for. He sold one while Grandpa was out on a test drive 🙂 I have been working on a post, but I’m stuck on another section – have been for a couple of months now.
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I’m sure it will be a joy to read when it’s done. I will patiently wait. Grandpa sounds like an amazing man!
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He was – I need to work on that 🙂 Thanks for a post that made me think about it again
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my pleasure!
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Thanks so much for the link to my post Dave! I really appreciate it and am honoured.
Diana
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Great lesson to learn as a child. I was taught the same. Love the thunderstorm story. 🙂
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I used to have fits when that happened – deep down I knew my parents couldn’t control the weather but I so wanted to go!
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haha, can so picture it. 😀
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Wonderful post Diana! This is amazing: “Loyalty and keeping one’s word consistently are attributes that lend themselves to integrity.” Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your encouraging comment!
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Actually, no. It is my expectation for me. Others, if necessary, will have to deal with truth following them around until it catches up.
I am sometimes disappointed so, in those cases, thinking about it, my level of trust with those people is lessened, and in that context, there is a strain.
We always considered truth, as normal in our household so, I don’t understand the bar being at a high level that can’t be reached.
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makes sense Dave.
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My Father, like yours was very truthful, and could not understand or, accept anything less from his children.
Truth held the throne in our household, and amazingly he could interpret when we just might have been less than, truthful as kids. He would often say, ‘The truth is easier because, it follows you around until you, become one with it.’ May as well, get it out now. We all learned that very well in our household.
This trait remains with me for a lifetime because of, him.
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Do you find, as I do, when you hold yourself to such a high accountability, you sometimes set the bar really high for others, perhaps higher than they can reach and it ends up straining relationships?
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your post reminded me of a promise I had made that I had yet to honor. I took care of it a few moments ago. Thank you.
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You’re welcome Bill and now I have take care of one as well!
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this is a post that deserves to be shared once a year 🙂
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you are too kind. thank you. 🙂
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I am, aren’t I 🙂
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haha but do you know anything more???
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Nothing like good ol’ Dr. Seuss!
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Simple but true!
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I love your post, Dianna. I am puzzled by your last sentence though: “Even if it means that I don’t come out on top.” On top of what, my friend? I can’t think of a single situation that I would involve myself in where keeping one’s word is a liability. I believe that those who keep their word are far more likely to come out on top than those who can’t be trusted or counted on.
Russ
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Sometimes an awesome opportunity might come around and you feel tempted to grab hold of that instead of keeping your word. It’s important to keep your word and yes, you’re right in the long-term you will come out on top.
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I think it is sad that in this day and age many young people are not as good as their word as they say one thing and do another and forever changing their minds and braking promises……………………my dad and my pop were always as good as their word hell my dad still is hubby would like to be but he can never remember making promises and the ones he does remember are not that important
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Yes it’s sad when that happens. I think there are still some young people who value this and work toward keeping their word, don’t you?
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My parents had old fashioned values that they passed on to us. Dad always said the day you lose you name/honour – you have lost everything! I agree!! Lovely post.
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Thanks Tersia, I think I grew up knowing that as well.
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Moving words can come from anywhere! I would love to live in a world where everyone believed in their word. We only get one reputation. Let’s make it a good one!
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Yes, even it’s not everyone and only you! I agree.
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Roxy is right. “Walk” is to “talk” as “Word” is to our ‘Bond”. Well deeded…neat how your dad’s life philosophy flavors your Life still. You are more fortunate than you may realize. Most excellent bit of post. Dan
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Thanks Dan, yes I believe you are right!
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Your word is your bond. It is one of the very few things in life that truly belongs to us. I am amazed how now very few people understand this nowadays!
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I totally agree Roxy!
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A good way to try and live, yet as you say the promises we make are sometimes very difficult to keep due to unforseen circumstances… yet I do my best to keep to everything I say…
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That shines through about you in every post and comment you write bulldog!
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Hi Diana, Your father was a great teacher, and I am sure that you do live by your word.
It is interesting I think that some people sign contracts but never intend to keep them. And sometimes you get the indication that this is the case by what they say. So it is probably true that someone’s word is better than a signed contract.
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How insightful! It may indeed carry more weight. I know that some contracts are so long and written in such small print the temptation to not completely read through it has caused me just to sign off at times, especially if someone summarizes the main points. A bad habit, I know…
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I try to live by this too, though sometimes I wish I hadn’t made some promises that are now both a life saver and an unwelcome burden. I hope one day that might change…
Hope you get some sunshine! xx
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I hope it will change too. Your comment makes me think of the question, “is it a blessing or a curse?” I sometimes wonder if it is both. What do you think? It’s raining dogs and cats here this morning!
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Great lesson. And I’m still enjoying the new look here… nice design work!
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Thanks Jennifer! I particularly like the larger font – my eyesight ain’t what it used to be. The other day I looked into a magnifying mirror and was shocked! I should throw that thing out!
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My parents also used this phrase. They often used it when referring to someone they respected–and would say “his word is better than a signed contract.”
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Do you think we still have that type of assuredness in today’s world? Were we more trusting back in the day? Were we naive? Or have we just lost faith?
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I now live in the suburbs of a large city. Sometimes I think that part of it is just a difference between small towns where everyone knew everyone very well, and the more urban areas where many of us live now.
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Yes I can see that! In a small town, everyone knows you and your reputation is at stake. In large urban areas you never have to see a person again… interesting.
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Diana, I thought a quote by Dr. Suess was an interesting choice for a post about faithfulness. An elephant may be an example, but he certainly wasn’t. I read recently that his wife committed suicide due to heartbreak over his long standing affair with another woman.
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Not Dr Seuss? Oh dear, another of life’s illusions has been shattered for me……….
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me too!
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Oh wow, that’s horrible!
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