My father taught me how to clean carpets when I was ten years old. It was fun learning. Then I became a teenager and carpet cleaning became work. Later, I started my own carpet cleaning company and it became my career. When my father passed away, it became something more — it became part of his legacy that I now carry forward.

My father wasn’t a perfect man, but I wouldn’t have learned as much as I did from him if he were. He taught me how to work with my hands; a skill that has allowed me to be  self-sufficient and confident in fixing, building, and repairing. More importantly, he showed me the value of showing up, doing honest work, and taking pride in a job done right.

There were times when my father and I didn’t always have a strong relationship. But when my daughter was born, we found our way back to each other. I’m grateful we had that time. I’ve had an amazing life with my dad, my wife, and my daughter, and I don’t take that for granted. He saw the work I put into myself and my family, and he knew we had built something meaningful. I believe it meant a great deal to him to see us happy.

Now, when I’m on a carpet cleaning job, I sometimes think about how it all started — learning alongside him, watching how he greeted customers, and understanding the value of steady, honest work. My daughter is following her own path, and I’m proud of that. Every generation builds something in its own way.

Dad, you will be missed. I’m grateful to have called you my father, and I’m honored to carry forward what you taught me.

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