the markings of a man

this week sees the 50th birthday of at least 2 men i am aware of
a certain pc person who spends a large part of his time in canberra
and another less prominent person but of much more personal significance
in a tv interview the pc chap mentioned that the big day to him presented an opportunity
to assess what had been achieved in life to that point and what else remained to be achieved (wink, wink)
this got me thinking about this milestone and preparing a list of the likely attributes of a truely successful man
and so the 25 reasons for a man to be successful part 1 -
- he will give and receive love, honour and respect with his life partner
- he will tend for his parents and ensure that their needs are met
- he will treat his siblings as his best friends and enjoy their company to the maximum
- he will form friendships in quality not quantity and retain those friendships throughout his life
- he will understand and teach that all people should be considered and treated equally
- he will seek to improve himself in education, skills and qualifications
- he will likewise support his partner in their quest for the same self-improvement
- he will maintain a keen and knowledgeable interest in the arts
- he will remain well-informed at all times in regards to politics and current affairs
- he will choose health, friendship and happiness over wealth, material trappings and ego-tripping
- he will bring children into the world and see the commitment through
- he will work hard and regularly but not excessively and never in preference to family time
- he will teach his children to always be questioning, always be polite and always be happy
- he will constantly encourage his children to search out whatever it may be that interests them
- he will then teach, coach, or attend at whatever those interests may lead to
- he will treat his life partnership as one of equals and share in all domestic duties
- he will provide food and then prepare and present food to his family and guests
- he will provide shelter both financially and physically
- he will seek out and support his friends in times of trouble
- he will use his years of experience to advise quietly and wisely
- he will never raise his voice or hands in anger
- he will always be well groomed, dressed and presented
- he will not understand the meaning of complaint, selfishness or jealousy
- he will provide the best company possible at any occassion
- he will always have a smile on his face and a laugh in his voice
and so to my very good and very best friend i say thanks for your ongoing inspiration in all the above
...happy 50th birthday gary brown