The Real Deal - "Papa" Dale

Too often, we go through life and don't recognize the people that have made an important and positive impression in our lives.  I tend to be somewhat critical of people (I am trying to work on this), so I don't offer up words of gratefulness to people as often as I should.  So, I like the idea of recognizing someone every month or so on my blog.   

The person that I want to recognize first in my blog is my brother-in-law, Dale.  He is a man that has made a difference in not only my life but in the lives of hundreds of people.  Lately, many people have started calling Dale, "Papa Dale", and I think that is very appropriate.  He is wise, a leader, caring, but yet firm and direct when needed.  Dale has given of himself so unselfishly for so many years that I think it would be very difficult to fully understand the number of people that he has impacted.  He is truly a "father figure" to many.

For me, Dale has always been there both in good times and in bad times.  He has been a steady influence on my life as well as my wife's life.  To me, Dale is the leader of the Showalter clan and a mentor.  To my wife, he has always been the big brother that has blazed new trails for her while growing up and still is influencing our family today.  Even from a distance.

In understanding Dale, I think it is appropriate to understand how Dale views himself.  What does he think is important for us to know about him? The following is from the "About Dale" section of the Showalter Roofing website.  It is intended for prospective customers to read in relation to his business, but I think he does a nice job of telling us what is important to him in this excerpt.  The website page reads:

"I’m Dale Showalter, president of Showalter Roofing in Naperville, IL.

I started the company in 1979 working all of my life in the roofing business. Now at the age of 58, I’m proud of what the company represents. Many of the workers and division leaders have been working with me for many years, and some from the very beginning. Now the challenge for me is to pass the values on which we were founded to the next generation.
In a world where our moral compass is wavering, I want to do my part in holding up the value of serving others. We preach it every chance we get and practice daily the core values of Customer Service, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence. “Rising to great heights to serve you” is not meant to be just our slogan, but a lifestyle.
Not only am I involved with Showalter Roofing, but I am also a husband of 37 years, married to my college sweetheart Kim. Our two children are now grown with their own families, and we are now enjoying the revenge of parenthood and joy of grandparenthood: Grandkids! It’s so much more fun watching them grow and develop their own little personalities and then give them back at the end of the day!
I enjoy being a Worship Leader at the church I have attended for 36 year. Kim and I are board members of the Missionary Furlough Homes Foundation which provides affordable housing for missionaries who return to the states after several years in another country. In need of rest, these families can open their suitcase and begin “living” as all they need is provided, including great schools for their children.
There is much more to tell but also much more to be written. I hope you will be part of that story."

To me, Dale is the real deal and my life is better because of him.  If you don't know "Papa" Dale, hopefully you will have the opportunity to meet him someday.  Your life will be better for it.

Love you Dale! I appreciate what you mean to my family and me.