Meg Ellefson's father, circa 1994
I have had the opportunity to get to know several of our elected officials in Wisconsin. As I have learned their inspiring stories of running for office, I have found a common thread among many of them. They were motivated to help preserve the futures of their children and grandchildren. Moms and dads who decided that they wanted America’s children and grandchildren to have a better way of life and a brighter future than they did. This is admirable.
I can never overstate the influence of my father and his legacy which lives on after his death 5 years ago. His legacy of conservative principles and ideals has now also been rooted in his grandchildren. He believed that there was no better cure for a person than an honest day of hard work. Although he would joke that he didn’t work to “stay off the streets,” because of his very humble upbringing, I think perhaps there was more truth to that than he intended. His gentle kindness, sacrifice and selflessness were some of his tremendous qualities that were treasured by our family. Beloved and respected by those who knew him, my father was a humble and unassuming man who simply did the right thing. It was his way.
Beyond the obvious role of a father, dads offer much in the lives of their children. As the providers of strength and stability in a family, they are also the disciplinarians, the caretakers and are critical to the emotional well-being of their children. The role of a father is priceless and should never be diminished.
I am grateful for the relationship that I had with my father and the fact that he instilled in me a strong faith in God and love of family and country.
I am who I am today because of him.
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