Some Mike-isms:
As the family attempted to get everyone out to an event this philosophy of Mike's kept us moving:
"If you're early, you're on time.
If you're on time, you're late.
And if you're late, don't even bother to go."
Whenever one or more of his daughters was going anywhere without him, these were his parting words:
"Use your head - you've got everything going for you!"
When he saved on a purchase, or when his daughters made any money, no matter how small the amount, he would reiterate:
"A buck's a buck!"
As a conversation starter with someone new, or as a way of sizing up anyone, he would likely inquire:
"What are you driving?"
Whenever his adult daughters were about to embark on anything, he would begin to spell out directions about how to proceed, and then stop himself, saying,
" Oh, but you know what you're doing."
With anyone he met and conversed with about their job, if the job was busy or pressured:
"But those are good problems to have!"
Sayings and Inspirations
Here are some of the words and principles that were meaningful to Mike:
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
And to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
Mentally awake, and morally straight. ---The Boy Scout Oath
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,
courteous,kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean, and reverent. ---The Boy Scout Law
Trust in The Lord. ---Proverbs 3:5
There are three ways that men get what they want: by planning, by working, and by praying. Any great military operation takes careful planning or thinking. Then you must have well-trained troops to carry it out: that's working. But between the plan and the operation there is always an unknown. That unknown spells victory or defeat; success or failure. It is the reaction of the actors to the ordeal when it actually comes. Some people call that getting the breaks. I call it God. God has His part or margin in everything. That's where prayer comes in. ---George S. Patton
The Code of the West
Live each day with courage.
Take pride in your work.
Always finish what you start.
Do what has to be done.
Be tough but fair.
When you make a promise, keep it.
Ride for the brand.
Talk less and say more.
Remember that some things aren't for sale.
Know where to draw the line.
---James P. Owen