Words of Wisdom from My Dad (Connie)

Connie Carter Best was a wonderful man that loved people.  He talked to everyone and always tried to make them feel better.  He was kind and always had a great smile, especially when he was with his grandchildren, or in his small backyard garden. He was never cruel, insensitive, hot tempered, or envious.

When I have decisions to make I always ask myself, what would CC Best do?  I miss him very much, but he did a great job teaching me some basic principles.  He was a wonderful father with an outstanding sense of humor.

If someone tells you that death of a parent gets easier......it is a lie.  The pain and heartache never go away.....and so is life. 

These are the things he always told me:

• Be nice to people.
• Your mother has a great personality, but her relatives are nuts.
• Anyone can marry.
• Your newborn son looks like a Prince.
• Do not be ugly.
• Go to church.
• If you are not nice, "Ole Man Teeters" will get you.
• Get an education before marriage.
• Do not drink socially, or it could end up being a problem.
• When eating at someones house, eat what they serve.
• Try to get along.
• If no one gets upset, then the family event is a success.
• Do not spend so much time on your hair.  You will still look the same.
• Do not take a job that you will not enjoy.
• Pets can relax and sleep comfortably because they trust their owner completely.
• Talk to everyone and make them feel better.
• When feeling bad, don't discuss it with everyone. 
• Always be on time for work.
• Do the best job possible.
• Grow a garden, and eat and share the produce.
• Do not name your son a girl's name i.e. Connie.
• If you name the first two son's, "J" names, do the same for the third.
• Visit friends and family that are in the hospital.
• Share with your neighbor.  Mow their yard or take them something.
• Never stay longer than 24 hours when visiting.
• Never be afraid of hard work.
• Never drive your new car to work
• Keep personal, financial information private.
• Never make up a story.
• Live in the future, and forget the past.
• Don't worry about what gift to give your mother because she always takes it back.
• When the chaplain came to his hospital room, he asked, "How much is this going to cost me?"
• When having a bad day do not let it influence the way you treat your child.
• Never eat chicken.  Do eat lots of vegetables.
• When bothered by work or my mom his favorite expression:  "I want to be left alone".