While Labor Day is an annual celebration of American workers' social and economic achievements, it is also a day of profound significance for me. It serves as a yearly testament to the hard work and sacrifice of countless mine laborers, especially my father.
I grew up in Pennsylvania; my dad was a coal miner. He was one of eight boys who all entered the mines at very early ages (typically 7 to 8). These were hard and long days, usually six days a week. When the fine coal dust got into their lungs, the "old timers" would tell the boys if they smoked a cigarette then took a shot of whisky, it would "cut" the dust and stop the coughing. (Can you imagine!)
A Wartime Patriot
When WWII started, my dad immediately enlisted because he wanted to serve our country, but he was declared "ineligible" because he needed to stay state-side to run the mine for the coal necessary for the war. We may have forgotten, but coal essentially won the war by providing the fuel to manufacture the steel for our planes, tanks, ships, and munitions. In his mind, he was fulfilling his patriotic duty.
After 30 years, he was appointed "mine foreman." In 1960, he passed the Federal Mine Inspector's test with a perfect score. I remember helping him study, and he could actually tell me the volume and page of each regulation. He had a photographic memory. Sadly, during this time, he was called in for a cave-in... where he lost two of his brothers. He was devastated. His great sense of humor was never the same.
"My Word Is My Bond"
Needless to say, Dad was seven days short of turning 70 before he passed from silicosis after all those years of arduous work. He passed at 4:20 PM, ironically when he usually got home from work. I am grateful for the words he gave me to live by, too, "My word is my bond." These continue to be instilled in my work ethic when guiding my clients every day.
The familiar song by Loretta Lynn... "Coalminer's Daughter" was actually me growing up. So, this is why Labor Day holds a particular appreciation in my heart for the men and women who are the epitome of "Labor Day," especially the miners and my dad.
By Sharon Groves
Sharon Groves covers health, wellness, and lifestyle topics for the ARA newsletter, helping readers make informed decisions about their wellbeing in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
Sharon's story about her father's integrity really hits home for me. That "my word is my bond" philosophy is exactly what you want to hear from someone helping you plan your retirement. Think of it this way: when you're deciding whether to delay Social Security until age 70 for maximum benefits, or figuring out your Medicare enrollment during the Annual Open Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, you need someone who keeps their promises.
A lot of people ask me, "How do I know if my financial advisor has my best interests at heart?" Look for that coal miner work ethic Sharon talks about. Someone who takes time to understand your 401k rollover options, explains the difference between Medicare Supplement Insurance and Medicare Advantage plans in plain English, and returns your calls promptly. The best retirement planning happens when your advisor treats your nest egg like it's their own family's future.
That kind of integrity makes all the difference when you're making decisions that will affect the next 20 or 30 years of your life.