They say that to have a fulfilling life, there are guidelines you have to follow. You have to learn certain things, act a certain way, and be adaptable to certain outcomes. Of course, such notions are mostly viable on paper only. In reality, a proper and fulfilling life is the one that makes you proud! (So, if you want to be an astronaut, it’s never too late to join NASA!) If you like following the rules—great! If you want to create your own guidelines—also wonderful. All in all, if you wish to be a good person with a legacy others will appreciate, just do what feels right! And if you need an inspiration, look no further than one store owner who was applauded both by his own children and netizens.

A heartwarming celebration of a wonderful dad was posted in Humans of New York Facebook group

Image credits: Humans of New York

Image credits: Humans of New York

Humans of New York is a Facebook group dedicated to celebrating wonderful people all over New York City. Among the variety of stories, all with uplifting or inspiring themes, one was a description of a wonderful dad who took an original approach to the whole dad thing.

The unnamed man managed to seize life to its fullest despite his harsh beginnings

Image credits: Humans of New York

Humans of New York is a Facebook group dedicated to celebrating wonderful people all over New York City. Among the variety of stories, all with uplifting or inspiring themes, one was a description of a wonderful dad who took an original approach to the whole dad thing.

The unnamed man managed to seize life to its fullest despite his harsh beginnings

Image credits: Humans of New York

“I’ve never seen the man read a book in his entire life. One time I saw his high school report card—and the only class he got an ‘A’ in was gym. His parents never had any money.” In many cases, such words would lean towards a struggle or other difficulties, but the post took a different turn—instead, the seemingly harsh beginnings served as a way to propel the man forward.

The man built his life around the store, but it didn’t become his ultimate goal

Image credits: Humans of New York

After finishing school, the man was employed by a local food market. Such jobs are not uncommon among people who are just entering the job market. However, the man saw a future for himself there. Due to his talent for crunching numbers, he became a manager at the age of 20. Soon after, he met his wife—in the very same store—and the store remained part of his life. Despite having a family, he worked 6 days a week and didn’t take long to buy out other owners.

The dad didn’t see the store as an obsession and always found time for his family

Image credits: Humans of New York

The man (now a dad) managed to keep perfect balance between work and family. He was a dedicated father and a true family man, despite investing a lot of time and effort into the food market. “Whenever he was home with us, he was fully present. His family was his sweet spot. He never needed to hang out with his buddies. He was madly in love with my mom. And his idea of a good time was spending time with his kids.”

The perfect family man is also a brilliant employer, treating the staff as an extended family

Image credits: Humans of New York

“Nobody ever leaves our store.” Such words describe the working environment in the food market. The man managed to create the near-perfect work place where employees would have understanding and help in their times of need, which in turn meant they would likely be more dedicated to the store (and its owner). “Our employees stick around because my dad has always taken care of them. He has their back—through divorces, parenting issues, health problems.” A wonderful loop of support!

“The man has a handwritten note from Mother Teresa”: a life anyone would be proud of

Image credits: Humans of New York

He doesn’t help his staff only. The post stated the man also received “a handwritten note from Mother Teresa” for his food donations. He doesn’t work for fame or fortune—in fact, he signed his store off to his 4 children and continues working in the store stacking shelves himself.

Despite the humble root, this man managed to rise above his predicaments

Image credits: Humans of New York

There are 20 managers in the store, working there for no less than a decade. And on top of that, he raised 4 kids who see him as a family man first and a store owner second. No higher education, no boasting or TV appearances—just a pure and simple dedication to live the best life possible.

“I was poor when I started this thing. And that’s how I plan on leaving”: the internet applauds the dedicated family man

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