What is a Reputation worth?

In the weeks before the Twilight boat ride, my sister Deena said, "Everybody is saying YES to the invitation -- because, well because it's Uncle Melvin." So keeping the guest list under control became a huge problem.

My friend Sandy, who has lived in LeClaire all her life, said, "if Melvin Dodds is your uncle, you can hold your head high..." And I always have.

Her comment made me think about the value of a person's reputation. Because she doesn't know my Uncle Melvin personally -- she only knows him by reputation...

Most young people don't understand the importance of a good reputation. Maybe nobody worries about their reputation when they are in their 20's. But the truth is -- the choices and/or mistakes you make as a young adult will haunt you for the rest of your life.

That's the thing about a reputation. Be it good or bad -- it will ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. Just like your I.Q. or your ability to burn carbs. A good reputation isn't something you can win or buy or create for yourself on the internet.

A good reputation can only be built through ACTIONS -- never with words. When he was a young man, Melvin Dodds was reliable, honest and hard working. But there is more to a good reputation than just having a work ethic. He was a man of his word and he never tried to screw people over or take advantage of a situation. He was always there for his friends and he treated people with respect.

And we all wanted to be on that BOAT RIDE...