Years later, after building my own corporate career and distancing myself from my father, he called and asked for help on a small project. I almost said no—but something in his voice stopped me. Back at his garage, surrounded by tools and engines, I saw everything differently. I watched him work, heard the pride in his voice, and finally understood. He didn’t need recognition or wealth. He had joy. He had purpose. And for the first time,

I saw that he was successful—not by society’s standards, but by his own. It took me years to realize what he had always tried to teach me: success isn’t about status. It’s about doing what you love, and doing it with pride. I may never fix motorcycles, but I now understand the value of a life lived with passion.