My dad changed my life by how he cleaned a urinal.

He's 79 years old. He is as ethical and honest as the day is long.

He quit school in Grade 9 to help support his family farm. They were dirt poor.

He joined the military and spent 25 years as a military police officer.

It wasn’t his ideal career but it was a way for him to support his family.

He retired, with no high school diploma and couldn't find any work other than as a minimum wage janitor.

He ended up working on the same military base around the same people.

At the time, I was 18 and had also joined the military.

I was embarrassed to tell people my dad cleaned toilets.

I used to make up stories about what he did for a living.

I walked into the bathroom, in uniform, on the base one day and there was my dad.

HIs bak was to me as he cleaned the urinal.

He was cleaning it with the same attention and care as a skilled tradesperson machining a part.

He said, "Just a minute fellah, I'm just about done here."

He said it with zero shame in his voice - nothing but kindness and courtesy.

He was a man, fully present, doing his work to the best of his ability.

I never, ever lied again about what my dad did for a living.

He went on to go back to finish high school, go to college and get a much better job (for him).

But it was that moment that taught me the most.

Bring your full attention, care and presence to every situation.

You’ll not only feel a sense of pride in a job well done.

You also might change someone's life.