The Class of Welsh Miners

by Lou Jasikoff

In this journey of life, I have realized that the gifts most cherished are not those bought in the store or purchased online, but those little remembrances given from the heart by family, friends, or loved ones. These gifts often become life lessons.

---

One such gift was given to me in my younger days during a particularly turbulent time in my life. It was a simple handmade plaque with a simple inscription. To this day, that plaque sits proudly in my home office, where I often refer to its words of wisdom—passed down to me, to be passed down to others. 

It speaks of "class" with an undertone that, if you want to be respected, you must learn to give respect. The indispensable golden rule is to do unto others as you would have done unto you. (Matthew 7:12) 

One of the inscription's lessons, I have applied to my daily life is the following, "good manners are nothing more than a series of petty sacrifices." 

We have all eluded sacrifices, making the excuse that we are too busy. Saying, "I wish I could, but maybe next time." I can honestly say, some of my most memorable moments of life, have been when I found an hour, a day, or in some cases, a month to be there for family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers on the street. 

It's a beautiful life, for sure. Find the time to make the most of it, not make excuses. I have also learned on this life journey, that the gifts, most cherished help us to learn and grow. Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed, confident in the knowledge that you can meet life head-on and handle whatever comes along. 

In Genesis 25:26, Jacob had class. Esau did not. In this ancient story, light is shed on the aspects of the human condition: fear, dishonesty, destiny, and ultimately integrity. Symbolically, we can see Jacob's wrestling match with the angel as a battle with our personal angel. And if integrity wins a victory, it marks us thereafter.

The handmade plaque I received those many years ago, reads as follows:

• Class never makes excuses. It takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes.
• Class is considerate of others. It knows that good manners are nothing more than a series of petty sacrifices. 
• Class bespeaks of aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money. The most affluent blue-blood, can be totally without Class, while the descendants of a Welch Miner, may ooze Class from every pore. 
• Class never tries to build itself up by tearing others down.
• Class needs not to strive to look better by making others look worse.
• Class can walk with kings and keep virtue, talk with crowds, and keep the common touch. Any one who is comfortable with a person who has Class, is because they are comfortable with themselves. 
• If you have Class, you don't need much of anything else. If you don't have Class, no matter what else you have, it makes little difference.

The inscription on the back of this treasured plaque reads:

Lou, if anyone has been tested, you have. This belongs to you. Love Dad 

The Year was 1989