Dignity: What is in Your Dignity DNA 

Our DNA is the genetic make of who we are. It is easy to figure out. We swab the inside of our cheek, and we send the swab to the lab and in a few weeks, we see our genetic makeup. I have not done this yet, but I know people who have, and it is amazing to see the different genetic markers that created who we are. It tells us that we are more than our outward appearance and that it took many different ingrediencies to make the person you see when you stand in front of a mirror.  

As I continue to study dignity, I also believe that we have dignity DNA. Dignity DNA is created through the 3 Cs of Dignity (Dr. Donna Hicks, Leading with Dignity) connect to the dignity of yourself, connect to the dignity of others, and connect to the dignity of something greater. On my dignity journey I have discovered that there are many people who have helped create the person I am today. When I made the choice to honor my own dignity it allowed me to open up to others and connect to them. This has made me a better person, a better parent, a better husband, and a better leader. Today I want to share with you two people who have made a significant difference in my life over the last twenty-four years. My in-laws Pam and Deny McCarty.  

My in-laws are amazing people. First because they welcomed me into their family, and they trusted me with their oldest daughter. You see I came with history. I was divorced, had a daughter and I was 12 years old than Erin. They gave me a chance. They treated me with dignity and allowed me to prove myself through my actions and not let my past tell my whole story. What Pam and Deny did not realize was by accepting me I learned how to be a better me by watching them. 

I watched Pam grow as a leader at our local credit union. She went from teller to CEO and was one of the most successful CEOs that credit union ever had (Not my opinion. It is a fact). It was not just her success that I was most impressed with, but it was her leadership. She was a servant leader. She put the wellbeing of the employees and members first. She worked side by side with her team and helped support their success. I knew that that was the kind of leader I wanted to be. What I want to say to Pam is this. You worked hard to get to where you are now. It was not easy to be a wife, a mother, and to go after your dreams. You have a story to tell that includes hard work, successes, failures, falling and getting back up. You were one of the people that kept me moving forward. I am grateful I got to be a part of your journey.  

Deny can fix anything. I have never met someone as gifted as him. I wish I had that ability but who needs it with him around? Besides if I tried, he would only come when I was not home and redo the work anyway (Laugh here). What I learned from him was how to be a better father. He would do anything for his daughters Erin and Kelly. He worked hard so that they could have all they needed growing up. He would work two or more jobs to provide for his family. His life is his family, and I am blessed to be a part of that. He has a kind heart and would do anything for anyone who needs help. I learned compassion from him. Also, to the horror of my family I learned how to tell dad jokes from watching him. (What did the first plate say to the second plate……Don’t worry about dinner tonight. It’s on me LOL) I am grateful that I have had that example of how to be a better father and a giving person. 

In August Pam and Deny will be celebrating their fiftieth anniversary. Watching them over the last twenty-four years has taught me how to be a better husband. They showed me that the grass will always be greener at home. It may turn brown sometimes but with love and care it will become green again. 

Thank you, Pam, and Deny for being a part of my Dignity DNA. I am some much better because I got to know you.  

Charles Redd RN 

Dignity Freedom Fighter