To soon old, too late smart. Over the course of my life, I have happened upon sayings that apply to specific situations in our lives. Actually, they relate powerful lessons. Over time, I jotted down many of these real-world insights and also began to compile a list of my personal experiences that I expected to pass along to my children.

But I was married for thirteen years then divorced. We were not blessed with children. So I passed these sayings along to pipe fitter apprentices who worked with me, and the lessons were received very well. Now I wish to share them with a larger audience, to the children and grandchildren I never had.

To the parents who may read this, I acknowledge that my list refers to many situations that you might already be familiar with, but some of them may have slipped through the cracks in your advice to your children.

Who can benefit from reading them? Anyone of any age actually can draw knowledge from these—whether one is working, playing, or attending the school of hard knocks.