Rebekah Randell and dad Andrew
“My father is a man of few words, probably the hardest worker I’ve ever met and most definitely one of the loveliest. Growing up on a dairy farm, there was always work to be done, but Dad always had time for some solid advice and a bunch of life lessons along the way.
1
There’s only a week between a good and a bad haircut. I think I was about 15 when I decided to make the bold move to get both a fringe and layers at the same time. When I arrived home from the salon devastated that I now looked like I had a mullet, I cried about how much I hated it. I’ll never forget Dad doing the best he could to console me, but all he could really come up with was, “Well, Poppie, there’s only a week between a good and a bad haircut.” He wasn’t right, but he wasn’t wrong either. As I got used to my new hairstyle, it did start looking less and less like a mullet.
2
If you own a car, you should be able to look after it. Sixteen-year-old Rebekah was a bit of an eye-roller and learning about cars was not top of my list of fun things to do in the weekend. However, Dad had a point, and not only took the time to teach me how to check the water and oil on the car, but also how to change a tyre. As a young woman, you never want to know how to change a tyre until you need to know how to change a tyre. There has most definitely been a few occasions that I’ve needed this skill and I’ve always at least got the tyre off before a bystander has offered to help.
Dad was definitely a believer in equipping his girls to be strong, independent women, even ensuring I had a tool box – pink, of course – when I moved into my first home.
I could go on and on about what Dad has taught me.
From how to milk a cow, ride a motorbike or set a fence, to baiting hooks, setting a long line and fishing. It’s always done with patience and love, and a few head shakes in between.
Rebekah plays nurse Dawn Robinson on Shortland Street, weeknights, 7pm on TVNZ 2.