I’ve written before of life lessons I learned from my dad, Julius Blum. A man of simple yet strong words, he taught more by example then by narrative. In a powerful episode involving my dad’s prized Aggie ring, I learned lessons of courage and conviction I’ll never forget.
Julius Blum grew up in modest circumstances, living behind his family’s small neighborhood grocery store. He was a graduate of the School of Hard Knocks. Remarkably, that wasn’t his only degree. My dad was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from “The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas” in 1949 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Julius was rightfully proud of that achievement.
The fact my dad even went to college was remarkable in and of itself. There were two factors that propelled him to College Station. The youngest of four children, Julius had an older brother Sol who had big college dreams for his baby brother. Sol worked day and night to care for his family, seeing to it that Julius could receive the education others in the family couldn’t. The second factor was the GI Bill, earned from my dad’s World War II service in the army. Julius was forever grateful to both his brother Sol and this great country for his education.
Julius was an exceptional student in all things technical—a math and engineering whiz. I never confronted a math homework problem he couldn’t help me solve. But when it came to English—not so much. But let’s give him a break. He was raised by immigrant parents whose only language in the house was Yiddish, so making it through college English and earning that degree was an even bigger deal. That’s why the symbol of his degree, the iconic Aggie ring, meant so much to him.
That brings me to my story. When the ring became too tight on his finger, he carried it with him everywhere he went on his keychain. One day, a little boy Marvin happily joined his daddy on a father-son outing to University Car Wash. We watched through the window as his car went swish-swish down the line of water and suds. Returning home, he removed his key from the ignition and instantly realized his Aggie ring was gone! On a chain with many keys, the ring divided his car key from his house key, so he noticed immediately.
We instantly got back in the car and drove to the car wash. I followed him as he marched with purpose into the manager’s office. Julius wasn’t leaving without that ring. I thought that was mighty bold of him and I had my doubts. I underestimated him.
The manager knew Julius meant business. He temporarily shut down the car wash and gathered every employee in his office. I’ll never forget the manager’s words, “I’m going to leave this room and close the door. And when I return that ring better be on my desk, or everyone here is fired.” We waited outside the door with the bossman. After a moment, we re-entered his office. Lo and behold the Aggie ring was on the manager’s desk. Everyone returned to work, and I returned home with my dad and with a lesson I will never forget:
When something is precious to you, you fearlessly fight for it.
One more thing: In addition to my dad’s strength of character and integrity, another testament to his solid priorities was being a good sport when Irwin and I chose UT for college instead of A&M. Love of family came first, even when tested by some lively Longhorn/Aggie football experiences together. I cherish the memories. I even felt some of my dad’s Aggie spirit in my Longhorn body at last weekend’s rivalry game. Gig ’em Aggies and Hook ’em Horns!
Marvin Blum’s father Julius was the first in his family to graduate college, as evidenced by his prized diploma.
