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  • December 31, 2008 12:38 PM EST by Liz Claman

    What My Dad Didn't Get to See...

    I lost my Dad January 14th, 2007.  Suffice it to say, he was everything to me. My Dad was the son of a Russian Jewish immigrant who arrived in Canada with empty pockets but also with a heart full of hopes.   My dad grew up one of NINE children (hello?) during very tough times.  His father, who had been the ferrier for the Russian Army, knew metal. So, he opened a scrap metal yard in Saskatoon.  My dad and his three brothers worked there their whole childhood and even came home to help out in the yard during summers home from college.  There was hardly any money, especially during the Depression, but my grandparents managed to put all three sons through medical school. Let me brag: all three became surgeons.

    I often wonder what Dad (Moe was his name) would think about the tough economic times we're going through.  I know this: he often went against the crowd. I'll never forget when Merck sold off after the Vioxx debacle. Dad jumped in and bought Merck saying, "Liz. This is a GREAT pharmaceutical company. One day they'll move on from the scandal. " Sure enough, Merck soared half a year later and dad make some money.  Same with Boeing. He loved doing that.  So surely he'd be rubbing his hands together, sitting at his computer figuring out where the good deals are now. He wouldn't be scared because he's been through the Great Depression and he still came out a winner.

    His favorite saying was "There is no downside to reasonable optimism." 

    I know how hard things are for a lot of people right now. I wish I could be as brave as my Dad but I'm worried. Nonetheless, I'm only making ONE New Year's Resolution today: To try to be a little more like Moe and to be 'reasonably optimistic' about 2009.  Care to join me?

    I"ll finish by saying this: I couldn't be more grateful for you if I tried. You guys mean so much to me. I'm SO glad and appreciative that you're watching me on Fox Business.  Listen: some days I'll thrill you (I hope!), others I'll totally annoy you. But stick with me: I promise that, on balance, you'll be happy you're hanging with the FBN family.

    xoxox
    Liz

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Austin Porfiri

Liz You heard it said that an apple doesn' fall far from the tree. You are one of your parents successes and your professionalism shows it. Take heart and courage that yours is story of americans whose pathways to success are lighted by hard work and intellect and the examples set by our forebearers. Sure,there are many stories of failure; these also provide a source of wisdom if only we would lesrn from them. Nice going and keep smiling back at us!

January 3, 2009 at 10:43 am

sam

Liz, Thanks for sharing your story with us. I lost my father three years ago, and my mother two years ago. I also wonder what their perspective would be, However if I listen to my heart I can hear my parents saying "learn from the past don't live in it, always keep your chin up and keep moving forward". Wishing you and yours success and happiness in '09! Sam in Texas

January 2, 2009 at 3:51 pm

Al

Great story Liz. Loved watching you on the other channel also. I was born during the depression and times were tough for my parents but we managed on the small salary Da earned as tailor. Both were immagarants from Italy. Dad started investing with patience first mutual funds and them stocks. He did well investing and we did well as a family with no handouts just plain hard work. I did become a Dentist and am now retired and guess what am doing well in the market. Keep up the great work at FOX Business Channel.

January 2, 2009 at 2:03 pm

Ralph Andrew

Liz: You're a continued breath of fresh air on FOXBIZ. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing a little insight about your Dad. I still have my WWII veteran Dad around and that generation is truly the greatest in many respects. Continued success in 09 and really enjoy your segments! Ralph E. Andrew, III Manhattan

January 2, 2009 at 12:34 pm

content_of_character

Liz, great commentary. I know how tough it is to lose a father (I lost mine 14 years ago and still think about him every day), but your post shows how his values continue and are still benefiting you. My dad was a minority, an orphaned immigrant to this country, and he and my mom had 7 kids. We never had much growing up, but rather than wail about how life was unfair, he was optimistic and always taught us that, no matter how bad things were, there was always opportunity if you looked for it and tried. We have all grown up to be successful both in our careers and (more important) in raising our families to continue his values. Things are tough now, but without the bad times we could not appreciate the good, nor leverage the opportunities the bad times present. So count me in as being "reasonably optimistic" for 2009!

January 2, 2009 at 11:35 am

bob h

Liz, I appreciate the personal insight. You have never annoyed me... going all the way back your debut on the Other business network. I too am worried-I'm a decade older than you- but my worry is totally directed at Washington. "The Markets" will stabilize. See you on the air later today!

January 2, 2009 at 8:31 am

Cats

My condolences on the loss of your father. I guess I'm like your dad to the extent that, at age 68 1/2, I'm still optimistic about the future of this country, I haven't "gone to cash" or put my money under the pillow, and am still looking for opportunities to put to work some cash I have on the sidelines. I figure I might have as many as 20 or so years left and I want to make sure that I have the financial resources to enjoy the ride and I want to continue ownership in companies through equities.

January 1, 2009 at 3:41 pm

Mark Harrison

Liz, 2 things. I'm sure Moe is very proud of his daughter today. She's a pretty special lady. Number 2, I'll also look at the glass as half full, ok? It goes against my character, but I can change, or at least try. Keep up the good work, we need your perspective. Happy New Year!

January 1, 2009 at 10:29 am

chuck

Liz I believe your dad would've dispense his own wisdom for these tough uncertain times. I know my late grandfather did. He gave me a bit of advice when I was in college; he told me to 'think big' and that advice I haven't forgotten. He passed away of cancer well I can't remember when. But anyway I believe your late father would've dispence advice like to hang in there. U know some people find it hard to be optimistic in tough times. As for myself I wonder what lessons I would learn and pass on. Well the one lesson I would pass on: Save your money and build up your savings account. I'm no Dave Ramsey but pay off all your credit card debt would be anoher. HAPPY 2009 TO ALL OF U UP AT FOX BIZ!

January 1, 2009 at 2:19 am

Ron

Liz, You should take over for Neil. Keep up the good work.

December 31, 2008 at 9:42 pm

moving

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Optimism is a good thing. It is never as good as it seems or as bad. The key is to remember the bad times during the good because it will repeat itself.

December 31, 2008 at 3:43 pm

about this blog

  • Liz Claman joined FOX Business Network (FBN) as an anchor in October 2007. Her debut included an exclusive interview with Berkshire Hathaway CEO and legendary investor Warren Buffett.

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