A dear friend named Allie encouraged me to do something I very rarely do: go on a road trip. We set our sites on Winterset, Iowa – the little town where John Wayne was born. He is one of the most beloved American actors of all time and arguably the quintessential cowboy of cinema. Allie and I thoroughly enjoyed the drive and our time at the John Wayne museum, the nearby birthplace (a quaint four-room house), and the delightful square/downtown area of Winterset.

I knew a little about the life of John Wayne prior to this trip, and I had enjoyed watching parts or all of several of his movies. But there were a number of things about his roots and his life that struck me as I toured the museum, browsed books in the gift shop, and peered into the room where he was born.

He was a hard worker and an extremely considerate person. He went for the practical over the expensive and showy. He was quick to express his gratitude to others. And he was honest through and through.

But what struck me most profoundly was how he was a real “man of his word.” Even when it meant having to do things that might not seem the best for his career or when it was not easy, if the Duke (as so many called him) signed a contract or told someone he would do something, he followed through. He didn’t go back on an agreement or break his promise. That seemed to be one of his core personal principles.

I thought that deserved to be applauded. Presently, I hear a lot of people say they will do things or make big plans – only to pull out or otherwise let the other person/people down. True, there are things we cannot control, and we would all understand if, say, a father had to postpone an event or job because his child was being rushed to the hospital. But how often are we tempted to drop out of something or walk away from an agreement just because we don’t “feel” like it or it’s not convenient for us? Or because we pack our schedules too full/tight and over commit?

It’s good to ponder the rewards – if only in character-building – we receive when we do what we say we will do, even when we don’t feel like it or it’s not convenient.

The day before our planned road trip, Allie heard my car had been heavily damaged in a hailstorm. She asked if I still wanted to go or if I needed to back out. (She had already planned to drive, but wasn’t sure if I’d feel able to get away for the day.) As I have long been a person who hates to go back on my word once it’s given, I was determined to accompany her no matter what.

A lovely day with a gem of a friend. I’m so glad I followed through and didn’t miss the opportunity.