The Steele Deal

My Philosophy After 40 Years in Practice

By Dr. T. Steele Petry

I practiced medicine—particularly family and pediatric care—for over 40 years. Here’s my philosophy, plain and simple:

Children are sponges.

They soak up what they are shown, taught, and exposed to—both the good and the bad.

Children are like dogs.

They respond to consistency. They act how they’re taught.

If they get what they want through misbehavior, they’ll keep misbehaving.

If the only way they get attention is by being oppositional, they’ll stay oppositional.

People, in general, are like dogs in a pack.

They need to understand who the alpha is in the relationship at all times. That doesn’t mean fear or force. It means clarity. Consistency. Calm, firm control.

Just like you should be able to take a dog’s food away mid-meal without a bite,

you should be able to take away a child’s toy—for reasons of safety, structure, or discipline—without a tantrum. That’s not cruelty. That’s leadership. And it has to be taught.

Consistency is the key.

There should be no confusion about who is in charge.

I am not advocating physical punishment or abuse. I’m a strong believer in the power of love, praise, and the occasional “treat.” But just like my dogs, who have never been harmed but know their boundaries, a child may need a firm hand—not to hurt, but to redirect.

Kindness matters. Consistency matters. Love matters.

The child is a sponge—and they will soak up everything you pour into them.

And yes…

There’s always the occasional outlier.

Some kids are born more difficult.

Pray it’s not one of those.

Computers will retain information
Which they can then dispense
But is that really knowledge?
Or even common sense

Information is one thing
experiences create another
Experiences are what create wisdom
As is often dispensed by your mother

To know that the number 1 Plus 1
Will always equal the number 2
Doesn’t mean that the computer always knows
the best thing for you to do

Wisdom is obtained through experience
Which, is still the best way to learn
Although not always a pleasurable event
It should be for wisdom
that you yearn

Information is one thing
experiences create another
Experiences create wisdom
As is often dispensed by your mother

Wisdom is obtained through experience
Which, is still the best way to learn
Although not always a pleasurable event
It should be for wisdom
that you yearn

Some folks come into your life and leave a mark you’ll never forget. Micheal was one of those people for me — a kind soul with a big heart, a quick smile, and more talent than most folks ever see in a lifetime. But he also carried heavy burdens, and like too many, he fought battles the rest of us couldn’t always see.

This song isn’t just about Micheal — it’s about everyone we’ve known who’s struggled with addiction, and the ache of wishing we could’ve done more.

I wrote Poor Ol’ Micheal as both a tribute and a reminder: life’s short, kindness matters, and we’ve got to keep looking out for each other.

Give it a listen, and if it speaks to you, share it with someone who might need to hear they’re not alone.

🎵 Poor Ol’ Micheal 

https://suno.com/song/2ac6059d-b56c-437a-a694-b1cf45bc7c64

The well-known learned sage was asked why he was so knowledgeable
Why was he so smart?

His reply is something we should all remember

No one is born smart
If you live long enough
You will make mistakes
You will observe mistakes
You will learn from mistakes
You learn not to make as many mistakes as you would have otherwise
That my friend is wisdom

I have just returned 

from visiting an old friend 

It was great to see him 

Once again 

Another friend and I 

And our two wives 

Traveled to visit Ron 

Who in Michigan resides 

He moved there in April 

Three months ago 

Many people miss him 

We want him to know 

We talked and we bowled 

And then we bowled some more 

Just as we had always done 

Four months before 

It was great to see him 

We miss him so 

But all we really want 

Is for his happiness to grow 

The trip wasn’t too long 

But about long enough 

Not too much construction 

To make us feel gruff 

We talked about the time 

And how we all met 

How good it has been 

And how strong it is yet 

We all look forward 

To when we will again see Ron 

The time moves so fast 

Where has the time gone 

We will set a date 

And schedule it in 

Soon we will tell you 

Where and when

Dog is GOD spelled backwards,

that is plain to see.

But some say their soul is lacking.

I say that cannot be.

I think about the many different dogs I have known

Over very many years

And every single dog I have had

Shared my joys and tears

You can tell there’s something way down deep

By that soulful look in their eyes

And through the conversations we have had

Through gestures, licks, and sighs

Yes, experience has taught me everything

That I need to know

Dogs have the purest souls of all

Far better than some people I know

By TSPetry

Lyrics to a song state ‘I want you to want me!!’

And don’t we all.

Physically? Emotionally? Financially? Spiritually?

Check a box. (and hopefully NOT just the financial one)

We all want positivity and stability in our lives. Like dogs, we desire a happy atmosphere to live in and to feel loved. Truly loved! Like your mother loved you!!!

Loved.

I hope everyone experiences that at least once in their adult lives.

We all deserve it.

That question ponders me so

There are both pros and cons to the question

That much I most surely know

Let us examine the question

As Indiana Jones would uncover a dig

As it is an important topic

And the consequences are very big

You were probably raised by your parents

And they likely share the same values as you

And the convenience factor is fantastic

From almost any point of view

The sense of humor is genetic

Or so it seems to me

Some things people will pay to watch

I wouldn’t watch for free

So there are many positives

That I have already discussed

But there is a major negative

Like bare metal will likely rust

If/when your loving parent/ best friend ups and dies

The resulting loss will be twice as tough

Not knowing who to turn to

When enough is more than enough

That is when you should stop

And let Mother Nature be your guide

When you need to share your hopes and prayers

There will be a cardinal by your side

Singing songs of harmony

And singing songs of love

Songs meant for you and me

And sent from Heaven above

Songs to give you courage

And perhaps provide guidance too

But that is only speculation

The belief is up to you

For never fear, your loved ones are near

On each and every day

They may have passed on years before

But with you they will always stay

Some of the most interesting and successful people I ever met were still deciding what they wanted to do with their life at 60.

After 60 most people just want to wake up on the right side of the grass and enjoy the benefits of their work over the previous 40+ years and to spend quality time with family and friends.

That is the age when most people finally decide it’s okay to be yourself and they stop worrying what other people think of them. If I have any advice worth remembering it would be this.

BE YOURSELF!!

You were not placed on this earth to please everyone else. Be yourself.

Some will like you and some will not. Their loss. Everyone is valuable and worthy of love and respect. Enjoy your life!

You only pass this way once! Make it count.

Most importantly. Be yourself!