Well said friend. Kind of mirrors me and my thoughts. I build patio improvements and pool enclosures mostly with aluminum. My dad (now 82) has worked with me every day for many years since his retirement, and now my son is also learning the trade before he goes and does whatever he decides to go and do. I am indeed thankful every single day. I am truly blessed.

I have no doubt that you understand. Waking up every day, with little concern for clocks, to go do something that you love to do is a remarkable thing. When I started, my kid was inside of his mom, he is now twenty-four. Twenty-four years of building something special by improving others lives with a product that I believe in is far more than I would have ever asked for, but I'm sure that you also understand that nothing was given. It all had to be earned. That is really the crux of my understanding the pride thing. I (also not religious by definition more so by behavior) earned it by years of dedication to my work. Ownership and pride seem to naturally lend themselves to serving others in the best way possible.

Maybe what I take away from your point is that pride in one's work differs from pride in one's self, provided that pride is also humbly wrapped in gratitude. I can accept that.