Last month I wrote about some of the many things I learned from my mom, so it seems fitting that this month should be dedicated to some of the many things I learned from my dad.
The Importance of a
Good Sense of Humor. My dad says that he’s the funniest person he knows and
he is. He uses humor with friends, family and strangers alike. Sometimes you
“get it” and sometimes you don’t, but it doesn’t matter to him. He always
thinks he’s funny. If he loves you, he gives you a nickname, often nonsensical.
He calls one of my cousins “Lucy.” Her real name is “Julia.” Why “Lucy?” Who
knows?! For years he called my mother, “Squeegy Bod” until she’d had enough of
being embarrassed in public and called a halt to it. What’s important about his
humor is that he forces all of us not to take ourselves too seriously. And
guess what?! Now, I’m the funniest
person I know!
Basic Car Care. Yep,
this one is the traditional Dad thing to teach and he did it. I can change a
tire, check my oil and generally know when something’s amiss and needs
professional care. With some of the clunkers I’ve driven as well as my current
used luxury model, it’s come in handy repeatedly.
How to end an
argument. My dad can get mad…really mad. We’re talking window rattling,
blood vessel bursting, mad. But he knows how to forgive and how to apologize.
Learning this from him has ensured that I still have a job…and friends… and a
husband.
Compassion for those
less fortunate. This is one I listed for my mom too and it’s true. My
parents are two of the most giving people I know. Back in the 80s Dad helped
start a small soup kitchen that served weekday lunches to the homeless and
needy in Wilmington, NC. Today the Good Shepherd Center has grown into a major
operation that provides meals seven days a week and a wealth of additional
resources. And in his retirement, he’s
back at Good Shepherd, driving homeless veterans to their doctor appointments
and filling in when employees are on vacation.
Show affection to
those you love. When I was little my dad would beg my brother and me for
kisses and hugs. I often held out just to see his dramatic and humorous
reactions. When I was eight, I bet him that I could stop sucking my thumb
before he could give up smoking. If I won the bet, I could get my ears pierced.
If he won, he got 100 kisses from me! I
won, of course, though he did eventually give up smoking. He shows my mom
affection too, often with eye rolling sexual innuendos. My parents’ snuggles
and funny words gave me a sense of security and let me know that those around
me loved each other. Now that I’m a parent, I enjoy showering my boys with
affection and giving them reason to roll their eyes at their silly parents!
I’m grateful to my dad for all that he’s taught me. I hope
that I can do the same for my children. Take some time to write an appreciation
list about your dad. You’ll be glad you did!
Happy Father’s Day!
