Monthly Archives: April 2013

Dad’s Devotion to Mom

Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

Remember Lise Johnson? We told her story. She hid in a closet as a child of 9. It was Moving Day. Lise wanted to stay. Dad coaxed her out with a promise, “When you start high school, we’ll stop all these moves. I’ll quit my job, if I must. You can make friends. We’ll stay in one place.” Dad kept his word—just like he said. Fast-forward 30 years.

Lise’s mom, Joyce, and dad, Ralph.
They were married 48 years.

Lise takes it from here:

Mom became terminally ill. The road to the end was brutal and long. Dad stopped work and stayed home. Caring for Mom was his full-time job. His business folded. We lived off savings.

Mom loved it at home. Dad would have it no other way.

Friends and family helped, but Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

In the final two weeks, we moved Mom to Hospice. She needed professional care. READ MORE

Savvy Dad on Chit Capital

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Millions of words exist on how to make it in life.

by Greg Hague

Chubby taught it in few. Here are two: Chit Capital

This is about that.

In 1962, I wanted to start my first business. I was 14. I needed 75 bucks to buy a lawn mower. I was going to cut grass.

My plan? Door to door with a flyer. “I Cut Grass. Good. Cheap. Greg.” When I asked Dad to loan me the $75, he asked why. I expected that. I told him my plan…the flyer, “I Cut Grass. Good. Cheap. Greg.”

Chubby thought for less than a minute. He pulled out his money clip and counted out 75 bucks. He spread it on the table and walked away. READ MORE

A Burning Desire to Prove Dad Wrong

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A Burning Desire to Prove Dad Wrong . . .

I Can’t? Watch Me!

Today’s story is from Tom Hopkins, a national treasure, the Dale Carnegie of our times.

Dad, Les and his successful young son, Tom Hopkins.

As a student, I was never at the top of my class. Still, my parents struggled to save money to send me to college. I dutifully attended – for 90 days – then decided it wasn’t for me. I quit and went home.

After their sacrifice, my parents weren’t pleased with my decision. My father told me,

“Son, I will always love you. But, you will never amount to anything without a college education.”

Dad’s Fear of Flying

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Dad’s Fear of Flying . . .

Accomplished, handsome, and more than just a tad cocky, meet my father, Bob.

Thanks to Barbara Bockner for sharing her fearless memory of Dad.

It was 1942. Bob was 35, a civil engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers.

(Left to right) Barbara’s older brother Bobby, Barbara, Mom (Reva), Dad (Bob), younger brother Barry.

World War II was ramping up. Dad was working on the Panama Canal. Mom, a teacher, was also stationed there. They married in Panama. I was born there.

After Panama, we traveled the world. Japan, as Dad helped to rebuild after the war. Iran, though we would leave as trouble erupted over the border in Iraq. Hawaii. Germany. We circled the globe.

Dad could do anything. Except one thing. Dad refused to fly…he’d take the slow boat.

Jilted in Prague

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Jilted in Prague

Today’s story is from Courtney C.

Savvy Dad, you write often about sons. I am a daughter.

Sons can be jerks. Let’s call this jerk “Brad”.
He was not my first love. He was my first jerk.

Courtney and Dad, John in Rich Valley,VA long ago.

I was 23. Brad did a number on me.

Teaching English In Prague, I was living far from home. I’d just been jilted. I felt like I’d been kicked to the curb. Now, sitting at the top of a staircase, I was spying on Brad. What I observed I expected. It was not what I had hoped.

My dad had just flown in for a visit. He didn’t know. The moment I saw him, I crumbled, “Brad stole my heart, Dad. He siphoned my money, took all that I had. We dated a few months. He said he was temporarily short. I started picking up tabs. He said he lost his job. I opened my home. READ MORE

Role Reversal with Dad

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Role Reversal with Dad . . .

Dying is not pretty, but can happen in a beautiful way.
That’s how Mike Goforth remembers his Dad, H.T.

Today’s story is from Mike Goforth.

That final year—diapers, long nights, treatments and all. We listened in awe. Sit down. Grab onto your heart.

Son and father, Mike and H.T. Goforth

“Dad was a proud figure as we grew up. A Navy man, he believed in honor, trust and hard work. He knew the meaning of tough. Dad was a disciplinarian to my brother and me. He was 100% fair, but our line was clear-cut. Step over the mark and we’d better watch out.

As I grew up, my father taught me much about life. Be strong. Stay true. When in doubt, just do what is right.

Dad Wasn’t Budging

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Whap! Two burly, rough men threw it down on the floor.
Woosh! With a flick of their arms it swooshed by our toes.
“You like?”
“No thank you!” Dad firmly said, time and again.

Today’s story is from Elizabeth Parsons.

A stunning Elizabeth Parsons with William (nickname “X”), her good looking dad.

My name is Elizabeth. It happened 17 years ago. It’s a story now easy to tell. At the time, not easy to live.

Have you ever felt terrorized, out of control? The freedom you presume, lost and subsumed?

My father and I sat close, feeling alone. We were confronted by men with weapons of rugs.

Of course, I know rugs are not guns. You were not there. READ MORE

A Father’s Blog, Best Gifts for Dads, Author Greg Hague Shares Life Lessons for Father & Sons.

Savvy Dad, Greg Hague

A Father’s Blog, Best Gifts for Dads, Author Greg Hague Shares Life Lessons for Father & Sons.

Monthly Archives: April 2013

Dad’s Devotion to Mom

Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

Friends and family helped, but Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

Savvy Dad on Chit Capital

Millions of words exist on how to make it in life.

by Greg Hague

Chubby taught it in few. Here are two: Chit Capital

A Burning Desire to Prove Dad Wrong

A Burning Desire to Prove Dad Wrong . . .

I Can’t? Watch Me!

Today’s story is from Tom Hopkins, a national treasure, the Dale Carnegie of our times.

“Son, I will always love you. But, you will never amount to anything without a college education.”

Dad’s Fear of Flying

Dad’s Fear of Flying . . .

Accomplished, handsome, and more than just a tad cocky, meet my father, Bob.

Thanks to Barbara Bockner for sharing her fearless memory of Dad.

Dad could do anything. Except one thing. Dad refused to fly…he’d take the slow boat.

Jilted in Prague

Jilted in Prague

Today’s story is from Courtney C.

Sons can be jerks. Let’s call this jerk “Brad”.
He was not my first love. He was my first jerk.

Role Reversal with Dad

Role Reversal with Dad . . .

Dying is not pretty, but can happen in a beautiful way.
That’s how Mike Goforth remembers his Dad, H.T.

Today’s story is from Mike Goforth.

As I grew up, my father taught me much about life. Be strong. Stay true. When in doubt, just do what is right.

Dad Wasn’t Budging

Whap! Two burly, rough men threw it down on the floor.
Woosh! With a flick of their arms it swooshed by our toes.
“You like?”
“No thank you!” Dad firmly said, time and again.

Today’s story is from Elizabeth Parsons.

My father and I sat close, feeling alone. We were confronted by men with weapons of rugs.

A Father’s Blog, Best Gifts for Dads, Author Greg Hague Shares Life Lessons for Father & Sons.

Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

Friends and family helped, but Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

Millions of words exist on how to make it in life.

by Greg Hague

Chubby taught it in few. Here are two: Chit Capital

A Burning Desire to Prove Dad Wrong . . .

I Can’t? Watch Me!

Today’s story is from Tom Hopkins, a national treasure, the Dale Carnegie of our times.

“Son, I will always love you. But, you will never amount to anything without a college education.”

Dad’s Fear of Flying . . .

Accomplished, handsome, and more than just a tad cocky, meet my father, Bob.

Thanks to Barbara Bockner for sharing her fearless memory of Dad.

Dad could do anything. Except one thing. Dad refused to fly…he’d take the slow boat.

Jilted in Prague

Today’s story is from Courtney C.

Sons can be jerks. Let’s call this jerk “Brad”. He was not my first love. He was my first jerk.

Role Reversal with Dad . . .

Dying is not pretty, but can happen in a beautiful way. That’s how Mike Goforth remembers his Dad, H.T.

Today’s story is from Mike Goforth.

As I grew up, my father taught me much about life. Be strong. Stay true. When in doubt, just do what is right.

Whap! Two burly, rough men threw it down on the floor. Woosh! With a flick of their arms it swooshed by our toes. “You like?” “No thank you!” Dad firmly said, time and again.

Today’s story is from Elizabeth Parsons.

My father and I sat close, feeling alone. We were confronted by men with weapons of rugs.

Sons can be jerks. Let’s call this jerk “Brad”.
He was not my first love. He was my first jerk.

Dying is not pretty, but can happen in a beautiful way.
That’s how Mike Goforth remembers his Dad, H.T.

Whap! Two burly, rough men threw it down on the floor.
Woosh! With a flick of their arms it swooshed by our toes.
“You like?”
“No thank you!” Dad firmly said, time and again.