Monthly Archives: May 2013

Dad’s Wisdom on the Basics of Living

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“It is a wise father that knows his own child.”

—William Shakespeare

Today’s story is from Katie McDevitt.

College graduation. Celebration for most. Bittersweet for me.

Dad's wisdom

Mom (Ellen), Brother (Ryan), Katie & Dad (Jim)

The man who got me there wasn’t there. He died a year ago. Kidney failure. At 45. Too young. Not fair.

Graduating without Dad didn’t feel right. Actually, it wasn’t right. My father knew it was coming. We had time to talk. Not enough time to catch all of dad’s wisdom, of course.

So he left me a letter. It was two years before I could read it for the first time. The letter was not just about love or how much he cared. I knew. He knew I knew.

It was about how to lead a happier life. Four nuggets of dad’s wisdom. Not esoteric stuff. Dad was not that kind of guy. It was common sense guideposts for living more right. Dad would be honored to know his wisdom might help you in some way.    READ MORE 

A Lesson From Dad – Oatmeal?

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“Half a loaf is better than no bread.”

—Traditional Proverbs

Today’s story is from GiGe Neck.

My name is GiGe. I am 11. This is a story about breakfast. And oatmeal. And a lesson from dad.

A Lesson from Dad

GiGe

My mom was out of town. My mom normally makes my breakfast. Dad’s turn to be chef for the day. Will Dad burn the house down?

“What do you want for breakfast,” Dad says. I say, “Anything is fine.” Dad’s cooking skills are not the best. I’m thinking he’ll pull out the box of Frosted Flakes.

“How about oatmeal? I have a secret family recipe I’ve never told you about,” Dad proudly says.

I don’t want to hurt his feelings so I say, “sure.” But I’m not “sure” given I don’t like what oatmeal looks like and I’ve never tasted it before.    READ MORE 

Left-handed Hammers? Trust Your Gut

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“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”

—Benjamin Spock

by Brian Hague

I was lucky growing up. I had a really great dad. But there was another man who treated me like a son. His name was Gary.

dad's hammer

My other dad, Gary

Back in 1992, I was 14. Gary promised to help me build a new skateboard ramp. We were at Home Depot, buying wood and supplies. “Brian, go grab a left-handed hammer,” he said.

Left-handed hammer? Sounded funny. Didn’t Gary have a hammer? Well, maybe it broke. I scurried away. Left-handed hammer? Easy. Shouldn’t take long.    READ MORE 

My Dad Chubby Was My Mentor

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“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses; some don’t turn up at all.”
—Sam Ewing

by Greg Hague

my dad, my mentor

My ‘no-eyelids’ dad

When I was a kid, Dad didn’t sleep. On weekdays, he’d leave each morning at 8, stay at the office all night, come home at first light, shower, shave, a quick plate of eggs, a hug for Mom, and back at it again.

It was Saturday morning. I munched Sugar Pops. Chubby ate eggs. “Dad,” I said, with a curious face, “On weekdays, why don’t you sleep?”

Chubby peered up from his plate, eyes double big-big.

He said,

“Didn’t Mom tell you? I was born without eyelids.”

I stared into Dad’s pupils. No eyelids? Yeah, right!    READ MORE 

Savvy Dad on Worry and War

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“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow,
it only saps today of its joy.”

-Leo Buscaglia

by Greg Hague

October ’62. Cuba. Missiles. Blockade. Nuclear War? I am 14…old enough to know the mess we are in. A U.S. U-2 spy plane takes photographs of Soviet SS-5 land-based nuclear missiles 99 miles off our coast. Staged in Cuba, they are pointed at us.

Dad Says Why Worry?Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko sternly warns the U.S., “Don’t attack Cuba.” To liven things up, Soviet warships head our way. Our military is at DEFCON 2, the highest ever. Newspapers, television, radio; conversations at work, school and play focus on nuclear war.

In class, our teacher graphically illustrates the effects of nuclear fallout. Day after day, we practice nuclear attack drills (essentially, we hide under our desks).
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Adventures with Dad

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“No, no! The adventures first, explanations take such a dreadful time.”

—Lewis Carroll

by Greg Hague

Summer of ‘88. Flagstaff, AZ. Camping with Dad & Roseann. My name is Corey. I was 6. My brothers: Casey was 5. Brian at 9.

Adventures with Dad

Casey, Corey, and Brian dressed for adventure

We begged and begged Dad, adventure this time! “Hunting,” we said, “We’re ready to die.” Older brother Brian carried the weapon of choice, a BB gun full. Also, our sack of dried peaches for fuel.

I sported a Rambo knife. Little brother Casey had plastic Chinese throwing stars and foam nunchuks affixed to his side. Dad carried my compass so we wouldn’t get lost. Camouflage, bandanas, and black face paint; off we marched into the woods.

Dad strolled down the trail as we darted around. We crunched in the leaves and hid behind trees. It was a blast. As we emerged from a ditch, I thought The trail’s not there! Dad sat on a stump, a few feet away.    READ MORE 

Dad’s Gift Helped Me Make Choices Good

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Dad carved Goofus from wood, especially for me.

Today’s story is from Naomi Reed Rhode.

Goofus, he was. A penguin, indeed. The most beautiful bird I’d ever seen. The curve of his wings. The grooves in his beak. Dad’s gift to me.

dad's gift

Wilderness Boy Scout Camp,
Dad Virgil and Naomi

Summer camp, just one week away. Not just any camp. A co-ed retreat, a camp with the boys. I was giddy. Nervous. “Co-ed,” I said, as it spread to my friends.

“Co-ed.” A signal to all; Naomi is becoming a very big girl. I was just 12, going on 20. Prepared for adventure. (Ready for love?)

Dad, a Methodist pastor, had shown the way. His deeds were strong. I heeded his words. My father knew this was real big. He trusted. But Dad wasn’t dumb. Things can happen at camp, even one sponsored by church.    READ MORE