Author Archives: Greg Hague

About Greg Hague

I am an entrepreneur, attorney, author, motivational speaker, pilot, and world motorcycle traveler. First and foremost I am a dad. And, I am the founder of www.savvydad.com. My new book, How Fathers Change Lives, is a "Chicken Soup" collection of stories about remarkable dads... 52 examples of doing it right. What they say. What they do. Best advice. The stories are inspiring, touching and fun. The life lessons are great. This book has been recommended by some very special people including my friend, NY Times #1 Best Selling author Harvey Mackay ("How to Swim with the Sharks.."). In its first month it received over 50 five-star Amazon reviews. Learn more about Greg. Follow Greg on Google+

Adventures with Dad

Leave a reply

“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

Leave a reply

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 

A Powerful Man, A Good Dad

Leave a reply

“It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.”

—Pope John XXIII

Today’s story is about Tim Russert as a son and a good dad.

good dad Tim Russert

Good dad Tim Russert with son Luke
(photo courtesy of Today)

A Powerful Man
He shaped world thought. He influenced your vote. Those who abused power? Fried “live” on the tube.

As Meet the Press host, Tim sparred with the best. Rocky Balboa with “knock ‘em dead” words. At just 58, in 2008, Tim Russert departed too soon. Today is about Tim as both father and son.    READ MORE 

Learning to Leave a Worthwhile Legacy for Our Children Through Finding Nemo

Leave a reply

“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children:   One is roots, the other is wings.”

–Hodding Carter

Today’s story is the brainchild of Chris Neck.

Finding Nemo. A movie for our children. A dad message.

Give our children freedom

Finding Nemo

Nemo was born with a deformed fin. Marlin is Nemo’s dad. Marlin lost his family to the perils of the ocean. Only Nemo survived. Marlin is determined to protect Nemo. He insulates his son from all risk. It’s his job as Dad, Marlin thinks.

But Nemo feels smothered. He rebels and swims off. Marlin screams, “Come back.” The more Dad pleads, the faster Nemo swims. Because Nemo was over-protected by Dad, he has no experience avoiding danger. A scuba diver captures him. Nemo is taken away in a boat. Marlin, the good dad, pursues.    READ MORE 

The Lucky Buck For His Newborn Son

Leave a reply

“Luck is believing you’re lucky.”

—Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire

Today’s story is from Blake Glovitz

Nov 4, 1983. 5:32 p.m. Baby in distress. The hospital PA, “Respiratory therapist, stat.” Newborn in trouble. Mom rushed to surgery. Emergency C-section. Premature birth. Lungs limp. Not a breath.

Newborn son

My dad Bob and me, the newborn son, Blake, 1983

They “bagged” my head. APGAR score “1” – the lowest there is…unless you are dead. I was rushed to neo-natal intensive care at Dallas Methodist Hospital. Dad followed by car, afraid and alone, worried about his newborn son.

When I arrived the doctor didn’t mince words, “Mr. Glovitz, your newborn is the sickest one here.” Three pound newbies. Heart surgery. Brain injured kids. I was the worst…least likely to live.
READ MORE 

Dad Took Me Shopping for My First Date

Leave a reply

Brimming with joy, I was ready to fly.

Today’s story is from Kimberly D. Green Yates.

My first date. It was time. He was a handsome guy, savvier than I. Quite a bit taller. Dark eyes.

Dad first date

Kimberly and her dad

Dinner, for certain. Dancing perhaps? Would he open my door? Should I kiss him goodnight? Money was tight, but my parents both said,

“It’s your first date, let’s do it right.”

Mom told me what to expect. How to act like a lady in every respect. Dad took me shopping. Shiny white shoes. A faux fur stole, purse to match. The coolest thing? A gorgeous blue dress.
READ MORE 

The Weight of His Father’s Shadow

Leave a reply

Wealth. Access. Status. Options.
Kids of fame have it made.

Today’s story is about Scott Newman, son of Paul Newman, garnered from public sources.

“Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.” –Democritus
his father's shadow

Paul Newman and his son Scott Newman

Paul Newman is remembered for much. Star of the screen. Stunning good looks. A 50-year marriage. “Newman’s Own” foods.

Scott, Paul’s only son, dwelt in the darkness of his father’s shadow. Joanne Woodward, Paul’s second wife and Scott’s stepmom, commented, “When the kids go anywhere with him, they can be pushed aside by fans, as if they don’t count, as if they’re nothing in themselves.”

A friend observed, “He was always competing with his father’s image.”
READ MORE