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+

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

Dads Are Coaches for Life

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Dads Are Coaches for Life . . .

College game day.
The stadium exploded, a deafening roar.

Today’s story is from Ben Thompson. His father is Rick.

Virginia Tech had just beaten No. 1 ranked Duke, 64-60. The game was hard fought, a squeaker throughout. Victorious, Ben looked into the crowd. His eyes focused only on one.

Father and son, Rick and Ben Thompson

When Ben was Young Rick worked with his son from the moment he could dribble a ball. This father knew his stuff. He was a revered high school basketball coach. His team won the state championship in 1991.

Under Rick’s charge, Ben blossomed into a star.

He was the captain of the team his dad brilliantly coached.

A grown-up Ben was now coaching at Florida’s Saint Leo University, a small NCAA Division II team. Then came the day he received a momentous call, from Virginia Tech, his alma mater. A dream job was offered to this very young man. Would he coach at Virginia Tech? The catch, “We need to know now.” READ MORE

Kids Don’t Die Young

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Kids Don’t Die Young . . .

The order of things.

by Greg Hague

Corey today.

We presume an order to life.

Have kids when we’re young.
Die when we’re old.
Dads pass before sons.

It’s not always that way. June 30, 2000 – Corey’s 19th birthday. A new high school grad, Santa Clara awaited that fall. This young man exemplified ethics, kindness, quality friends…everything right. We went with Corey to a party at his best friend’s home. 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.

Author Archives: Greg Hague

About Greg Hague

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.

Dads Are Coaches for Life

Dads Are Coaches for Life . . .

College game day.
The stadium exploded, a deafening roar.

Today’s story is from Ben Thompson. His father is Rick.

Under Rick’s charge, Ben blossomed into a star.

Kids Don’t Die Young

Kids Don’t Die Young . . .

The order of things.

by Greg Hague

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

About Greg Hague

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.

Dads Are Coaches for Life . . .

College game day. The stadium exploded, a deafening roar.

Today’s story is from Ben Thompson. His father is Rick.

Under Rick’s charge, Ben blossomed into a star.

Kids Don’t Die Young . . .

The order of things.

by Greg Hague

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.

College game day.
The stadium exploded, a deafening roar.