This is where I share great lessons from other dads. They were relayed to me by daughters and sons. What he did. What he said. The difference he made in their lives.
The Lucky Buck For His Newborn Son
“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. They “bagged” my head. APGAR score “1” – […]Read moreDad Took Me Shopping for My First Date
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. Dinner, for certain. Dancing perhaps? Would he open my door? Should I kiss him goodnight? Money was tight, but […]Read moreThe Weight of His Father's Shadow
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 Paul Newman is remembered for much. Star of the screen. Stunning good looks. A 50-year marriage. […]Read moreDad Taught Respect and Courtesy Through Two Words – Mahogany Desk
He was born above a small country store. July 15, 1939. Hillsboro, Tennessee. Today’s story is from Calvin LeHew. My dad’s parents worked into the night. Money was tight. The elementary school was without plumbing. His dad, Alton ‘Red’ LeHew, only finished third grade. His mom, Leola, made it through sixth. They both died of […]Read moreMy Uncle Greg Told Me A Family Secret
I didn’t have a dad growing up. Mom raised me, for the most part. Today’s story is from Jason Fields. I did have an uncle. His name was Greg. Uncle Greg taught me something special about me. It was 1981, another bleak, freezing Cincinnati winter. My name is Jason. I was 5 at the time. […]Read moreMy Dad, Jim Henson, Taught Us Learning Is Cool
His teachings were brilliant, lessons of felt. Lessons of Felt? Today’s story is from Lisa Henson, daughter of Jim Henson of Muppet fame. He “fathered” thousands…but never met most. Jim Henson fathered The Muppets. Creatures of felt. He brought us Sesame Street, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, so much more. Jim Henson taught us that learning […]Read moreFalse Pressure From Dad
Yells, screams. Acid to the stomach. Stress on the heart. by Greg Hague We fought into the night. A wife? A girlfriend? Nope. It was my dad. In 1977, I broke up with Chubby. This is a story very few know. For over a year I hated the man I loved. He felt the same […]Read moreDad Taught Me the Value of Approaching Life in a Different Way
The announcement came over the school PA. Today’s story is from Brian Hague. Eyes turned and focused on me. Run for the door? Slide under the desk? Is embarrassment fatal? I am now dead. It was my dad. He did it again! My name is Brian. It’s been 23 years. I was 11. Monday morning. […]Read moreMy Father Was 'The Coach' But No Task Was Too Low
No one commanded respect like ‘The Coach.’ Today’s story is from Jean Herges. Everyone noticed, everyone stopped. The cockiest kids lowered their gaze, boys obeyed. “He scares me,” admitted a burly linebacker friend. I smiled. I knew a secret about Dad. But first, let me set the stage. We lived in a small Minnesota town […]Read moreDad's Shared Stories Turned into My Dream
1965. East Lansing, Michigan. Cattle Auction. Today’s story is from Jan Miller McGilliard. Allen Miller leaned against a metal gate pole. The auctioneer’s call echoed the walls. It filled the hall. Farmers frantically bid. Cows sold. Every one was destined to go. Allen was no buyer tonight. He needed to sell his prize Jersey cow. […]Read more