Tag Archives: daughter

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 

Dad Took Me Shopping for My First Date

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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.
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My Dad, Jim Henson, Taught Us Learning Is Cool

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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 is cool.
Counting to ten could be fun.
Jim Henson, Learning is Cool

Lisa Henson with her father Jim Henson*

But what was it like to be a real Henson kid? “We were always doing extraordinary things,” says Lisa, now 53 (the same age as Jim when he died). Making it fun was how the Henson kids learned that learning is cool.

“Dad (and Mom) were always up for play,” says Brian, 50. Games and more games. And felt puppets—of course.

Jim taught his kids through engagement and fun, lessons of felt. Brian, a technical whiz, Dad taught puppet building. Lisa showed a knack for editing. “From age 12, I read and gave feedback on his scripts… ”
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My Father Was ‘The Coach’ But No Task Was Too Low

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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.

Dad does it all

Jean and her dad Pete Herges, 82

I knew a secret about Dad. But first, let me set the stage. We lived in a small Minnesota town (of 1,600). Sports dominated our life. Farming was most everyone’s trade.

Dad was Athletic Director. He also coached football and golf. In our sports town, he was ‘The Coach.’ I was a cheerleader for the team.

What was my secret on Dad? Dad disappeared after Friday night games, also on Saturdays. What took him away? Fishing? Golf? Secret outings with “the guys”? Many speculated, few knew.    READ MORE 

Dad’s Shared Stories Turned into My Dream

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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.
dad's shared stories

Jan’s dad Allen Miller in World War II
on the shores of England.

“Final call, I’ve got four hundred. Going once, going twice.” The gavel slammed down on a hard wooden block. Sold! She was gone.

Allen, a small dairy farmer in rural Michigan, was a hard working man. This Jersey was his pride. It was revered among neighbors and friends. Allen had done what dads often do…give what they have so their kids can have more. He collected the $400 with a big country man’s smile.

His 16-year-old daughter could now have her childhood dream.

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My Dad Taught Me About Life Through the Power of Silence

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I was never punished as a child.

Today’s story is from Bridget Meager.

Dad punished others. Fines. Imprisonment. That was his job. Just not me. For me he used the power of silence.

the power of silence

The Honorable Charles William Bradley,
Bridget’s father

My name is Bridget. I am the proud daughter of the Honorable Charles William Bradley, Louisiana District Court Judge for 25 years.

As a soldier, my father was a Dachau concentration camp liberator. As a lawyer, he interviewed Holocaust survivors. He later became a war crimes tribunal judge.

Firsthand, he’s seen the worst on this earth. It showed in the look in his eyes. You watched yourself around Dad.

Father had punished many. He’d seen the result. With children, he thought it was not the best way. He preferred the power of silence.    READ MORE 

A Father’s Advice on Borrowing for His 10-Year-Old Daughter

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School was out! I hopped on the bus headed for home.

Today’s story is from Katie McDevitt.

A young lady of 10, a 10-year-old, I was anxious to play outside with my friends.

A father's advice for his 10-year-old

Jim Reid, Katie’s dad

As we rounded the corner, there was my house. My face squished tight to the glass. What did I see? In the front lawn, my little red bike. Why was I distressed?

Stop for a moment. Pretend you are me. What do you see?

A “For Sale” sign tied to the bars of my bike. “For Sale?” I thought. My red bike was my life.

What had I done? Really! I was just a a 10-year-old. Want to relate? Imagine someone towed off your car! I jumped off the bus. Ran ‘cross the yard. Flew into the house.    READ MORE