Tag Archives: life lesson

Burnt Biscuit

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“A healthy attitude is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.”

—Tom Stoppard

Today’s story is from Art Ernst.

Burnt biscuit

Art Ernst

Most Savvy Dad stories are special. Some are what we call 10+. That means as good as they get. On that scale, this is an 11.

We found this story floating around the Internet in different forms, “author unknown”. A bit of detective work by our own Chris Neck turned up the original author, original story and some very cool background.

Heat up your coffee. Pour some more tea. Savor this moment. You’re in for a treat.

We’ll start with the email Chris received from the now 85-year old author. Then, in its original form, enjoy one of most touching dad stories (and best life lessons) you’ll ever read. READ MORE 

Six Lessons I Learned From My Dad

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“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.”

—Vernon Law

Today’s story is from Josh Linkner.

Six lessons from dad

Three generations: Josh (red shirt), his dad, and his son Noah (who will be 16 next month).

Robert Linkner was one strange dude. He forged his own path as he journeyed from hippie to psychologist to retailer to financial planner. He had a hilarious, dark sense of humor, was an incredible chef and had a series of oddball hobbies. He took pride that his tastes in music, travel, food, and life were always a bit different than the average Joe. His life ended far too early when we lost him to cancer in 2007.

It’s natural to miss your dad on Father’s Day, but this year I began to reflect on the lessons he taught me. Sometimes mysterious in his ways, I now realize he was quite deliberate as he instilled his philosophies in my sister, brother, and me. His wisdom has shaped who I am today, and there’s much to learn from his irreverent, non-traditional approach. READ MORE 

B Positive

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“Momma always said, ‘There’s only so much fortune a man really needs, and the rest is just for showing off…'”

—Forrest Gump

Today’s story is from David Hirsch.

Grandfather

Grandfather Sam Solomon with David (9 mo.), 1961

Sometimes in life, the one we call Dad isn’t our real father. For me, “Dad” was my grandfather, Sam Solomon. He was my greatest role model, a trusted confidant, and my best friend. He taught me by his example many lessons about fatherhood.

Sam and his older brother Joe owned a chain of pharmacies in Chicago, during prohibition and through the 40’s, known as Solomon Bros. Drug Stores. Officially retired at 45, his work was far from complete. He went on to serve as a volunteer pharmacist for an additional 45 years. A man of great humility — he kept just one nice suit for special occasions. READ MORE 

Life Lessons From Remarkable Dads

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“Don’t look back — you’re not going that way.”

—Chubby

Today’s post is a collection of life lessons.

My dad said lots in very few words. In one sentence he often said all. These nuggets of savvy I call “Chubby Rules,” named for my dad.

I’ve shared Chubby Rules with my sons for 25 years. Some were from Dad. Others I’ve gathered along the way. At Savvy Dad, we write stories about remarkable dads. What they do. What they say. How they impact their kids.

Today we do something unique. It’s a collection of lessons from an array of great dads. It’s a gold mine of savvy in very few words — modeled after Chubby Rules from my very own dad. Here’s an original Chubby Rule:

“Learn something about everything, everything about something.”

life lessons READ MORE 

Dad Jumped into My Heart

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On a spring afternoon, a newborn bird fell to the ground.

Today’s story is from Melanie Swiercinski.

Dad jumped into my heart.

Melanie and her dad, John.
Ocean Beach, San Francisco (2011)

“Dad help, please hurry,” I cried. Like a shot, he bolted from the house. I was stretched out on the ground.

The newborn bird looked like a misshapen worm. Eyes sealed. His translucent flesh pale pink, all puckered and worn. Jagged pieces of shell lay spread in the grass. His mom surely figured him dead.

As soon as I called, Dad ran out and dove to the ground. He hurt like I hurt. He felt what I felt. He became me.   READ MORE 

Dad’s Devotion to Mom

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Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

Remember Lise Johnson? We told her story. She hid in a closet as a child of 9. It was Moving Day. Lise wanted to stay. Dad coaxed her out with a promise, “When you start high school, we’ll stop all these moves. I’ll quit my job, if I must. You can make friends. We’ll stay in one place.” Dad kept his word—just like he said. Fast-forward 30 years.

Lise Johnson's mom and dad

Lise’s mom, Joyce, and dad, Ralph.
They were married 48 years.

Lise takes it from here:

Mom became terminally ill. The road to the end was brutal and long. Dad stopped work and stayed home. Caring for Mom was his full-time job. His business folded. We lived off savings.

Mom loved it at home. Dad would have it no other way.

Friends and family helped, but Dad was “on duty” ’round the clock.

In the final two weeks, we moved Mom to Hospice. She needed professional care.   READ MORE 

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.

Tom Hopkins

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.”

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