Tag Archives: quote

Dig In Your Heels

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“If you can make it growing up with me, you’ll do just fine out there in the world.”

—Gerry Benedick to his son

Today’s story is from Matt Benedick.

A blizzard had just ravaged the state. Schools closed. Perilous roads. Everything froze, all covered with ice. Dad took me out in the cold on a long trek through the woods. We were alone, isolated deep in the trees. My hands became numb. Eyes started to burn. Legs ached. Feet froze. Cheeks were red as a plum.

Dig in your heels

Matt, age 4, and Dad in Bryce Mountain, VA

Silence. Dad said not a word. Neither did I. Complain? Yes, that’s what I wanted to do. But I knew my dad. I could sense, this was no time to whimper and moan. After a while I began to slow down. Could I go on? I wasn’t sure. But Dad was — we walked on.

At the crest, the sun bathed the mountains in pink-orange bliss. Suddenly Dad stopped, standing cold still. Truly, you could hear the snow melt in the glistening mountaintop sun. That’s how quiet it was.

My name is Matt Benedick. This is a story about my dad, Gerry. READ MORE 

Son Succeeds His Own Way — My Dad Harvey Mackay

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“A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline.”

—Harvey Mackay

Father’s Day exclusive ‘Son Succeeds His Own Way — My Dad Harvey Mackay’, by David Mackay

#1 New York Times Bestseller

#1 New York Times Bestseller

Harvey Mackay, #1 New York Times best selling author, including ‘Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive.’ Founder, Mackay Mitchell Envelope Company, producing over 25 million envelopes a day. A personal friend… a remarkable guy.

David Mackay, Harvey’s son. Quite a success, too. Stanford grad. Accomplished film director. His credits include the recent Hallmark Channel hit ‘Naughty Or Nice,’ and the Disney Channel premiere movie, ‘Breaking Free.’ A personal friend… a remarkable guy.

In David’s words:

“Growing up, I realized that it just wouldn’t be right to follow in my dad’s footsteps. READ MORE 

Dolly Parton – No Patience for Pretense

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“Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.”

—Judy Garland

Story from Dolly Parton’s autobiography, ‘My Life and Other Unfinished Business.’

That silly preacher picked the wrong day to bother Lee Parton. His daughter remembers it well. Lee was “sweatin’ and a’groanin’ tryin’ to get a stump out of the ground.”

Dolly Parton's album, First Gathering

Parton’s first self-produced album

That snooty ol’ preacher? There he was in his starched collar, grinning at Lee over the fence. “This particular preacher wasn’t much of a help to anybody. And he seemed to show up only when he was out beatin’ the bushes for money,” Lee’s daughter, Dolly, recalls. (Yes, that Dolly Parton. This is a story from Dolly’s autobiography about her very smart dad.)

At the time, Dolly was around five, and the Partons were poor as dirt, but rich in pride. They were coming up, too. Dolly’s dad worked hard to provide. READ MORE 

‘Cats in the Cradle’ — Harry Chapin

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“You should live every day like it’s your last day ‘cause one day you’re gonna be right.”

—Ray Charles

Savvy Dad recently interviewed musician, activist, and mom Jen Chapin.

“My child arrived just the other day.
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay.”

You know the song… “Cats in the Cradle.”

“Cats in the Cradle” was a #1 hit for Jen’s dad, Harry Chapin.

What few people know… It was a poem written by Jen’s mom, Sandy. “Mom and dad’s relationship was based on sharing poetry and ideas,” says Jen. READ MORE 

Daughter becomes Nashville Music Star

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“Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow”

—Abdul Kalam

Today’s story is from Nicole Johnson.

Nicole dreamed Nashville… and Dad.

father

Nicole and her dad.

You may recognize Nicole’s lovely face… and golden voice. At just 18 she appeared on “The Voice,” Season 3. Nicole didn’t just “appear” on that stage. Her dad (and mom) gave up much so their girl could play.

Nicole had a dream — then only thirteen. Come hell or high water, she was determined to succeed. She told Savvy Dad, “I was young, barely a teen, but I was focused, intense… committed that nothing would stand in my way.”

However, at thirteen you need more than talent and grit. You need parents willing to sacrifice big. It started with expensive coaching, a burden on Dad. And, Nashville was the place to perform — where anyone trying to make it in country music needed to be. READ MORE 

Mother to None. Mom to Thousands.

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“Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.”

—Sun Tzu

Today’s story is from Kaziah Hancock.

A mother to none. Cervical cancer robbed her of that. But in a sense, she is a mom to thousands.

mom

Kaziah’s first portrait of a fallen soldier:
James Cawley of Utah.

Fallen soldiers. They are her daughters and sons. She’s never met a single one, but she’s loved — and mourned — many. They gave their lives protecting our country. She brings them to life on canvas. She gives them a presence in homes left behind. A lasting memory for those they loved most.

Kaziah Hancock is sometimes referred to as the Goat Woman. She lives on a small ranch in Utah with, you guessed it… about 100 goats. She’s a big-hearted lady who exudes independence and strength. To do what she does, you could be nothing less.

She explains in a news interview, “I don’t know how political I am. I don’t get into all that crap. I just love freedom, ok?” READ MORE 

Emotion of Fools

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“The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.”

—William Penn

Today’s story is from Melanie.

Emotion of fools. I learned it from Dad.

Was I careless that day? Or was it jealousy? I was Daddy’s little girl. His favorite. His world revolved around me. At least that’s what I thought…

jealousy

The Dodge

Dad brought her home on a Sunday. I watched through the window. They pulled up together. She was impressive I have to admit. Jealously? It flooded through me. There they stood, side by side. She had stolen Dad away from me! I was dismayed.

“Tons of power. American-made…” he shouted out to our neighbor across the way. “And I got a heck of a deal!” Yes, that’s right. She was a brand new, top of the line Dodge. A pickup, it was. Jet black. Shiny bright rims. Oversized bed. It had it all. READ MORE