Fathers have a lot of responsibility. Trust me, I know. I was the tall kid, which meant I always had to be the dad when my friends and I played house. I’m still a little bitter about it. Anyway, they deserve to be thanked with kind words, gifts and blog posts. So, I thought I would do a quick rundown of the men I’d like to say Happy Father’s Day to.
*****
My Dad
My dad and us kids when we were young’uns.
My Dad and I possibly watching Cinderella for the 100th time. I think I was channeling my inner Evil Stepmother.
What I got from him: my independent nature, sense of humor, a tinge of creativity, the curly hair and maybe, just maybe a pinch of stubbornness.
Fun Fact: My Dad recently told me this story. Many years ago, his friends were going on a road trip. Being the practical joker that he was, he took a can of tuna fish, opened it and stuck it in the back of their car without them knowing. Apparently they didn’t find it for a long time and by that point, the smell was not very enjoyable.
Things he’s taught me:
- that I can do anything I set my mind to
- the importance of education
- that I need to get out of my comfort zone and try new things
- the importance of being able to take care of myself financially (i.e., never ending up in a position where I have to rely on someone else)
- how to think outside the box
- countless tips related to the outdoors/real estate/travelling/pranking
- tennis*
*I guess you could say he failed miserably at this due to the student being a very unwilling participant.
*****
My Granddad
My Granddad holding me and my sister a few months after I was born.
Awww!
What I got from him: highly analytical brain, mad math skills (mine don’t even compare to his)
Fun Fact: My Granddad has trained the squirrels in his backyard to eat out of his hand. It’s pretty cool to watch them come a runnin’ when he walks outside. Retired life is clearly amazing.
*****
My Paw Paw
My Paw Paw with his sideways hat. Always being silly.
My Paw Paw riding my bike and me chasing him (with candy in hand, of course).
What I got from him: sense of humor, silliness
Fun Fact: My Paw Paw lives in a sweet retirement community where he’s recently started performing stand-up comedy. I had the pleasure of watching an excerpt from his act and it was very funny. He’s quite the entertainer.
*****
Happy Father’s Day to these fathers and grandfathers and all the other fathers and grandfathers out there!
Lovely tribute to the fathers in your life. As for the tuna prank? Very funny. As long as it’s not my car…
Thanks! And yeah…if I ever find a can of tuna fish in my car I think I’ll know who’s responsible.
Your dad was very good looking, not so much your siblings……
Very funny, Dad.
Let’s hear it for dads. Growing up without one, I definitely appreciate those dads who do the dad thing.
I think they’re often underappreciated, which is sad because they have such important roles.
What a very good way to give a loving tribute to Blake, Sam, and Eddie. I enjoyed the photos too.
Thanks Aunt Joy!
Very nice tribute!
Thanks! I think I may have earned some “best child” points
Aw, loved all the pictures, too sweet! Happy Father’s day to them both!
Thanks Darla!
Your dad does stand up, and had a wicked awesome mustache. I wish he was my dad too. Feel free to pass that on to him.
That mustache was a fixture in our lives for many years. I kind of miss it.
Sounds like you an awesome bunch of guys in your life. Happy Father’s Day to them!
Thanks Audrey! I thought they deserved a nice tribute. Socks and ties can only cut it for so long.
That’s really cool about your granddad performing stand up. Developing new skills late in life and vigorously participating in group activities have been shown to slow the effects of aging on the body and on cognitive abilities. Of course, if he’s doing comedy, the cognitive skills are obviously there.
Yeah, I think it’s so great that he stays so active. I would love to be that active at even half his age.
I think your dad really is Magnum P.I.!
Love the pictures and the great things you have learned from them. Dads and grandpas rock!
Thanks!
He looks just like him, huh?!