To Dads…

Happy Father’s Day this coming Sunday!  If you’re lucky enough to have living fathers and grandfathers, give them a big hug Sunday.  If they have passed on, I hope you cherish their memory. 

I remember many things about my Dad.  First and foremost, he smiled a lot.  He laughed easily.  He had a zest for life!  We should all be so lucky.  His memory brings a proud smile to my face (and my heart!). 

The older I get the more I appreciate the love and devotion he gave me and my brother.  He wanted his sons to make a difference.  Plus, he wanted to pass along his family’s traditions.  He also wanted us to be patient with his quirks. 

I remember after my Mom died, my Dad ate dinner at the hospital cafeteria two blocks from his house.  It might have been for the convenience; maybe for the memory of the last place he saw his beloved wife alive. 

Eating dinner at the hospital every evening for over twenty years, the employees eventually thought Al Pokorn actually worked there.  One summer, he was even invited to the company picnic.  I didn’t mind this innocent charade, but when he won a TV in the employee raffle, I told him he had to give it back! 

We’re all a little quirky, I suppose.  Today, when my children use one of my quirky sayings, or demonstrate a family tradition that has been passed down from father to son, it brings a proud smile to my face (and my heart)! 

We Dads hope we’ve instilled a sense of wisdom and common sense in our children: 

Kid wisdom: 

When your Dad is mad at you and asks you, “Do I look stupid?”  Don't answer him. 

Michael 

Dads sometimes have to employ “tough-love”.  The good news is my children are resilient.  Yours are too, I bet.  If we are tough with them from time-to-time, they know - kids are smart: 

A flustered father, stressed out from his day at work, was unsuccessfully texting his kids to come in for dinner.  Finally, he walks out on his porch and yells for his kids to come in. 

At that point one youngster turns to his brother and asks, “I can’t remember, which one am I - Jesus Christ or God Dammit?” 

Unknown Sage 

Because my sons have their children now, I get to follow the tradition of being the grandfather!   I’m still trying to make a difference: 

Sometimes the only difference we can make is passing our wisdom on to someone else who will make the bigger difference. 

Linda B. Gray 

So, here’s to your Dad, my Dad, and all the Dads out there.  They have strived to help each one of us make a difference - a tradition to be passed down. 

GAP 

When life gets tough we could get a helmet… or… we could leverage the peace and share the power of a positive perspective.