Much in the same way I compiled a list of those things my mother had taught us, as Father’s Day comes around, the thoughts and reflections of Dad are strong. Those quirks and qualities, the small observances, have now become part of his children. Much the same as with our mom, after he was gone the emails began to fly back and forth between us as we added our memories. On his birthday and on Father’s Day, I share them with my siblings so we can again remember. As we added things to the list, we smiled, got some laughs and maybe shed a tear, too. What did you learn from your father? Here are sixty-one things (of many) we learned from ours:
- How to play chess
- It feels wonderful falling asleep before a dying fire
- How to draw
- An appreciation for diverse music, including classical
- Reading is enjoyable
- A love of Kurt Vonnegut
- To be a fan of Roald Dahl
- Finding the “Nina’s” in Hirschfeld’s drawings every Sunday
- The magic of Grand Central Station
- You can rise from the ashes
- How to reinvent yourself
- An appreciation of art and museums
- Sometimes it’s better to get someone else to teach your kids to drive
- Everyone should learn to drive a standard transmission
- An appreciation of film as art
- Creativity comes in many forms
- How to imitate Sean Connery and John Wayne
- Ego can take you pretty far, but not all the way
- You can go from the very bottom to the top and fall down again – and adjust to either
- Harsh verbal criticism is not easily forgotten
- Intelligent men can be made fools by attractive women
- Doodling on paper and paper napkins is a natural thing
- Don’t be afraid to dress in your own style
- No matter how old you are, you can pursue learning
- Naps are important
- How to give a good foot massage
- How to pour a beer without making a head
- A penchant for collecting things
- Fondue
- Try different types of cuisine
- Travel the world
- Exercise all your life
- First appearances can be important
- Baskin-Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream!
- Halvah
- The Sunday New York Times
- Crossword Puzzles
- The Funnies
- Word Play
- Crumb cake
- Not taking no for an answer
- Artistic ability
- A love of dogs
- A love of the beach
- A college education is important
- Promote yourself
- What a finger bowl is used for
- An interest in the Olympics
- An appreciation for great athletes
- How to box
- Camp songs around the fire
- Ghost stories
- Commercials can be an art form
- Cartoons are best drawn with a marker pen
- Bow ties can look cool
- Suspenders are not just for holding up your pants
- There is a nice aroma to good pipe tobacco
- The wonder of New York City
- Sen-Sen
- However simple the gift, give the best you can
- Be proud of your accomplishments
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