I’ve always heard that we can count our most truly precious relationships on one hand. I think it’s both hands, though. Because what would we be without – whether blood or not – our grandparents, our parents or alternate mentors filling that role, our siblings, a few best friends, the last mate that we eventually find to love. And then for some, the next cycle… precious children.
That makes it two hands and a half, then.
It’s too easy to forget how these handful of people shape our lives, through many many really good times and through plenty of bad.
In thinking and talking about Father’s Day this week, it was a pleasant surprise to realize that everyone on our team has a meaningful relationship with their father. All living but one, this little ode is in honor (and memory) of all of our dads.
Love,
Carrie
I’ve been so blessed to be surrounded by such great men my whole life. Both of my grandfathers were best friends. My dad and I often talk about my grandfathers and the funny things they would say. My Dad and I carry that same friendship that my grandfathers had and now my Dad is a grandfather. Life has come full circle. Love you, Dad!
- Matt
This is a photo of me and my dad on Father’s Day in 1979. Every year on this day, my mom, brother, 2 sisters and I would wake up early, sneak down to the kitchen and make him a surprise breakfast in bed!
I love my dad because he raised us under super strict standards, but incorporated ridiculous fun all at the same time. He taught me and held me accountable to a hard hard work ethic, good manners and an uber respect for my peers and elders. In contrast… on the long drive to school in the mornings (we were always on the verge of being tardy!), he would jam Willie Nelson as loud as the dial would allow, tell crude jokes and pass cars on the wrong side of the road! We laughed our heads off.
The greatest lesson that my dad has taught me, though, and why I love him so much… Every day in his 25 years of sobriety, he has dedicated himself to work the 12th step of Alcoholics Anonymous. It applies to all of us, no matter if we are in the program or not. Because of the process of being helped with our struggles, this step encourages us to, in turn, help others everyday, forever. His dedication to this principle has taught me a valuable life lesson.
- Carrie
Three characteristics that my pops has instilled in me and my sisters are: humility, humor and hard work. Always encouraged and supported by him, I feel particularly blessed to run around out in the big, wild world knowing that home is where he is. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
- Erin
My father is affectionate and sensitive. I appreciate very much that he did not raise me to be a “tough guy.” He has always worked very hard for his family and has taught me (directly and indirectly) many valuable things that have made me who I am today. He should be proud of his accomplishments as a man and as a father.
- Ian
My dad has always been incredibly supportive of me and my endeavors. He taught me to follow my heart, my wild and crazy dreams, and to do what makes me happy. He’s always loved me for who I am, and never pushed me to be anything different. Thanks for everything, Dad!
- Elise
I love my dad and have so many great memories – especially with such a young dad (he’s 22 in this pic). Matching windsuits throughout the 90s, Dave Matthews Band, sangria, Bobby McFerrin, Gus Macker Basketball Tournaments. He used to wear a Planet Hollywood hat all the time. We both love the movie “Cocktail.” He taught me how to talk to people.
- Mic
My favorite thing about my dad is that he always taught me to follow the right path and make good decisions.
- Juan
My dad is my inspiration… He is everything I hope to be as a person and has achieved everything in life I can only hope to achieve as well. My dad taught me that dreams can come true, even wishes you didn’t even know you had, beyond what your imagination could create. My love for my dad supersedes words.
- Kristen
I remember driving up at night, with gas station snacks in hand (soda + candy were not normally “allowed”). We camped in an old army green canvas tent with matching cots. Too excited about our weekend of adventure to sleep, we stayed up well into the night talking about our upcoming adventures and enjoying the wild.
I don’t remember how old I was or what we talked about. Looking back, I realize that this was the beginning of a great friendship.
- Jonathan
My dad is the smartest, craziest, talented, most loving man I have ever known. His love, no matter what, was his best lesson.
- Jay
My favorite memories with my dad are in the summer when we go to my family’s place in Nags Head – he wakes me up, cup of coffee in hand, and we sit on the deck and watch the sunrise over the ocean.
The most valuable thing he has taught me is to love and appreciate food and drink from all cultures, varieties, textures, animal parts, etc. and the knowledge to sustain my own garden.
- Jessica
My favorite memory is, after a fight, my father was always the first to apologize. He also taught me martial arts.
- Nestor
My dad has always influenced me by how vibrantly he loves what he loves. My favorite memories with him are almost always centered around his infectious passion for music. From a very young age, we would ride around listening to Neil Young, Dylan, Fleetwood Mac and Lauryn Hill. Over the years, he has driven far and wide to see countless shows. My favorite show we’ve seen together was Neil at The Ryman in June 2010. The joy I see in him when he is discovering a new record, singing (too loudly in my ear) at a much-anticipated show, or telling me and my sisters a story behind a song, is simply an inspiration. Love you, Daddy.
- Clark
My dad grew up in the province. He was farm-raised in the Philippines. Amongst 9 children, he was the middle child with 4 older sisters and 4 younger sisters. He was the only boy.
There are multiple ‘American Dream’ and ‘overcame adversity’-type stories when thinking about my pops – too many to mention – but what he taught me is the simple lesson of “there are no shortcuts,” and the awareness that there is no substitute for hard work. He has an incredible facility for singular purpose, an adeptness I strive for daily.
- Brian
