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Jun 2008 Issue
By Sherrie Mackelprang
Dads Have A Lot Of Wisdom
My dad taught me that eggs taste better with ham, gas stations are for buying sodas; ice cream goes with movies; old cars are cool; don’t feel sorry for yourself; help somebody else; and Mom doesn’t need to know everything. Dads share their wisdom as they live and breathe, passing on memories and timeless advice. I always knew my dad was smart, and he’s in that club with a lot if other smart dads. I hope to shed some light on a few of the things that smart dads know.
Dads Know About What Is Important
Raised in the prickly desert of Mesquite, my dad’s early years were spent with cows, horses, and piano lessons. His exterior is as weathered as the land, with calloused hands and a farmer’s tan. Driven by work, but soaking in the good times, Dad knows about things that matter. Family, faith, music, a hard day’s work, and laughter take the top priority. Little things like dirty dishes, bed-head, or mismatched socks never bothered him very much. We were always good enough just the way we were. Shoes on our feet, clothes on our backs, and food in our bellies were all we really needed.
Dads Know About Big Stuff
Talent shows, car wrecks, tuition, and missions have all been on his agenda. Tapping his foot, he is the biggest fan at a family member’s performance. Racing from work, he overlooks a smashed car and thousands of dollars worth of damage, and gives his teenager a hug. When college tuition came due, Dad picked up side jobs on the weekends to help meet the bill. Missions are a big deal to Dad, too. More weekend work and less time for himself don’t bring him down.
Dads Know About Choices
He knows that kids can make dumb ones. He is ready to set us straight, but if someone else criticizes one of his kids, he’ll throw the first punches.
Dads Know About Cooking
An expert in the kitchen, Dad knew how to call his friends at the local restaurant for a deal on ingredients. He’d load up all the pots and pans and get them filled with steaming food while the family was away. Then we’d all come home to a scrumptious dinner. Dad is also in charge of the meat. All steaks, burgers, and meatloaf require his expertise.
Dads Know About Hard Times
Dad managed to keep Mom at home for us kids even when the bank account was empty and the cupboards were nearly bare. He understands defeat as he watched a business wash down the drain and new employment had to be found. He showed us how to bounce back and start completely over when you feel like you’ve lost it all.
Dads Know About Moms
Dad knew to take us all shopping to get our mom a Mother’s Day gift. He knew it was important to let us kids have some say in what we bought. I fell in love with a pink plastic flower arrangement that was on display for Memorial Day. My mother was surprised with the funeral bouquet, and my dad had a good chuckle as I bubbled about the beautiful flowers.
Dads Know About Relaxing
Sitting on a tailgate with a burger and fries is better than an ocean cruise. Fishing and hunting are not about game, but about telling stories, driving boats, and shooting all the bullets.
Dads Take Care Of Friends
If someone’s car won’t start or pipes leak, Dad is on site fixing things up. He’s been known to get a friend a car or give a financial boost when times were tough. Then he’d tweak the budget so Mom wouldn’t worry. He also takes care of his kids’ friends, including them on outings and letting them stay when they needed a place to sleep.
Dads Know How To Live Life To The Fullest
A life of selfless service given to those he loves. With a quiet awareness of our challenges and triumphs, Dad still cheers us on. Always putting himself last, he values the moment over the schedule, the budget, or even his own fatigue.
Dads know how to touch the life of a child with goodness and love forever.
