Me: Dad, make me a sandwich!
Dad: Poof! You’re a sandwich!
Ah, yes. Dads. They’re known for their jokes. Their collection of neckties sporting snowmen and blinking lights. Their stories of walking to school uphill - both ways - in the snow. Their proclamation that defense wins championships.
And though we may not recognize it until we stop to reflect, they sprinkle our days and years with advice. Wisdom that they’ve compiled and passed down from generations, but are strong and solid and lasting. These simple tidbits make an impact on us as we travel through our lifetimes, and this Father’s Day, we want to pause and celebrate their guidance.
So, today, we share with you the things we learned from our fathers. The words and experiences that changed us and formed us into who we are today, and the lessons we pass on to our own children. Perhaps many of the sentiments and stories shared by our team here at 99 Walks will be familiar. Or perhaps your life lessons were expressed differently. But today, let’s all be grateful for the ones who influenced us and cherish those memories and the heart that was behind it all.
Sherry: “Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.” My father told me this advice 17 years ago I still live by his advice to this day. Here is a cool quote from Elbert Hubbard that is similar to my Father’s advice: “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.”
Megan: My dad gave me so much advice growing up, but I think my favorite bit he gave me was in the middle of the night, sitting in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit after he had suffered from a massive heart attack. He was finally coming around and was able to have a popsicle. He cracked the biggest smile and said, "This isn't all bad, they have banana popsicles!" I laughed and cried and laughed some more. He told me later that no matter the situation, look for laughter and ways to make others smile. Smiles are contagious and you never know when someone around you needs a little uplifting. It's been 5 years this month since we lost him and I miss his smile more than anything.
Jamie: My dad taught me the importance of showing up for people you love and how the little things matter most. My favorite memories of my dad are spending Sunday afternoons on our sailboat when I was like 10 years old and then going out to eat hotdogs and milkshakes by the water. He always made me feel like I was the most important person in the world to him when we were together. Actually, he still makes me feel like that today. He's never distracted by work or his phone, he's focused on being present in that moment. He's like that now with my boys, his grandkids, and it gives me something to strive for as a parent because I want my boys to feel about me the way I feel about him.
Noelle: “Fight for everything you want.” My dad has said this to me since I was a little girl, but most importantly, he always shows it. He grew up as the youngest in his family and was used to fighting for everything. Even in his toughest times, he dealt with adversity as if it was a friend, not a stranger. He reminded me of this when I wanted to make the varsity squad of cheerleading during my first year in high school, as well as my dream job out of college with the Intelligence Unit of a police department. I have learned that this is not only great advice, but it is something I will pass down to my own children and will be sure to let them know that he taught this to me.
Jessica: My dad is a superhero of sorts and he embodies the ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality. My dad is constantly moving and working. He works long 12-15 hour days and still manages to show up and help family and friends. If you catch my dad on his day off, he will probably be on a ladder or fixing something. And for all the work my dad does, he relaxes and plays. He is a world traveler, a frequent cruiser, knows the best spots all around the world to get a beer, he sails, he laughs, and he loves. When I grow up, I wanna be just like my dad.
Mary: My dad has taught me a lot of practical things over the years -- how to mow the grass, how to save for retirement and how to drive stick shift. He also taught me to take the back roads, to do things right the first time, that being on time is late, how to be a smartass, that everything has a place at home (though to be fair, I struggle with that one), and that regularly getting breakfast together at the local diner is the best way to stay connected with family.
Erin: When I was about to graduate from college, my dad took me suit shopping to get ready for my upcoming job interviews. It was probably the only time I ever saw him set foot in the mall, but he knew the importance of looking professional and put together. For as long as I can remember, he worked in sales, so I watched him and learned that first impressions were everything. Look good, feel good, and show confidence in who you are and what you have to offer. And always lead with a firm handshake, a habit I have gotten many a positive, albeit surprised, reaction from the person on the receiving end.
Joyce: Among many other lessons, my dad is the person who taught me the transformative power of a walk. I was sixteen and walked in from school in a very bad mood. I don’t know if it was a poor grade, mean girls, or maybe it was about a boy … it was high school so it could have been any one of those things or it could have been nothing. My dad, who has a deep and instinctual understanding of people (especially me) took one look and said “go for a walk, and then we’ll talk.” Taking his advice, I dropped my backpack on the red couch in the den and walked out the door. I returned home two miles later and I vividly remember how my mood had shifted. One very specific memory, but there are so, so many more lessons my dad taught me.
Happy Father’s Day.