We’ve asked this before and we’ll likely ask it again because it’s a beam of light into what makes us, as individuals and as a community, great dads and moms. Sometimes, we find out that dad imparting some truly valuable lessons with his wise words or through his positive actions but often we find out that dad taught the moms and dads of our Facebook community how to be a parent through less pleasant means, because he left or was abusive. Here’s a glimpse into the foundation of some of our Life of Dad users.
Steven Alexander: I learned to be persistent and follow through. I learned to be passionate. I learned how to play guitar. I learned how to cherish family, and how to be kind to others. He taught me patience. He also showed me that a father can give life to his son twice when he donated a kidney to me. And he taught me humility and grace.
Barbara Hart Waldorf: My Dad could never say I love you or you’re beautiful. But his diaries spoke volumes. He loved his babies and took us everywhere with him while Mom stayed home.
Chris Lassen: I learned that being miserable and shady in every aspect of your life is absolutely no way to live and will only leave you without your kids and grandkid in your life.
Stacey Netzel: I never knew my dad but he taught me just how important family is. How not to give up. Persue more. Be there for ones you love.
Sarena Gulseren: He taught me to never give up and always believe in myself, to follow my goals regardless of what other people think. After he passed, he also taught me to never take life for granted, and to take time to appreciate the small things.. And to spend as much time as you can with the people you love before it’s too late. Miss you dad.
Jennifer Drogalis DeAngelo: You don’t always need to join the conversation. Sometimes you learn more just by listening. (My dad is a quiet guy in most social settings….as am I).
Jack Robinson: I can’t remember the exact quote I read but it was something like this:
“When I was a kid my father was a fool, but as I grew up, I was surprised at how much he had learned.” I feel bad for those that have lost theirs but cherish every second I have with my own. My strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, and desire fore a close family, the ability to fix nearly anything man made, among other things, are attributed to my dad.
Tim Runstrom: “Do it right, or don’t do it at all.” He was teaching me not to take shortcuts in life. When you have a job, you do it to your fullest potential. I teach that to my kids now.
John Hart: A lot, but not enough; he died when I was 18 and just starting college. But, in large part from the settlement with the state (he died on the job for the corrections department) he allowed me to continue beyond college and get another degree to do the type of stuff he would have loved.
Aaron Hughes: All the things not to do to my own kids. A great example of how not to be. When a dilemma comes up I will think of my father and try to be the opposite.
Brianna Thorpe: My father taught me that time together is more important then what we have or what we can buy. He worked hard and spent every penny on us kids. And now the time I have with him is numbered and I cherish every moment.