Father's Day

 

Well, Father's Day is coming up this weekend, so I thought I would bookend my prior post on Mother's Day with a little post about my Dad. See Dad? I told you I would!

When I look back on my childhood and days growing up, I often think how different my Dad was from all the other dads. Many of my friends' dads were very predictable and taciturn-- no, let me rephrase that-- they were downright BORING. But my dad was always an early adopter. He was always doing, saying, and encouraging the unpredictable... offering an alternative vision... and taking the road less traveled. Often quite literally. 

There is always an alternative, and authority should always be questioned...if not, on occasion, disregarded entirely. Often, that is what our family chose, and we still do; and this stems directly from the Tao of Dad.  While being different is not always the easier way, it is more fulfilling, and richer, and more amusing.

So, before you go doing what everyone else is doing, or doing something just because everyone else is doing it, consider the alternative. Before you go getting something new, see if you can fix what you have. You might not be able to, but it will make a hysterical story if you can't. Before you discard something old, look for the history in it. Before you pass something off as different, ugly, uncool, or even downright weird, ask yourself if that's really true, or if it's just new to your eyes. And...and this is important...don't let anyone ever tell you what to think. Because you can think for yourself, and it's more fun.

Thanks Dad. I love you!

 

 

Comments

[Brittany]

Aren't cool dads just the best?? My dad was so awesome to have around when I was growing up. And still is. Can't wait to play frisbee golf on the course they built in the woods around our house next time I'm home! Great post, Susy.

[Greta]

I think it is the capital achievement of any parent to pass on life lessons that can be shared with family and friends. This is such a lovely post for that reason, as through reading it, we can all admire your father.
And yes, I too relate to having a creative father, for my own always taught me to follow my heart, and to "think positive," because then one can be ready for the good opportunities when they come. He has shown me this approach through his actions, not only words.
Thank you for this wonderful post, and happy fathers day to your father, too!

[bonbon oiseau]

Wow! I love the tao of your dad! What a coolio guy! Words to live by, life affirming absolutely!

[Susy]

Thank you everyone : ) I'm glad you liked the post. My dad liked it too. Greta - I totally agree with you on parents passing on life lessons..

As Soren Kirkegaard said (sp?) "The loving mother teaches the child to walk alone."

: )