These are things I learned from my Dad
Once - OK, more than once - I went out and partied all night long and came home at 3 am and my dad was on his way to work. We were like two ships passing in the dark early morning hours. I said, "Hi, Dad" and he said, "Hi, Son". I felt his love/understanding/concern for me but I still felt like a sack of shit.
My Dad tried to teach me how to mow the lawn and while he was at work I promised to make pancakes for my friend if she'd cut the grass and My Dad came home, looked at the shaved, burnt lawn and looked at me and shook his head.
My Dad tried to teach me to fix the brakes on my car but I wasn't very interested to learn. So, now, when my brakes are broke, I have to pay premium to get them fixed...and now I can't teach my son how to fix his brakes.
My Dad did teach me to how to change a tire and that is a skill that has come in handy on many occasions. As Samuel L. Jackson would say, "I'm one tire changing Mother F******r!
My Dad taught me how to cook creatively and how to eat fearlessly. I'll always enjoy my wife's spaghetti and meatballs but it's nice to know how to whip up a nice linguine and clam sauce when company is coming.
My Dad taught me about ice hockey and although I have an appreciation for the game I'm still not sure I understand icing and off sides.
My Dad coached a basketball team when I was as a kid. I asked him why I was not starting. He told me I was his sixth man. He told me when the starters get a lead they get cocky and lazy. That's when you put in your 6th man - the gritty guy who does not care about being a starter. The gritty guy who cares more about winning than stats. The gritty guy who want's nothing more than to help the team. My Dad always told me that I was that gritty guy.
My Dad tried to teach me how to fish but I just did not have the patience for fishing (and now that I do, I'd like to go fishing right now with my Dad).
My Dad, an avid hunter, taught me how to use and respect firearms. He took me hunting a few times and even taught me the value in marrying a woman (like my Mom and my step-mom Anne) who is willing to skin, gut, and cook the food that I might bring home, even though all of the food I bring home is from the local super market.
My Dad taught me to respect women, my elders, and people in positions of authority (but never to kow tow to anyone).
I'm lucky to have married that woman - Margaree Bonay!
My Dad taught me to be humble and to respect the under dog and to stand up and say something when people are being bullied.
My Dad taught me how to take good pictures because a good picture is worth more than a thousand words. He also encouraged me to try to write and speak as well as possible because people will judge (and pre-judge) you by the words that you speak and write. Axe anyone.
My Dad taught me how to dress well. It's always good to make a good first and lasting impression.
My Dad taught me the importance of taking my wife out to dinner, lunch, or breakfast at least once a week.
My Dad, who was an 82nd airborne paratrooper, taught me how to conquer my fears by teaching me that it is OK to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Not that I ever jumped out of one - but I got his point.
My Dad taught me the value of patriotism, the meaning of service, sacrifice, and the importance of education.
My Dad taught me a bunch of stuff. I've followed his example and have had much success in my life as a result of listening to him and following his advice. I only hope I have been able to pass these lessons along to my kids so they can pass them along to theirs.
Bottom Line; my Dad taught me how to be a better Dad.
Thanks Dad! May you rest in peace. We love you and You will be missed! Most of all, You will always be remembered!
Feel free to share your memories about your Dad in the comment section below!
About the Author
RC Bonay is an engineer with a passion for writing and drawing. He started reading comic books at an early age and soon discovered he had a flair for telling stories of his own. As he grew, he dreamed of following in the footsteps of comic book legend, Stan Lee. His passion ebbed and his dream faded as it became necessary to pursue a more traditional lifestyle in order to raise his growing family. The dream was rekindled as the youngest of his four children blossomed into young adulthood.
RC’s vision is best summed up by his mottos;
“The world would be a better place if we all just learned to draw.”
“Learn from the best, forget it all, and just write.”
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