5 Favorite Lessons from Dad

My dad and I were never the affectionate sort.  I can’t really explain why because I see him with my kids and he’s incredibly cuddly and sweet.  However, I look back and am so grateful for all the wonderful things he has taught me.

5 Lessons from Dad

1. He taught me to bait my own hook.  Several years ago, I went on a fishing/crabbing expedition in the San Francisco Bay.  We were issued out our poles and the guy took mine from me, getting ready to bait it.  I gave him a look that said “Puh-lease!  Let me show you how it’s done, son”.  I proceeded to bait my hook, cast my line, reel in my fish and take it off the line. Some of my favorite memories growing up was going fishing with my dad.  As I grew older, they weren’t the “cool” thing anymore but I always – always – had a blast when we were doing our fishing thing.  I remember being on the docks in Seattle, fishing in the dark, waiting for the illuminated glow of squid in the water.  Or that time when we drove a couple hours north and went fishing for smelt, with our multiple hooks on one line.  The fishing was amazing and the eating was even better.
2. Sundays are always meant for prayer – and for 49er football.  And the 80s were a terrific time to be a 49er fan.  Being the oldest of 2 girls, he took me under his wing to learn about the game (probably so I wouldn’t force him to watch Voltron or something of that nature)
3. Breakfast should always be hot.  I didn’t grow up eating pop tarts or cereal.  Every morning my dad had a hot breakfast waiting for us – Belgian waffles, crepes, omelets, scrambled eggs, pancakes topped with fresh fruit and whip cream.  We started each day with an amazing breakfast.
4. Your elders may not always be right, but they have been through more than you.  We butted heads over different points of views and I usually got the “Well, I’m your dad, do it anyway”.  It took me awhile to step back and look at it from his angle.  I learned over time that his reasoning wasn’t always clear cut but compassion and a little understanding went a long way.
5. A hug and a kiss will do….along with a “I love you, daddy!” –For some reason this one was harder for me.  I was always shy about showing too much of my affection.  I think I get it from my mom!  But as gruff my dad could get when he was angry – shoot sometimes he was just plain scary – deep down, he was suuuuuch a softie.  A kiss on the cheek and a little playful teasing would get him out of his bad mood.  My sister was awesome at that which is why she got away with so much more than I did.  lol

Happy Father’s Day daddy-o!  You’re a man of many layers and I love every bit of you.  Now I enjoy watching you with your grandkids.  I love asking you more questions and observing the things you do so I can learn from your incredible talents.