What’s Great About Dads, in Your Words and Photos
Kelsey Lucas /
Why do you celebrate your father today?
When we asked the Heritage Foundation Facebook community why they honor their dads on Father’s Day, photos, memories, and I-love-yous poured in. The memories were too sweet not to share. We’ve highlighted a few of those submissions here.
Melyna F.’s husband playing games with their kids at the local children’s hospital while their son waits for a spinal tap and chemotherapy. ‘He always did better when his dad was there to play with him and comfort him,’ Melina recalled. Their son is now in remission.
Renee S. loved playing every kind of card game with her dad. ‘Even though he’s gone, I still play at least one game every day,’ Renee said. ‘Miss you, Dad.’
“I remember a tough time I went through in college. I had $20 to my name. Bills were due and I couldn’t get to work because my car was just totaled. A few days later, I received an envelope in the mail with checks made out for my bills. Knowing my dad was in a financially difficult situation having been out of work for 2 1/2 years and recently diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, I called him to say, ‘thanks but I can’t accept.’ I’ll never forget what he said to me in response, ‘Jaimee, if it’s a choice between you eating and me eating, you’re going to eat.’ This sums up my dad’s heart. He always thinks of others before himself and he’s ALWAYS there for me no matter what. I hope and pray I’m half the parent he is.” —Jaimee R.
Charisse O. lost her father June 28, 2013, so it will be her first Father’s Day without him. ‘He was my hero. He was a high school teacher and coach and loved it. He worked very hard and was the first one there in the morning and last one to leave. One of my favorite memories is when I was about 7 or 8 we watched The Wizard of Oz for the first time on TV. I sat on his lap and every time the wicked witch came on screen I would hide my face on his chest. He taught us respect for our elders and made sure we spoke correctly. He passed away a week after my parents’ 67th anniversary.’
“My dad sacrificed to give my brother and I the education we needed. He came here to this country not speaking English in his 30s, with a sixth-grade education, off the boat from Italy. He went to barber school during the day, washed dishes at night. Worked from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., came home, ate dinner and back to work at job two as a custodian at 8 p.m. Thank you, Dad, for your sacrifices. Love you, Dad, for your gift of education, and example of hard work! Thank you for the sacrifices you and Mom made for us. You always told us that we had no option but to go to college, and no option but to be a professional.” —John A.
“My dad taught me about life, doing things together. Whether through work or play, there was always a lesson. And those lessons will now be passed on to my own children.” —Bryan H.
Lori Y.’s son and her father. ‘My dad adopted me and my two brothers when we were very young,’ she said. ‘He never had children of his own and he never once made us feel like we weren’t his own. He did what so many men won’t even do for their own flesh and blood. That’s a real dad.’
Jen M. and her father at her commissioning ceremony, where he gave Jen her first salute. ‘My dad has always been my hero and a role model for my brothers and me to follow.’
One of Laura S.’s earliest memories of her dad was involving the slide in the background of this picture. ‘I have always been afraid of heights. I was terrified to go down the slide. He told me not to worry, he’ll will catch me at the bottom. After some convincing I went down the slide. He caught me like he promised. Like he always did. Thanks, Dad. I miss you.’
“As a little child he would help me brush my teeth and then carry me off to bed all the while singing, ‘You are My Sunshine.'” —Mary Ellen G.
“My dad didn’t give up on getting better at being a dad. Frankly, he struggled at being a father. He had to push through a lot of confusing upbringing. Us kids became adults, married, started having kids of our own. And he somehow discovered that it was better to keep growing than to be stick with old habits and attitudes. My dad taught me that HUMILITY is a necessary ingredient for being a good parent, and that raising kids to be good parents is the greatest reward possible.” —Tonya M.
Samantha H., who just finished her first year of college, said she owes her success to her dad. ‘He’s always there hold me accountable, make me laugh, and support me 110 percent. I love how goofy he is. He is the most selfless person I know, and I am forever grateful for his strength.’
Cindy G.’s dad died three years ago at 96. ‘My dad was a hero! He served in WWII as an Army tank mechanic, and was at Normandy on D-Day.’
Frank G. and his father, ‘years ago.’
Dee W. misses her dad every day. ‘I was a daddy’s girl!’
“My dad grew up hard during the Depression, he served in the Navy in World War II, he had a farm, a wife, and seven children. … He always paid for everything in cash. … He also worked at other Air Force bases after the war until he was broken down and retired. He was strict, just, and very intelligent. When horrible tornados struck our farm and community, he was the first one out with my brother and brother-in-law with the chainsaw clearing roads and checking on our neighbors. He was a very strong man physically and mentally and I miss him. I am thankful I know what hard work is and how to do it. I have respect for life and what it takes because of the example and work ethic he gave us.” —Norma F.
“My father taught me to be the man and father I am today. One of the most generous and loving people I’ve ever known. Thanks Dad, I’ll always be grateful.” —Steve S.