Lessons I Learned from Dad- A Father’s Day Tribute

I stumbled across a quote this morning, that perfectly captures the
essence of the life lessons I learned from my father.

“He didn’t tell me how to live;
he lived, and let me watch him do it.”

~Clarence Budington Kelland

My father is often a man of few words.

Some might wonder, how then, did I learn lessons from my Dad? How are lessons passed along from parent to child?

Here, in no particular order, I share just a few of the thoughts that came to mind when I realized that clearly, the experiences I’ve shared, and continue to share with my father, have more significantly framed my vision of the world and my dreams for the future than any words could express.

So, I want to say Thank you, Dad.

From you, I learned that…

To be the best water skiing on the lake didn’t require the flashiest tricks, the fastest boat, or the priciest skis. Relaxed form, graceful rhythm and practice create pure beauty in motion.

Driving in the snow is not for the quick to panic. Slow, steady, consistent speed is best — and yes, you can learn to control the speed of your vehicle without the brake pedal.

Preparing for emergencies and learning to be self-sufficient is prudent. Everyone who drives a car should know how to change a flat tire and carry a spare piece of carpet in the trunk for traction on icy roads.

Telephones are for communicating logistics and emergencies only. Lengthy conversations with friends are better had in person. (Note: Dad was a physician back in the days before call-waiting and cellphones.)

A stern, directed, silent stare can be far more effective than any amount of screaming for influencing desired outcomes.

There is meaning to be found in the game of basketball, far more profound than this collection of tall guys, who run back and forth dribbling basketballs, tend to let on– just open the biographies of Phil “Action” Jackson and former Senator, and Rhodes Scholar, Bill Bradley, to learn more. And yes, the Knicks Rule!

Sometimes, it’s OK to rearrange our lives for our passions, even if it is every year during football season. And if you’re favorite team happens to suffer a couple of rough years, don’t be a fair weather fan.  Built on a solid foundation of the traditions of the game, they’ll eventually prevail. Just remember the NY Giant’s 1986 season and USA Hockey 1980.

You don’t have to make a lot of noise to make a difference. Quiet, determined resolve can impact dramatic change.

Serving those in need is a selfless tradition worth investing in your time and skills. And even if the cause that pulls at your heartstrings is unpopular– do it anyway.

Music soothes the soul, touches your heart and brings joy to your life– especially if it’s classic piano jazz.

Capturing a sunset on camera is an art form. And there is no night sky more beautiful than the one seen in the Northern Adirondacks.

Creating time and place for family experiences matter, even when your teenagers moan. Every boating excursion, long drives to nowhere, airshow outing, mountain day hike, freezing ski trip, or historic monument visit, and so much more, expands the imagination of those exposed beyond the limitations of their childhood understanding.  There’s no better way to nurture wonder and adventure.

Taking a moment to pause at the end of the day, to raise a glass and give thanks, sharing the day’s experiences with family and friends, is a moment of connection we should not neglect.

And lastly, though the symbols of grandeur may pass, the traditions live on in the stories we tell, the memories we share, and the experiences we create as a tribute for our children and all the generations to come.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad.

With all my love and respect–