2. Dada.Daddy.Dad.Fath
er.Pops. No matter
what you call him, the
meaning is all the
same. In one simple
word is a powerful and
influential man in
most people's lives.
Fathers are not just
"dads" -- they are
counselors, coaches,
advisors and friends.
There's no better time
than Father's Day to
honor and thank Dad
for the impact he's
had on your own life.
Here we offer the top 12 reasons to honor Dad this Father's Day -- and every day.
1. He helped you learn to ride a bike
When you're a kid, there are some pretty scary lessons to learn. But Dad's hand
on the back of your bike seat made you feel safe, secure and confident enough to
try riding without training wheels.
He helps you with your finances, even though you're an adult
Dads are great about doing certain things. Even though you know you should
handle things on your own, he's always there for you if you need a hand. There is
great comfort in having a little help from Dad (even as an adult). It's kind of like
that hand on the back of the bike seat.
2. He came to every dance recital, softball game and school function
3. As they grow, kids all get to the point where they're embarrassed if parents make
an appearance -- especially (gasp!) in front of your friends. Regardless, your dad
supported you through it all and was at every important function you can
remember. Looking back, aren't you grateful for that?
3. He influenced your life in a major way
Dad went to ASU, so of course you followed in his footsteps and graduated with
honors. He loves fly-fishing, so you can tie a fly with the best of them. Having an
involved father means that you want to be just like him. That is perhaps that best
compliment a father could receive.
4. He can give you a "man's perspective" -- and a father's
Seeing something from a different point of view is crucial. When you ask your
father for advice, you get a two-fer. Not only can he offer a man's perspective, he
can offer his advice from a father's point of view -- which means he is looking out
for your best interest.
5. He taught you how to love by example
Love is a tough lesson to teach, and one that is taught best by example. Watching
the way your father treated your mother may not have been something you were
aware when you were 5, 10 or even 20. But many important lessons don't have to
involve a sit-down listening session while eating gourmet meals. When teaching
values such as love and respect, Dad led by example, and that makes the biggest
difference.
6. He showed you how to change your oil and fix a flat
You can thank dear old Dad for teaching you the practical and essential lessons
that helped you become an independent adult. But it's nice to know that if you
need him, he'll still help you change your oil or fix your flat tire.
7. He is the first man you learned to trust
4. Trust is a powerful thing, and as you were growing up, you could always count on
Dad. Need we say more?
8. He provided for you the best he could
Whether you had a brand-new sportscar, sputtered along in an old jalopy or
shared a family car at 16, Dad saw that you had wheels to drive, even if he
insisted you get a job to help pay for it.
9. He took you to your first ball game, camping trip and Girl Scout meeting
Look back on some of your "firsts." Do they include your dad? Yep, we thought so.
Dads are the perfect tour guides through some of life's most exciting and
memorable first experiences.
10.He talked to you about the birds and the bees
Sure, there were some "uncomfortable" moments with Dad, but they were well-
intended lessons. And as awkward as they were, aren't you thankful for those
embarrassing heart-to-hearts?
11.He knows everything about you -- and loves you for who you are
Dad knows exactly how you got that scar on your left elbow; he remembers
patching it up and drying your tears. He knows about your first bad grade, your
worst breakup and even the time you lost your job. But he also knows that all
these experiences have made you who you are today -- the person he loves
regardless of your mistakes.
12.He's showing you how to be a great parent
Without even trying, Dad taught you the greatest lesson of all: How to be a
wonderful parent in your own right. Whether you do things just like him or in
your own special way, he has given you more insight than you'll ever need... just
by setting an example.
