My father has taught me many lessons in life, including the importance of not dating anyone who works on your father’s farm because your Dad has heard them talk and they’re all pigs. He also taught me things like how I’m not going to leave the house in a skirt that barely covers my butt, and how I am never going to take that tone with him again.
In all seriousness, my father is a pretty awesome guy. He’s kind-hearted; he can start up conversations with complete strangers; and he can build houses, fix cars, trap wildlife, and shoot deer like nobody’s business. The amazing thing is that he seems to be completely unaware that the rest of us regard him as something like Superman.
Dad has taught me how to tie a hook, cast a line, and filet a fish, so I will never starve. (An odd side effect of this skill – I was never without a date, either.) He has taught me about expense ratios, mutual funds, and Morningstar ratings, so I can understand what to do with my 401(k) and my IRA. (An odd side effect of this skill – again, never at a loss for a date. However, the quality of guy that was asking me out improved.) He showed me how to change a car battery, car tire, and how to re-mount the rear view mirror – all things every woman should know. And he taught me how to prepare venison so that it’s so tender, it melts in your mouth (not that we’re big venison eaters at our house, but it’s a handy talent to have).
Most importantly, Dad has taught me how to handle myself in any social situation, how to talk to strangers and leave as friends, how to be patient with people who love to talk on and on, and how to be kind to people who are unsure of themselves. He is better at all of these things than I am, but thankfully, I’m still learning from him.
He also taught me that it’s never a good idea to walk barefoot through warm cow manure. That’s just not sanitary, people.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!