Last week, we asked our readers (you!) to tell us what their fathers—or father figures—taught them. The response was overwhelming. We received hundreds of heartfelt submissions, far more than we could possibly publish. To everyone who took the time to share a memory, a lesson, or a tribute: Thank you. We’re sorry we couldn’t include every story, but please know that we read and appreciated them all.
As we read through the responses, a few themes appeared again and again: hard work, honesty, kindness, perseverance, courage, and responsibility. Some lessons came through words. Others were learned simply by watching.
Hard work, perseverance, and getting the job done
For Jarrold S., the lesson was about determination. He recalls trying to mow a rain-soaked lawn as a boy and wanting to postpone the task until the grass dried. His father’s response stayed with him for life: “Find a way to get things done rather than excuses to put it off or not do it at all.” Jarrold says, “I think regularly about finding ways to get things done and not excuses to defer.”
Neal D. learned many of life’s most important lessons not through conversations, but through observation. “Daddy and I rarely talked much,” he wrote. “The lessons that he taught could only be learned by watching him work.” From his father he learned that anything started should be finished, that doing a job halfway was unacceptable, and that keeping promises mattered. “He always showed up when he made a promise.”
William M. wrote, “My Father always said there is no such thing as ‘can’t’. Some things just take a little longer to accomplish.” He also learned to do his best work regardless of circumstances, to respect others, and to take responsibility for mistakes. “He did this by example, not lecturing me.”
Learning to enjoy life
Many readers wrote about fathers who taught them how to embrace life and enjoy it.
Sheri A. shared, “My dad taught me to love life—everything from roller coasters, race cars, ice skating, sledding, and swimming to just having fun every day.” Sheri lost her father earlier this year and added, “Happy Father’s Day in Heaven, Dad.”
The practical wisdom dads never stop teaching
Some lessons were practical—and memorable.
Dutch D. recalled working alongside his father, George, an RVer and jack-of-all-trades. Whenever plumbing projects came up, his father would remind him: “When you’re working on a toilet or plumbing, keep your mouth shut!” Dutch admits that more than once the practical wisdom behind that advice has come in handy.
Marie B. remembers her father teaching her something many young people never learn. As a teenager, he handed her the family checkbook and bills so she could understand how household finances worked. “When I ended up later on having to raise three small children on my own, I could do it!” she wrote. Looking back, she calls it a gift that prepared her for life.
Lessons about family and commitment
Some fathers taught lessons that extended far beyond work and responsibility.
Brian D. B. shared a moving tribute to his father, Frederick Burry, a WWII P-51 pilot. He taught his four sons about faith, respect, hard work, and commitment. One lesson centered on marriage. His father told them, “Friday nights will be Mom’s and my date nights, as after you are out of the house I don’t want to be a stranger to her.” He also believed that, “For a great marriage you court your spouse one date a week!” Brian remembers his father introducing his mother by saying, “This is Betty, my First Wife!” They were married for 58 years.
Courage and facing fears
Several readers remembered lessons about overcoming fear.
Gigi R. recalled being terrified of a rope swing her father installed over a creek when she was a child. Her father encouraged her by saying, “When you are afraid to do something, the only thing is to do it and keep doing it, then you won’t be afraid anymore.” More than 70 years later, she still carries that lesson with her.
Perspective was another gift fathers passed along. Mikal H.’s father survived Omaha Beach on D-Day, where nearly all of his company was lost. Whenever Mikal faced a difficult decision, his father would remind him: “Son, when I went to war, I didn’t know if I’d ever come home. Anyone can do anything they have to, at least for a while.” Mikal says those words still give him strength today.
Character, honesty, and doing what’s right
Some lessons became lifelong anchors.
Jay J., whose father died 63 years ago, shared three principles he still follows today: “Always tell the truth. It might not make you comfortable, but it makes you free.” “Don’t ever bring dishonor on our family name. Let that guide your life.” And, “A day in itself is neither good nor bad, but it’s what you make of it.”
Patricia B. learned the value of conviction. “My Father taught me to think critically, to read voraciously, and to stand up for what is right—always.” She adds, “Your choices had consequences; choose carefully. These have served me well, and still do.”
The simple power of kindness
Kindness appeared throughout many responses.
Tom S. remembers his father teaching him to greet people with a smile and treat everyone with respect. “Be kind to others—it is simple. A great life lesson.” He says the lesson was so ingrained that his teenage son once asked, “Dad, why are you so freaking friendly?”
Barbara W. credits her father with teaching her to recycle, conserve resources, volunteer, and help others. Today, she volunteers at her local food pantry. “I love it,” she says.
And sometimes, a little humor
Sometimes fathers teach lessons wrapped in humor.
Nanci D. (yes, our very own Nanci Dixon!) remembers her father’s favorite advice: “To thine own self be true.” She followed that guidance, even when it led her down a different path than the one he envisioned for her. She also fondly recalls that every time he flipped on a light switch, he would announce, “God said, let there be light.” Nanci admits, “For the longest time I thought he had a special in with God.”
Lessons that last a lifetime
As Father’s Day arrives, we’re reminded that the lessons fathers leave behind often outlast the years themselves. Whether they taught us to work harder, laugh more, face our fears, keep our word, manage our money, or simply be kind, their influence continues to show up in our lives every day.
To all the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, coaches, and father figures who helped shape us—and to those whose memories still guide us—Happy Father’s Day.
RVT1266
