For better or worse, dads have always been important role models for their kids. Think of expressions like “the apple of my eye” or “the apple doesn’t fall far from its tree.”
Apparently, dads like apples.
My ‘Great Generation’ Dad is a product of his era – born in Belfast, immigrant to Canada in the mid-‘50s, complete with black horn-rimmed glasses and white-collar drafting job in the ‘60s, hard-working, actively social and often physically and emotionally absent from his family but still an important role model.
He also likes apples.
The earliest memory I have of my Dad is a sweet memory: Father and son playing catch on a cool Spring day in our bungalow backyard. Life Magazine-worthy. Me, wearing a powder blue jacket and baseball mitt larger than my carrot-topped head. Dad, still wearing his white-collared shirt and tie along after a long day at work with his black Ray-Bans on. Sure, I was only a little older than 2…but the memory sticks with me like an internal 8mm family film.
It was an awesome backyard: tandom swingset, slide, lots of Fisher-Price “indestructible” toys and everything. Since my parents liked to keep me outside as often as possible, it was my favourite part of the house. That’s probably why I still rank “the backyard” as a house’s most important feature.
Like mothers and daughters, the relationships between fathers and sons have their complexities. Not every day in the life is spent playing catch together. While Mom has always been the bedrock of my family, my father and -- after my parent’s divorced and re-married -- my stepfather have both been instrumental in my growth and development. I love them both and I cherish my relationships with each of them.
My relationship with Dad has never been easy…as normal and complex as any son’s. It’s healthy and close despite the geographical distances in our relationship.
His examples – right and wrong – helped form me as a man and as a dad.
So has my stepfather.
He stepped into a ready-made family, providing love and stability for all of us. He helped me learn empathy. He opened my childhood world to many new experiences (like computers) and shared with me a passion for sports and collecting baseball cards. We spent many afternoons and evenings playing catch until dusk.
My stepfather also taught me how to cook (he’s Italian and inherited an amazing talent in the kitchen), helped me with my homework, challenged me academically to be the best I could be, and, by his day-to-day example, showed me how important it is to accept and appreciate one’s responsibilities.
He also likes apples.
Everyday, I am grateful for each of my parents and what I continue to learn from them. I’m grateful for the inspiration, encouragement, strength and support I’ve received from them and continue to receive from them today. Being Father’s Day, I’m especially thankful to both my Dad and my stepfather for being important and valued role models. They have always been there for me, even if I happen to be far away.
I use their lessons and examples on fatherhood and on being an adult every day. In their own different and individual ways -- through their action, inaction, words and well-placed silences, they’ve helped me become the person I am today.
“Like father, like son”, as the expression goes.
I share many traits of both my father and stepfather. Passion for excellence, problem solving, being responsible for your actions and performing at your best. Comfort for exploring the world and facing challenges. A love for music, movies, food, sports and entertainment. A genuine care for family, home and kids.
All of which I share with my daughter.
I also like apples.
So does she.
"
Printer-friendly version