Giving and Receiving

Ever since I was young, my dad has been sharing his stories with me and mixing them with life lessons. The story that had the most impact on my life was about how hard it was to harvest the rice at his family farm in the Philippines. He said my grandparents and his siblings would portion out some of the rice for other families that didn’t have food. His best advice to me was to share my life and the resources that I have been blessed with.
Jeanette Chavez
Chula Vista, California

My dad is responsible, and he’s a hard worker and a good listener. He is generous and always puts his children first. He never let me go to an important doctor’s appointment alone — he came with me even when he was busy. Why give advice when you can lead by example? Be there for the people you love.
Dushka Zapata
Montara, California

The first time I had my heart broken — I believe I was 15 — I was crying and feeling terrible. My dad came up to me and said he was sorry I felt so bad and told me that love can hurt, whether it’s the first time or the 10th time. He told me that if he could take away the pain and feel it for me, he would. It still makes my eyes water, because I knew he truly meant what he said. Sometimes love can hurt, but I know my dad always loves me.
Nicole Fioritto
Concord Township, Ohio

Short and Sweet

My father doesn’t readily dispense advice, but when I’m at the end of my rope, I can always hear his words: “You do too much.” Nowadays, as I work full-time and struggle to finish my Ph.D., his words remind me to slow down and simply appreciate the world around me.
Nicole Scheman
Honolulu, Hawaii

Before leaving the house, my dad always said, “Keep your wits about you,” which seemed to cover all the bases without being too preachy. Even today, before leaving for certain adventures, I hear his advice in my head.
Chris Spanier
Rapid City, South Dakota

My dad, who passed away last year, had the following handwritten piece of advice posted on his refrigerator: “Lying makes a problem part of the future — truth makes a problem part of the past!” His words have since become a cherished part of our family heritage.
Nikki Burkhalter
Pittsboro, North Carolina

When I was younger, Dad would always say, “Use your brain.” I never really understood what it meant or why he would say it, but now I realize that those words have given me a lot more than I ever would have imagined. It’s what makes me think twice before raising my voice. It’s what makes me think about how others may interpret or misinterpret what I say. It’s what makes me prioritize the many things I have to do every day. And, most of all, it makes me think logically about all that I’m thankful for — a loving family and wonderful friends.
Johnelle Whipple
New Hope, Pennsylvania

My father was an environmentalist before it became fashionable. His advice was to always reuse what you can, because “they don’t make any more land, you know.”
Pat Macarthur
Haslett, Michigan

Growing up, whenever I left the house, my dad always used to tell me, “Be wise.” Not “Have fun” or “Be safe,” but “Be wise.” It was his vague but gentle way of guiding me and my brothers and sisters to make good decisions, without exactly telling us what to do. At the time, it became a running joke in our family, but now, as an adult, I still find myself asking, “Is this wise?” Thanks, Dad!
Michelle Acker
Santa Barbara, California

I clearly remember my dad telling me time and time again when I was a teenager, “I’m the best friend you’ll ever have.” I also clearly remember rolling my eyes, just knowing that I would never divulge the secrets of my heart to him. As I got older, his words rang true. He became my closest confidant, the one person I could go to for the truth about anything. Up until his death, six years ago, we talked daily, chatting candidly about everything from work to my love life. My husband has proven himself a worthy replacement, but there are times when the only one I wish to talk to or receive comfort from is my dad. I miss him dearly.
Eva Marie Vincent
Centennial, Colorado