What Fathers Said

     Since June contains Fathers Day, it is appropriate to ask various people to recall an often said sentence by their Father.

     This is the second year that I have collected and then, as now, I have learned aspects in the life of several of my close friends that greatly surprised me as I had just assumed that they, like I, had had a "normal" happy childhood and a loving relationship with their Father.

     I asked my friend, Bill what he remembered of his his Father's words.  His facial expression changed to one of sadness combined with grim acceptance as he said slowly, "Yes, I remember, because he said it so often, it wasn't good."  There was a long silence, "When my two brothers and I wanted to tell him something, he would firmly and authoritatively say, 'I am your Father, not your friend!' "

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    Elaine Raymond, Director, ComForcare, Mountainside, NJ
    "My Father often said, 'Money doesn't grow on trees so be careful how you use it."

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     Keith Rizzo, Card Specialist, Lake Mary, Florida

     "As I got to my dating age, my Father, Sam Rizzo, repeatedly told me, 'I had better never hear of you mistreating a woman, you are always to be polite and open doors and car doors for her.' "

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     A nice man, who identified himself only as Mike D. of New Jersey quickly recalled a quote from his Father.

     "Time keeps passing, so you may as well be doing something productive."

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     Craig Bagley of Old Bridge, New Jersey said that his Father, (with the same name) from Jackson, New Jersey often said, "There's nothing worst than wasted talent."

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     I handwrote a letter to a distant friend requesting a quote of her Father, who had "stepped over" many years ago.

     Although, I was pleased that she responded quickly with a requested quote, I was surprised that all she could recall was a short sentence, supposedly funny concerning termites.

     I wrote her that I felt that the termite comment was disrespectful to her Father and that I wanted a quote that would be helpful to readers.

     If you, like my friend, can not seem to recall any words, drive alone to a quiet nature place with a pad of paper (nothing electronic) a pen and a photograph or several, then talk to your Father, writing what you say, then listening with your inner ears.  It may take several sessions, do not despair, continue.  People report worthwhile results.

What do you remember your Father saying?

If you are a Father or an Uncle, what words are the children in your life going to remember that you often said?