With Father’s Day this coming weekend, I spent some time with my Dad in Wilmington earlier this week. The drive home is always sad for me as I yearn for times gone by, which made me begin thinking about all of the Dads who are members of The Ivey – fathers with many years of humanity under their belt. Decades of working hard to help support their families. Trying to set good examples for their children. Committed to staying strong, calm and confident, even if they have no idea what the next step is. Now, I see the admiration in the eyes of many of The Ivey’s families…the grown kids who are now committed to giving Dad the comfort, care and dignity that he has more than earned. Thinking about all the Dads at The Ivey and their loving families pulled me out of the sadness. The opportunity to share in and support their journey fills me with joy and gratitude.
It also occurred to me that I’ve heard so many quotes about fathers over the years that I decided you might enjoy some of my favorites. So in celebration of Father’s Day – and in loving honor of my Dad and all of the Dads in our lives (whether here with us or gone before us) – here are 10 of my faves, in no particular order:
“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.” – Mark Twain
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano
“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.” – Umberto Eco
“Fatherhood is great because you can ruin someone from scratch.” – Jon Stewart
“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.” – Sigmund Freud
“It is much easier to become a father than to be one.” – Kent Nerburn
“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” – Clarence Budington Kelland
“Do I want to be a hero to my son? No. I would like to be a very real human being. That’s hard enough.” – Robert Downey Jr.
“Lately all my friends are worried that they’re turning into their fathers. I’m worried that I’m not.” – Dan Zevin
“A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” – Author Unknown
That last one might be my favorite! (Right, Dad?!) Happy Father’s Day to all fathers out there. And families, hold them close, look them in the eye and tell them how grateful and proud you are.
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