We all have those timeless pearls of wisdom from Grandpa or Dad. “Three of our grandkids were over yesterday just chatting. I asked them if they remember anything about the ‘many things’ I’ve spoken on over the years. The floodgates opened. One and possibly the best, as they agreed they all heard me say it, multiple times: ‘I’m going to give you some advice even if you don’t want to hear it.’ Second ‘You’ve got to let some things go,’” said Norm Ost, Sun City resident.
There are as many kinds of paternal advice as there are fathers and father figures. Pat Klatt found that the best advice came from his father-in-law.
‘“I came from a broken home. I had three different fathers growing up. I married my high school sweetheart when I was 19 years old. My father-in-law took me in and taught me everything I know. He taught me how to be a man of my word. He taught me how to take care of a family. He taught me that if I worked hard good things would come. He taught me how to fix things. He taught me how to build things. He helped me build the home Mary and I shared for 30 years before moving to Del Webb. He taught me that once you take care of your immediate family, you should take care of your extended family, or the rest of the tribe. He taught me how to be tough, he taught me how to be a man. Fathers come in many forms. Some are your real fathers, some are fathers-in-law, some are relatives, and some are friends. I was taught to try to make a positive impact on those around you. I try to pay tribute to him by living the way he taught me every day. On Father’s Day, we always had a little talk. He has been gone for 10 years now, but I know he’s smiling down and giving me encouragement to lead, not follow.”
Addy Sasse wants everyone to know about her grandpa, John Semancik.
“My papa is the best! He drives me places. The places we go are Dairy Queen, Bowlero, and the movies. He always makes me smile even in the bad times. He is my Papa, and I love him so much,” she said.
Everyone wants to get their dad, grandpa, father figure a treat he will treasure, but dads are notoriously tough to shop for.
Stan Borucki recalls his favorite present.
“Greatest Father’s Day present was the birth of our son two days after a Father’s Day and after a difficult delivery.”
Mike Ptak’s favorite way to celebrate is with simple pleasures.
“Every Father’s Day has been spent with family, on beautiful June Sundays and those two ingredients make it awesome for me. I can’t think of one other gift!”
Ron Tampa, a great-grandfather of one, Grandfather of five, and father of two, has one of his sons, Ronnie, living in Del Webb.
“We are a close family. Our son is here and visits us often. We usually exchange cards and we all got out for dinner. I pay. I am proud of my son. He has turned out to be a good man.”
Tom Youngren provided a review of some of his Father’s Day gifts.
“The most favorite gift received on Father’s Day from our son, Dan, is a wren house made of stone. Not only is it beautiful, but it has been the home of many families of wrens over the years. The least favorite gift is ‘Alexa’ who doesn’t seem to know anything I want to know.”
