Lessons From a Great Dad

Dad tending to the yard in his weekend finery, circa 1970-something.

At the Core … learning from the best.

"A little decorum, kid. Very little."

It was a running joke in our household. My father's "famous words," among many others, spoken when he was less than thrilled with our choice of clothes or conduct. Yet from that simple direction, I learned so much.

This past Father’s Day, when I was driving home from lunch with my dad, mom and sister, I had plenty of Tappan Zee Bridge-time to reflect on how much my parents have given us and all that my father has taught me.

One of the most impactful yet intangible lessons was how to be appropriate. He was stern when it came to our behavior and choice of fashion, and he always led by example. Dad was and still is a sharp dresser. He never left the house unbathed or hair un-coiffed. When going out, he never wore sweats or tattered jeans or anything that looked like it had seen better days. He polished his shoes and aired out his suits on an old-fashioned valet stand. He took great care of all of his belongings.

Dad taught me to do the same. Better to be overdressed than under, he would say. Would that outfit let them know you respect them … and respect yourself?

Beyond appearances, dad taught me behavioral decorum, almost a secret, social code of how to think, what to say, what not to say, how to act and how to follow through. Be dignified. Be a good listener. Be prepared. Help people celebrate their wins. Respect other cultures. Learn. And when you think you’re done, learn some more.

With all of that seriousness, my dad also has a legendary sense of goofy humor. He sends me great email jokes and memes and videos, and still plays practical jokes on us all. He even uses whimsical Snapchat filters in daily messages. He’s turning 81.

So, cheers to my amazing father. May the lessons and the laughter keep coming.