Since Father’s Day is right around the corner I thought I would share with you some words of wisdom my daddy taught to me. Before I get to those pearls I’d like to share a little about the wonderful man I was fortunate enough to call dad.
My dad was a self-made man who was the son of a railroad worker. Salvatore, Sam as he was known by everyone was an Engineer (he always wore a button down shirt with a pocket protector), he was a brilliant man. He was fluent but rarely spoke his native language (he only spoke to my mother in Italian when they did not want us kids to know what they were speaking about) because he was taught by his parents “we are now in America we speak English”. His parents taught him to be proud of this wonderful country we live in that has so many opportunities. He passed that sentiment down to us kids. Daddy served in the Army, but never uttered a word of the horror he saw on the front lines. He loved to speak about politics, I remember several heated conversations at dinner parties. He was a very passionate man. Oh how he loved his football and his beloved Fighting Irish. My daddy taught me how to dance with my toes on his and how to ride a two-wheel bike. He would cook a huge breakfast every Sunday morning after Mass, make a tasty pineapple upside down cake and the yummiest lemonade fresh off our trees. I remember sitting on crates under our peach tree with a bucket of water, my daddy would pick the ripest ones wash them in the water and then we would eat them until we were so full we couldn’t take another bite. His favorite place to be was at the family beach house (pictured above). I still cherish the daily letters he wrote me when I went away to 6th grade camp. He cried as he walked me down the aisle and then again when I had my kids.
Always be on time. 10 minutes early is 5 minutes late.
Stand up for what and who you believe in.
Always put others first.
Hard work will get you everywhere.
When you borrow something always give it back in better condition than you got it.
Always save double the amount you spend.
Make each day count.
Laughter is the best medicine.
Read.
“I may not always be right, but I’m never wrong”. <– that one always made me smile whenever he said it.
I miss you so very much, daddy!
Until Next Time…
XOXO
What a fabulous tribute to your dad! Thanks for sharing
Thank you, Laura!
This was so wonderful. Great tribute to your Dad for sure.
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Aw! Your dad sounds like a great man! Those are wonderful things he taught you! I did not have my dad in my life. I was raised by my grandfather and my grandfather also taught me similar things as well.
1. I love that photo. So retro, and chic..nostalgic like your story. I love the little stories of your dad you shared. He sounded like a really good, sweet man.
2. I couldn’t help but cry a little, because I understand how painful it is to lose someone you love so dearly. On the other hand I cried because, I didn’t have this type of relationship with my father (adoptive father), and I yearned for the cliche and typical memories. I never met my biological father nor do I know much about him.
3. You are a very lucky girl to have had this kind of experience and for a man to raise you with such strong qualities!
love everything about this! xo
Maria | https://imommy.co
Thank you so much, Maria! He was a very special man and I miss him dearly.
This was such a beautiful post for father’s day!
Thank you, Kimberly!