~ From the Braintrust ~ Father’s Day Celebrated
Father’s Day means different things to all of us, and for this writer, Dad’s Day is more than just a day on the calendar. The day offers all of us a chance to remember our fathers, whether they have passed on or we are privileged to still have them with us.
My father, Billy O. Keech, passed away nearly 10 years ago, and in the 45 years I had with him here on Earth, I got far more than 45 years of wisdom, experience and lessons. When I think back to all that I learned from my dad, it’s pretty incredible to think of the impact he had:
- taught me about fishing, a love of being on the water that only grows stronger
- showed me about the value of cutting, splitting and stacking firewood. It’s not really about making fuel for a fire, it’s about spending time outside and taking pride in something.
When you’re standing on a hot roof in 90 degree weather shingling, your father advising you to appreciate your education hits home. Made me value education a whole lot more.
- showed me how to appreciate and take joy in our children’s accomplishments. My dad was so proud of his children’s success, and he demonstrated that providing opportunities for kids is important.
- Planning for projects is important, but the process can be informal or formal. Dad would take a napkin and in 15 minutes have a complete materials list for a garage, but also skilled in reading complicated blueprints for churches, schools and hospitals that looked like alien language to me. Kind of like when his son sat down to write this column – no need to make an organized plan, just go with your gut.
- Embrace versatility, flexibility, and resourcefulness. My dad could fix things, make things out of scrap lumber, and didn’t have a formal teacher. His teacher was life. Dad(and Mom) always impressed upon us kids that the more things you can do well, the more successful you’ll be in life. Sound advice for us all.
- Appreciate your education, you’ll benefit from going to school down the road. For a young man that lost his own father at a very young age, my dad went to school and worked to help support his siblings and mother, battling illnesses through high school. He learned carpentry in the U.S. Army and spent his entire working life in construction, which took a toll on his body. When you’re standing on a hot roof in 90 degree weather shingling, your father advising you to appreciate your education hits home. Made me value education a whole lot more.
To have one Dad is awesome, but celebrating Father’s Day is even more special for me. I grew up with another great Dad, my Grandfather Harold Rowley, who led by example through his hard work and compassion for helping others. Two great dads indeed.
As if that’s not enough, I have been blessed with a third dad, and that is my father in law, Del Vesely. The lessons I learn from him aren’t done yet, however. That is a chapter that isn’t finished.
Take a moment today to remember, celebrate, recognize and appreciate your Dad(s).
For all Dad’s out there, enjoy the day.
Happy Father’s Day!
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
