10 Things My Dad Taught Me

Dad in Santa Monica

Yes, today is Father's Day. I wish I could give my dad a great big squeeze, but he passed away four years ago. Just a few weeks ago, I wrote a little tribute to him, as that was the anniversary of his passing. (Click here to read.) But with the celebrations of dads everywhere, I wanted to share again about the great Marty Hodges.

After he passed, I wrote Ten Things My Dad Taught Me. While the thought behind these ten statements is a few years old, the principals remain the same.

#1: Don't call people during the dinner hour.
My dad hated it when people called while we were eating. He always told me not to call folks between 5 and 7 pm, in case they were eating. I still hold to that.

#2: Chess.
We spent many a long winter's day indoors when we lived in Woodland Park. My dad gave me an intellectual treasure when he taught me about the game of chess. I miss those childhood days - wind and snow blowing outdoors, while we waged war on the checkerboard battlefield.

#3: Classical Music.
My dad instilled in me a deep love for classical music. For as long as I can remember, he had an elaborate stereo system and a collection of LPs that would rival any enthusiast's. I remember that he would lovingly wipe off the vinyl before and after playing them. He gave me Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and even lesser-knowns like Glinka.

#4: Math.
My dad was quite possibly the world's best math teacher. He made math look easy and did all he could to help people understand it. I learned a lot from him...and it's from him that I get my tendency to figure number patterns when I'm bored. He loved, lived, and breathed math.

#5: Enjoy a good steak.
I remember a time when I was little. My mom and brother went to the mall, and I went with my dad to Black Angus. Who wants to shop when there's steak involved?! I loved eating out with my dad. He always picked the best places.

#6: Everything you do will take longer and cost more than you expect.
Yep. That about sums it up.

#7: My love of science-fiction.
My dad took me to see Star Wars. My dad made me watch Star Trek. Somewhere in that magnificent brain of his, he had a dream to fly among the stars. And through science-fiction, he's helped me reach them.

#8: Correct vocabulary/pronunciation/grammar
You're vs. your, regardless instead of irregardless, recurrence instead of reoccurence, etc. Thanks to Dad, hearing those irksome words (and a whole list of others)...and seeing them in writing...drives me bonkers.

#9: California is a great place.
My dad always had a thing for Cali. When I was fortunate enough to land a position with Disneyland, Dad came for several visits. He loved watching the sunset at the beach. I'll always treasure those moments with my dad...and Cali will always have a special place in my heart.

#10: Treat your elders with respect.
I still remember the day my dad decided that we (the kids) were to say “Sir” and “Ma’am” when talking to an adult. I thought he was the meanest dad in the world. Today, I’m so thankful for that. That little showing of respect has made a huge difference in my life, and it’s something I intend to pass on to my kids.

Hug your dad today. You never know when he won't be around to do so...

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