Many of the most important things I know for sure are things my Dad taught me through both his word and his example. He emigrated to the US through Ellis Island at age four with his parents, two younger siblings, and little else, and the story of his success is an inspiring version of an American Dream realized. No one loves more fiercely, is more dedicated or loyal, or works harder than my Dad; he embodies the idea that anything worthwhile is within reach for those who work hard and believe in the possibilities.
One memory on my mind today: When I was small, and my sister even smaller, we were packed along with our big family dog and all the luggage in the way back of our Volvo station wagon on a road trip to somewhere, and pulled into a gas station to fill up. Where we grew up, as in much of the Northeast, most gas stations were “full-serve,” and when the attendant came out my Dad told him, like he always did, to “fill it with the regular.” The attendant, an older man who was smiling and seemed kind, must have spotted Sarah and me in the back of the car because he said to my Dad, friendly enough: “Two girls, huh? Maybe one day you’ll get your boy.” And I’ll always remember so clearly how Dad smiled and responded without skipping even half a beat: “I’m very happy with my two girls,” then got back in the car and away we went.
There’s no way Dad remembers this episode, but I’ll never forget it; in that moment I knew he believed with his whole heart in all my possibilities, which meant I could believe in them too.
Happy Father’s Day to my Dad and to all of the amazing Dads who were the very first to believe in their kids’ hopes and dreams.
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