Timmy Tales: Best Dad Advice I Ever Received

I love my father Jeff! He has taught me many of things, manly stuff like how to change the oil in my car and how NOT to get electrocuted while working on things. He taught me how to work hard and save. I didn't really get an "allowance" growing up, I got to save the pop cans and recycle them. He taught me how to share, by having a son before me. But it was in my 20's that he gave me some of the best advice I have ever received.

I brought a girl who I had been dating for about a month or so to a family get together, his actual birthday if I remember correctly. At a point in the night, he and I were alone and I asked him, "Dad, what do you think of my girlfriend?" His reply made my jaw drop. "I don't think she's right for you," he said. I was shocked. I was expecting the typical parent answer of "if you're happy, than I'm happy!" you know, something like that. I was speechless for a moment, and then I asked him to explain. That's when he gave the words of wisdom that only time can give. He said "well, if she was right for you, then my opinion wouldn't mean a damn thing." OH MY GOD, HE IS SO WISE!

Skip many years later, I brought a different girlfriend, the lady who would later become my wife, to another family get together. Later in the night when my dad and I were alone, he leaned over and told me, "I like her!" To which I just looked at him, and said, "It's a good thing your opinion doesn't matter, huh?"

That wasn't true, I do care deeply for his opinion and insights, but as time would tell, when it came to my future wife, it didn't matter what he thought. But I'm glad he likes her!

I told this same story at my wedding, and I'm glad I get to share it with all of the world. Happy Father's Day!