We’re down to our 2nd to last Giveaway from our friends at PartyLite. Last week’s Coast Lights set went out to Kelly G. with her answer:
The things in my house I am most proud of are the ultrasound photos I had framed after having my children. I was able to pick out some pretty, stylish mats and frames, and they are very cool, personal, and fun conversation starters!
This week we’ve got a set of 3 PartyLite Blue Waves Candle Holder with a box of tealights to go with them.
All you have to do is comment on this week’s question with a valid email address before Monday Night @ Midnight Eastern. We’ll pick a random winner from all of our comments. Its that simple!
With Father’s Day this weekend, we want to hear about your dad. How did he inspire you? What are some of your fondest Father’s Day memories?
If you’re still looking for that perfect gift, check out some of Elizabeth’s recommendations. Camille also offered up some ideas.
Have a great weekend everyone!
My father inspired us to be organized, hard-working, conservative, to take care of our things so they last long, to be proud of our accomplishments, and appreciate family. We spent many a father’s day out at a family brunch somewhere locally. My Dad worked so hard and gave so much. He was an amazing man. He is so very much missed.
My father loved me the only way he knew how. From a distance. This probably inspired me to find an amazing, hands-on, attentive man to love and to be the father of my children.
I am not sure if this counts but my fondest memory of Fatheer’s Day is with my mother who plays both rolls in mine and my brothers lift,I know that she is not the only single mom in the world but she is turely inspiring and is the best roll modle that I know ,I remember one day for Father’s Day it rained so bad ,but we had plans for a picnic for her and we had to cancel but she said no and took a blanket in the living room to spread on the floor and we had the best time in the world well any way that’s it
My dad is my idol. My dad is the American dream. He came to this country at 10 with his family, they spoke very little English. It had to be tough, they moved to a small town in the Midwest. His graduating class was less than 30 people, it could not have been easy fitting in. He joined the army, serviced his adopted country and graduated with a masters from Purdue. He has had an extremely successful career eventually becoming CFO of one of the oldest companies in his state. He is the epitome of what you can achieve with a hard work and discipline. We were recently blessed with the opportunity to go to his home town together, to see the small village where my family has lived for centuries. It was amazing.
My father passed away at the age of 49. I didn’t know my father when I was young. But, after having met him when I was older, I remember he tought me how to cook. He was a great cook and I enjoying cooking because of him. He always said if you learn to cook and enjoy cooking you and your family will eat well and love well. He was so right.
My father was the hardest working man alive. He worked 2 jobs to put my siblings & I through college. When he was home, he was still working around the house. He showed my sisters and me how to fix, paint, do preventative maintenance, etc. I wouldn’t have the work ethic or knowledge I have now if it wasn’t for him. I miss him and love him dearly.
My favorite Father’s Day memory is from last year. My folks have a small pool in their backyard so I bought my dad a remote-controlled boat/submarine (yes, it is as cool as it sounds). My mom has lost him a couple of times only to find him hours later by the pool playing with his boat. Some men never grow up
My Dad has taught me what it means to work hard and value the people in your life. He has inspired me in my faith and life.
My dad is the best dad in the whole world! He always makes sure everyone around him is taken care of in every way…what more could you ask for!? He has the biggest heart of anyone and I feel the biggest of anyone I will ever meet in my life.
He always made me feel loved
My dad passed away a little over three years ago. I miss him all the time, but especially in the weeks leading up to his birthday or Father’s Day, when I see ideas for gifts or pass by the card aisle and feel like I should be sending him a card. Some of the things I miss most were the way he’d smell on a Saturday after mowing and washing the car. Sort of a mix of soap and fresh cut grass and dirt. I loved to watch from a distance whenever he was with his grandsons. Whether it was just listening to their stories or teaching them a new skill like the proper wrist action for shooting a free throw or netting a trophy fish in the boat, he was so patient with them.
My parents divored when I was in the2nd grade.My father was very abusive to my mother and he drank way too much!The father in my life was my Mother, she did a great job considering I have 5 brothers & 5 sisters and I am the baby WOW!11 kids and @ 81 YEARS OLD SHE IS STILL GOING STRONG!!!
Least not forget MY HEAVENLY FATHER GOD!
My dad passed away 13 years ago and I really miss him especially on Fathers Day. I was the baby in the family so he spoiled me. He always made sure I felt special and always gave me the most amazing hug. I miss his hug the most. On my birthday each year he would tell me I could do whatever I wanted because it was my day. I believe this rule should apply and on my birthday I feel his closeness and smile.
My father is a man who has integrity, honesty and a heart of gold. He has been there for me through breakups and life’s other pot holes. He’s a man’s man, and knows how to use his hands and fix or make anything you can ask for. He has made his own gril, car trailer and the second floor of his house all by himself. My favorite father’s day was when all he asked for was to go fishing with his family. We bonded, caught fish and he told stories of when he was a child. He is an amazing man, and I can only hope I can meet a man just like him for myself. I love you papa
My dad is 86 & grew up during the depression. He taught us to work hard for what we wanted, To be honest, to take care of what we had & never take anything for granted. He raised six kids & a bunch of grandkids & still helps us all out. He retired a few years ago & now cooks & cleans for my mom. I don’t think there are many men like my dad. He makes us all proud!
plb8156@aol.com
My father was very caring and gentle man.
He told all of us children I can not tell you how to live your life all I can do is share with you the things that I have done that did and did not work for me in my life and hope you may get something for both sides to decide how to handle things in your life. He ALWAYS told us we could be anything we wanted to be with hard work and determination.
Although my dad passed away in 1995, he taught me self reliance. He spent years training German Shepherds to search for missing persons in Western Washington. My sister and I were the “training” lost people. Many weekends, summer or winter we would be given a thermos of hot chocolate and told to go get lost in the woods. We’d walk for hours then sit and wait for the dog and dad to come. Or we’d spend hours buried in the snow. I can do anything because of him
My fondest recent memories about my dad were right before I left “the nest” Just listening to him play piano every night and talking and listening to music with him. He is a great musician and really appreciates good tunes. He would play in the basement every night just to get away and enjoy himself and I don’t even think he knows I always was upstairs listening. I think my musical taste now is highly influenced by him and I often want to call him when I hear “his songs” on the radio or any song involving piano.
With Father’s Day this weekend, we want to hear about your dad. How did he inspire you? What are some of your fondest Father’s Day memories?
My Dad was the best! He is no longer with me but some of my fondest memories of him with laughter I write, our family beach trips, ya’ know when friends, family, cousins would pile in the car and you could go to Myrtle Beach, SC for less than $50 –yea! We get up my mom, sister and I get ready to head to the shore…thinking that my Dad was getting his swim suit on the go with us (very fair skinned man) oh no! he put on his swimming trunks to lay in the a/c while we cleared out of our little three room apartment… to have the peace and quiet all to himself. The many times I got in trouble and had to have my Dad come and pick me up–he had the look–that’s all it took. My pal, playmate, father, friend. Told me that young ladies do not kiss dogs or do not keep frogs in a jar, and not to chase the rooster we had most of all! My fondest father’s day memories were of the ones befor he had his stroke when he was still standing, could hug and remember who we all were. He had a warmth about him, a great smile and a wonderful hug but not a man of many words. He served in the Navy during WWII. A great man of leadership, calm judgement, and love. Miss you Dad!~
My dad passed about 35 years ago & to this day I still miss him.
I learned how to fish from my father. When I was hardly big enough to stand in a boat, he had a fishing pole in my hand. He taught me patience when I watched him build a boat in the basement, yes, the basement. Then he carefully took it apart and put it back together again outside. On one of those first fishing trips in the new boat with Mom, Dad and my sister along, I hooked something. Dad taught me to be quiet, even if you think you have a fish on the line. So, I reeled in what ever was hooked, slowly and quietly and patiently. Somehow I had snagged a small sea turtle about the size of a washtub. I couldn’t help but call attention to what I caught. This was in the ’50′s and Dad was an old fisherman who was always looking for something to catch and eat. I remember the turtle looking up at us, Dad looking down in the water at the turtle and the silence was broken again when Mom said “If you bring that turtle in this boat I’m going to swim to shore!!!” I learned consideration from my father that day. It seemed like he pondered the situation for a VERY long time. His choice was whether to bring that turtle on board and have something to share with his buddies and have fond turtle soup memories, OR should he allow Mom to let him know who was really the boss. A good decision was made as Dad gently removed the hook from our sea turtle’s flipper and sent it on its way. Dad also taught me about hessitation since Mom would frequently bring up Dad’s delay in resolving that turtle situation. For some reason she felt Dad took waaay too long making his decision to keep Mom in the boat and the Turtle in the water. I love you Dad, you’ve been gone too long.
I’m the oldest of 3, from a farming family in Sweden. When I was 18 I moved away for the first time … to the US. Ever since I’ve lived out of my 2 suitcases and travelled the world (for over 12 years now). He told me over the phone a few days ago that it’s easy becoming a dad but harder being a father. He explained that he always wanted to take care of us & that letting us make our own misstakes was difficult but necessary. As much as he wanted us to be his babies for ever, he had to push us out of the nest.
I’m lucky to have grown up in a family with rules & boundaries but with encouraging parents & it’s who I am today.
My father was a US Postal Carrier,meaning he walked in snow or rain to serve the people, he was a very meek,warm,tall,handsome,strong man.
My dad taught me to eyeball life’s problems and perservere. He worked hard for his family, who was his greatest source of pride. my dad was available for life’s small bonding moments…teaching me to ride my bike, helping with school science projects, taking me to art museums, helping pack up my college dorm things, proffering advice about boyfriends, and halfheartedly walking me down the aisle. i miss him.
i miss him.
My grandfather acted as my stand in father figure until he passed away in 2006. My grandfather’s wit, charm, good humor, kind heart, love of family, friends, animals, dancing, music and nature are only a fraction of his persona that made him so special to our family. I still sometimes forget that he’s gone and reach for the phone to call him. Love and miss you granddaddy =) love always, Debbie
My dad has taught me so much. But the one thing i will always love about him is how his love is so unconditional. I could talk to him about anything and he just listened, gave his advise and held me when i cried. He taught me somethings in life we learn the hard way; but he was there to pick me up. For that i think i’m the luckiest girl in the world to have ronald jackson as my dad!!
My father is no longer with us but I remember his sense of humor and how he would make us all laugh. This is one of the memorable things that he left for his family which has helped me in life to get me through tough times….smiles and laughter.
Reading all of these comments makes me sad.
I wish that I would have had a Dad that I could have been proud of like everyone else did.
My Dad was an abusive alcoholic who cared nothing about his six children.
My Mother raised all of us with no help from anyone. She was our saviour.
I just want to tell everyone here to cherish their fathers and the memories that they have.
Pass those memories along to your family and hold them all dear.
I only wish I had good mamories of a father.
the most prized piece i have is a 8×10 photo of my dad reading me a book when i was 2 yrs old.my dad is passed waya when i 3 so its very special to me.
My dad, there are so many things about him, too many to write down but one thing that has always stayed with me is a comment he made to me over 30 years ago – “Never let the kid grow out of you because if you do you might as well shrivel up and die.” I thought he was nuts back then but now I know you need to enjoy life and have fun and if you have to be silly once in a while then go for it! Thanks Dad!
Every year our family celebrated Father’s Day with a picnic. We met our extended family at a park and shared stories, played outdoor games, ate and laughed. We celebrated all dads- grandpa and uncles included. Every year the Father’s Day picnic was a highlight, as we took time to honor our Dads.
My Dad always told stories of him playing sports. Throughout his childhood, he played everything from baseball to hockey. This inspired me to stay active and enjoy team sports while I could. It is a great life lesson, and he provided this by pushing us to give our all and never give up in all things that we do.
I have a great deal of love and respect for my father .In a world where the odss were greatly to his disadvantage, his faith propelled him into a much greater life. My father grew up in an alchoholic household.He overcame that adversity and created a Christian family of his own. My father was a letter carrier for 37 years in the “HARSH” winters of OHIO. Trudging 7 miles a day with a 30 Lb. mail bag on his shoulder ,his goal was to amply provide for his family.In my fathers spare time he Helped build a church in a poor city in Mexico ,help run food drives, and minister to the elderly in nursing homes . Thank you DAD for your teachings of how to be a blessing in someone elses life so that I may truely appreciate my own .
My dad is very determined and does what ever he needs to for his family. My favorite fathers day memories are spending the day at the lake eating hot dogs and swinging on the rope into the lake. Every year for Christmas, his birthday, and fathers day he asks for one thing. That is bird seed to feed his birds, That is also the one gift he gets most excited about. My dad is fun, smart, witty, and I love him!
My dad is my stepdad, technically, but in everyway that counts he is my “real” dad. He came into my life when I was 8 years old, and I know I was a little more than he could handle (seeing as he had 3 boys and didn’t really know how to deal with a girl) but he stuck around and put up with because he loved my mom and he loved me. He isn’t the most affectionate man in the world, but I know he cares. He is one the hardest working people I know and also one of the most generous. I am so grateful that he is my dad because he chose to be.
My dad fought hard to bring me and my family to the land of opportunity. He never cried or complained even though at times I can’t even begin to understand how difficult it was for him. He once told me the saddest day in his life was when he took my baby brother to the grocery store shortly after we migrated here. My brother asked for a candy bar which cost $2.00 but at that time my dad had a strict grocery list and a budget of $40/week to feed a family of 4. The candy bar was an extra which we couldn’t afford at the time. Dad said explaining to a 4 year old why he can’t have that chocolate bar was the saddest thing he ever had to do.
We have been here for 20+ years now and this whole time my dad’s been working 6 days a week to provide and support his family. He has taught us to work hard and appreciate the value of a dollar. He has been a rock in this family holding us all together even when times were rough and it seemed like nothing was working out. He has made his own way and overcome all obstacles in his path. Last year he had his dream come true when he became a jeweler for Cartier. He has never let anything stop him or break him down. He is my inspiration for wanting to be a good person, even when no one is looking. He is has taught me to stay grounded and be fair and always follow my heart. I will never be able to repay him for the sacrifices he made for us but I hope he knows how much we love him and appreciate everything he does!
My dad took me fishing when I was too young to know that a string and safety pin attached to a stick wouldn’t catch any fish from a ditch. I didn’t care that I didn’t catch anything. I was fishing with my dad.
From my earliest memories to today, my Daddy has always been there, always supporting, always encouraging. He is a minister, and I learned how much God loves us from my dad, not just from his words but from his actions, too. After 52 years of marriage, he still counts as his greatest accomplishments his greatest blessings–his family. We have a time share that my parents bought when I was in college, and our whole family gets together there every year. We started with 5 of us, but now we are 14 with husbands and children, and often more with girlfriends, boyfriends, and just friends joining. As my cousin once said while observing the great love we have for one another, “We’re not a normal family! Thank God!” And thank Daddy.
As a child growning up with my dad was special. We use to go on long truck drives whereas he was a truck driver. We sharded many things like climbing up to the top of his truck to check on how much fuel there was left in the tanker, he was afraid of hight. Getting to see the sites were great at that age. But as we grew up, my twin and I, we found out that he wasn’t our real dad and things seemed to change a little. We didn’t seem to have that bond we always had. As the years have gone by and I’ve grown wiser I’ve come to know that he is my dad and will always be. He didn’t have to adopt my sister and I when we were only 6 months old and take care of our loving mother the way he did. He was always there for her and that is what mattered the most. They would of been married this year 41 years but we lost mom when she was only 39 to cervical cancer. I still speak to my dad and will always thank him for taking care of us when he didn’t have too.
Ultrasound pictures are so incredibly special.
My father has been in Heaven since Oct. 1971. There were 11 kids in our family, and my father was always fair with us kids. He worked very hard, was a loving father and sorely missed by all of us. He was only 56 when he passed away, much too young. My mother waited a long time to join him, as she didn’t pass away until 2004. Nothing has ever came easily or freely to our family. We have had to work hard for everything we have, and I thank my father for instilling a good work ethic in all of us kids. I hope he is enjoying the rest, peace and tranquillity in God’s Heaven, as he truly deserves it. I wish I could see him one more time to tell him how much I love him and miss him, even after all of these years! That would truly be a good Father’s Day for me!
I grew up in the country, last house on the road. It was distance to get to parties, after school functions or even Sunday School on Sunday morning but my dad was always available when I needed a ride. He also used to take me fishing in the summer. He’s been gone many years and I still miss him.
My Dad was a artist, sign maker, boxer and factory worker from Bavaria. I became a professional flutist. My Dad would listen to me practice for hours and always had a comment. It was his way of letting me know how much he really listened. He hardly ever missed a performance and it was he who totally understood performance anxiety and the pressure to be the best. I virtually stopped performing when he died because without him there was no true audience. I miss him. My son was the first baby he ever fed and he was 75 at the time. He painted a picture of my daughter with an older face because he wanted to imagine her as a teen. He went to heaven a few months after that. I guess we provided each other many firsts.
My dad was always supportive of whatever I did and encouraged me to continue and not give up. He passed way 15 years ago and I miss him very much.
My dad showed me how important it was to take care of your family before anything else. Most of my childhood he would work multiple jobs just to care for us and make sure we had what we needed. I am now a dad and have tried hard to instill those same work ethics and values to my own kids. I love my dad, Happy Father’s Day.
My Dad has taught me to always use my imagination and to not be afraid to have fun. When I was little, we didn’t have a lot, but he would make me toys out of odds and ends and never worried about looking silly playing with me. One of my favorite pictures of my Dad and I is us playing “pirate ship” in a hammock with newspaper pirate hats on and swords he made out of scrap wood. Of course, we are both sneering.
My father inspired me by always being kind to everyone. He had a very gentle diplomatic nature to him that I was always thankful for. My best Father’s Day Memories are of just spending time with him and eating good food!
My dad was an excellent example of his strong faith in God even through an extreme struggle with lung cancer. I miss him so much.
My dad insprired to push myself to be the person that I could be. We always did pamper days where us kids would cook “breakfast” in bed and spend the day doing, whatever “wanted” to do, such as mini golfing and watching cartoons!
Dad is here today, yes old, but still with it!He worked away, but came home every weekend.Took us on vacations etc. He would always show us how to do repairs, he helped Mom,so we always had something to do.Hated those Sunday drives,barf bags!I can fix anything. Those were the good times!Hiking,fishing,the cabin.Fun it was!That’s POP!
I thank my father for teaching me to love others. To be a good person. To help others when they are in need. Fishing trips that he took us on. Since he died in 1970, it has been a long time since having a fathers day with him. But he is always in my heart and thoughts. With love from an loving daughter. Hope all of the fathers out their have a good fathers day.
Deanna “Marketing Unscrambled”
My Dad,
My dad is my best friend. He is always there for me nites, days, and weekends. My dad is the best.