My Dad with three of his Grand Kids.

My Dad doesn’t know how good a father he is.  In fact, I am sure he regularly worries that he didn’t have a big enough impact in my life.  I write this post, a grown man and father myself, and fully aware of the positive influence my Dad had on my life.  I will admit, we didn’t spend as much time together when I was growing up as we would have liked, but I wouldn’t trade the time we did spend together for anything… and to this day, every moment I am in my Dad’s presence is cherished more than you, or he, can imagine.

So, on Father’s Day, and everyday, I thought I would share my favourite ‘quotes from Dad’…

“Do as I say, not as I do.”
A little ‘tongue-in-cheek’ because I caught myself sharing this same quote with my daughter just a few days ago.  Thanks Dad, I too am sharing “what not to do” with my girl.

“Remember your name, son… never forget who you are.”
Great advice for any young kid growing up… Dad, I slipped up, as every kid growing up does, but these words played a big part in keeping me on track.

“It doesn’t cost a penny to think big…”
These words came from my Dad when, in conversation just a few weeks ago, we were discussing how the ‘mood’ in our home province has changed from an oppressive-like “accept less than the best” attitude to one of “we deserve the best and expect the best”.

“I’m not going to tell you how to vote, son, but don’t ever let me hear you voted for those darn reds.”
Those may not be the exact words but this is a family blog… This quote came during a conversation about politics in my home province.  I have always been interested in politics and have followed closely since I was about 14 years old.

“No matter what happens, keep a positive attitude… thinking negative serves no one.”
This is probably the one piece of wisdom Dad shared that has served me the most over the years.

“I’m proud of you, son…”
If there’s something a young kid loves to hear it’s that he impressed his Dad when he accomplished something.  And, I heard these words whether I came in first place or last place..

“I’d be a better hockey player but I had a bad coach in school.”
It wasn’t just hockey… My Dad would be a famous football, hockey, and baseball player if only he’d had better coaches in school. I wonder if any of Dad’s coaches are reading this and want to chime in?

“Sure, have fun, but it’s hardly worth playing the game if you’re not going to play to win.”
Winning wasn’t everything… but playing for less means you set your sights too low.

“You can be anything… do anything… you just have to want it and set your mind to it.”
I grew up thinking opportunity was all around me… and it has served me well.

Thank you, Dad!