Really great storytelling isn’t always about crafting a brand new tale. Sometimes, it’s about retelling truly worthwhile stories to keep them alive.

On Father’s Day, there’s perhaps no better way to celebrate and honor dads, whether in person or in spirit, than by sharing stories about them in gratitude and love.

Today, many will mark Father’s Day with outdoor barbecues, the unwrapping of gifts, greeting cards, phone calls and time spent as a family. It is a day to create new memories and reminisce about old ones. For others, those whose fathers can only be with them in spirit, the day will no doubt include time for remembrance, prayer and grief.

Recent tragedies have resulted in 49 fathers spending this Father’s Day mourning the senseless loss of their adult sons and daughters, victims of the recent Orlando nightclub shootings. Another dad in Nebraska will spend this Father’s Day without his only son, Lane, a two-year-old toddler who lost his life in an alligator attack at a Disney resort in Orlando. Countless other children will have no dad to give homemade Father’s Day cards to thanks to random violence and shootings which have taken their fathers’ lives and changed the course of their childhoods forever. Many others,, like myself, will simply spend this Sunday remembering and mourning our dads who are no longer with us due to a passing from illness or disease or natural causes.

Whatever the circumstances, each dad has a special story, worthy of remembering, honoring, acknowledging and telling this Father’s Day. It is in the very telling of our “dad story” that keeps their spirit alive, creates meaning for their lives and ours, and honors the mark they have left and continue to leave on this world. In nearly every case, these stories help create a sense of gratitude and deep appreciation for the impact fathers have on their children, a gift unto itself that is priceless for both parent and child.

Like any worthwhile tale, taking a few minutes on Father’s Day to revisit your “dad story”, to reminisce about laughter shared, memories made and lessons learned, just makes it stronger and more meaningful.

My “Dad Story”

Today, I’d like to take a break from my usual postings about content and digital strategy to share a chapter of my “dad story” on this Father’s Day, the second one I will celebrate with him in spirit. 

My “dad story” begins and ends with a smile. No matter the obstacles life threw at him, you could always count on my dad’s smile. Whether family, friend or stranger, he always was eager to share a smile and a joke, anything to brighten the day of those he met. He was a true comedian at heart and when my dad was nearby, there was likely to be plenty of laughter.

Dad was a life-long golfer. He loved walking the course, enjoying the beauty of the trees and greens around him, and the challenge of improving his game. As a kid, I would stand next to him at the driving range and watch him perfect his swing with a bucket of balls. Golf was a source of pure enjoyment for him. Certainly, there were countless Fathers Days where his pile of gifts included items to enhance his game—from golf balls and new clubs to a colorful shirt for his golfing wardrobe to gift certificates for a round of golf at his favorite course. He was grateful for it all. And while my dad was never one to call attention to himself, it was a proud day indeed when he brought home a trophy he won for hitting the “longest drive” at a local tournament.

He was a humble and proud man who never asked for attention for himself. Dad served in the Navy but it was only by happenstance that I learned how his actions saved the lives of all of those on his ship. While he worked incredibly hard to support his family, he would good-naturedly agree to a game of tennis or catch with his sports-minded daughter after a long day at work.

Long before there were fancy water parks and health club pools, my dad would surprise his young kids with a day visit to the local hotel to cool off in the pool and take a ride drown the slide. He was the kind of dad who never thought of himself, but always wanted to do more for his family.

He was a true jack of all trades. Incredibly bright, Dad was a veritable whiz when it came to numbers and meticulous with all things involving home improvement. From fixing his beloved granddaughter’s broken toys to getting that stubborn snowblower to kick over, he could do it all.

Growing up poor with his four siblings, my dad always appreciated things most people today take for granted like many from his generation. He was well known to have a sweet tooth and especially relished some of his favorite foods or treats. It still makes me smile to remember how his eyes would light up when I surprised him with one of his favorites—a cream puff or root beer float or handful of chocolate kisses. The smile on his face shone bright. As always, he was grateful for the little things that make life a life.

A sharp dresser (on and off the golf course), my dad was always quick to compliment others. He always had a soft spot for children—especially his granddaughter whom he adored——and was a natural magnet for his many four-legged friends. He was a talented musician and instilled in me the benefits of learning to play an instrument and read music. He could hear a song once and play it back without the aid of any sheet music.

Kind, generous, sweet, smart, spirited (some might say stubborn) and grateful. These are all adjectives that would describe my dad in any story of his life.

A Story’s Life Lessons

Every memorable character in any worthwhile story leaves behind lessons to live by. My dad was no exception. The best way to honor him is to try to live daily these important lessons for a life well lived.

• Be kind to others. It costs you nothing yet adds immeasurably to your life and theirs. There is perhaps nothing more memorable or valuable than the kindness you extend others.
• Express gratitude frequently. “Thank You” was a daily part of my dad’s vocabulary. Nothing is guaranteed in this life so express gratitude and appreciation for all your blessings, large and small.
• Be curious. My dad possessed a healthy curiosity for everything from astronomy to history to sports to travel. A love for knowledge and learning can serve to enrich one’s life.
• Practice your passions. An avid golfer, musician and reader, my dad’s passions were a constant source of enjoyment and fulfillment. Make time to develop some interests and passions and nurture them.
• Enjoy the simple things in life. In a society that celebrates multi-millionaire celebrities, athletes and reality stars, acknowledging the simple things in life is often not valued. But enjoyment in life often comes from small moments and the simplest of things. Pay attention to them and appreciate them.
• Keep smiling. While life is filled with difficult obstacles and injustices, a simple smile can help you get through the day. Everyone who met my dad remembers his constant smile and desire to brighten the day of all whom he met.

This is but a chapter of my “dad story”. It’s no better or worse than anyone else’s but as with any dad, it is a story that deserves to be told and shared and remembered. All any of us can do is try to be the best we can be, giving back to others who grace our lives and leaving this world in a better place. Dad stories help validate an important part of our life experience. Indeed, some of the best stories are those that can be told without the aid of photographs or video or Snapchats. Instead, they are told through the lens of personal memories, observations, love and gratitude.

Take some time this Father’s Day to tell your “dad story”. If you’re lucky enough to be able to spend time with him in person, share your “dad story” with him. Reminisce about good times, share a laugh and remember to say “thank you”. Store-bought gifts are nice, but expressions of appreciation, love and memories are priceless. Perhaps your story will even enrich and enhance your relationship.

If your dad can only be with you in spirit, share your story with your sibling, child, partner or friend. You may find that the very telling of your “dad story” will serve to heal the hole in your heart and the loss and sadness you feel on this day that celebrates and honors all dads.

Great storytelling is meaningful, memorable and momentous.  I give thanks daily to my dad who gave me the best “dad story” a daughter could ask for.

Happy Father’s Day and Happy Storytelling.