This Father’s Day, I wanted to ask my Dad some questions that I often don’t  think to ask. I encourage all of us to take the chance to really ask some questions to the Dads in your life.

– Lily

Q: What’s your favorite memory of being a kid?
A: That’s a great question. Some of my fondest memories surround making things. One summer, I collected hundreds of paper milk cartons and, using my moms paraffin wax for canning vegetables, stapled and resealed the cartons. I used hundreds of rubber bands to bind them together and built an 8 foot boat my dad and I loaded on the family station wagon and I navigated about 2 miles on the Saucony Creek with it and a paddle. I can literally close my eyes and remember building it from start to finish.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of your dad?
A: The fact that he never missed a day of work, ever. Never called in sick. Never didn’t go. My determination stems from that example.

Q: What was one special thing you and your dad used to do together?
A: Hunting pheasants and trout fishing. Both started at an early age. Fishing at age 6. Hunting at 13. It was every day all season long every year.

Q: What is the most important thing your dad taught you?
A: Self reliance and never giving up.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Independent and self employed 

Q: Who was your best friend as a kid? And what was your favorite game or thing to do when you went out to play?
A: Keith Haring. We drew or painted together since we were 5-6 yrs old. 

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your kids?
A: Making things and teaching those skills and traveling together in general.

Q: What’s your top advice for young dads?
A: Support any dream your children have. It’s not your job to choose a path. It is your job to provide unwavering support.

Q: What’s your proudest moment as a father?
A: Watching them each grow and learn to be good people.