Happy Father’s Day

Posted on June 20, 2015

Have you ever told your father how much he means to you…or let him know the father-moments you treasure?

More often than not, we share these feelings with everyone but our dad. So it’s no surprise that our own children follow suit.

With Father’s Day approaching, we decided to explore that. We asked a few fathers to share their fondest memory of a time spent with their father and then to describe him in just five words. After that, we asked their kids to do the same. Guess what? We found some common threads passed down through the generations. That’s something worth celebrating!

Here are the results:

David Watson

What is your fondest childhood memory with your father?

A trip the two of us took to Mt. Whitney when I was in junior high. As the youngest of four kids, I didn’t get a lot of opportunity for trips. The two of us got to spend special time together, hiking and camping for two nights and three days. 

Five words to describe your father?

Goofy, smart, curious, friendly, a leader

David’s son Peter (age 10)

Favorite memory?

Spending time cuddling and building with Lego bricks.

Five words?

Awesome, funny, cuddly, helpful, fun

David’s son Harris (age 13)

Favorite memory?

Hanging out or running errands together. Spending time together, just the two of us.

Five words?

Enthusiastic, funny, an early bird, awesome, understanding

Clearly, the legacy that Grandpa Watson passed on to his son and grandsons is a penchant for one-on-one time spent together and a sense of humor. Priceless!

Here’s what the Gandhi family had to share:

Hetal Gandhi

Favorite memory?

Story time. My dad always spent time with us telling us the best stories! 

Five words?

Funny, smart, hands on, Mr. Fix-it, and loving

Hetal’s daughter, Vaani (age 12)

Favorite memory?

When my mom went to Paris with my aunt, I loved spending one-on-one time with my dad. And when my dad comes back from his trips, he always, always, always comes to my room and gives me hugs and kisses—even if it’s late and I’m sleeping. It could be 3 a.m., and I know for sure, that he will still give me my special hugs and kisses quietly. And one more thing, my Dad loves to tell stories! 

Five words?

Funny, nice, handsome, caring, and kind

Hetal’s son, Deven (age 10)

Favorite memory?

Nighttime story time.

Five words?

Playful, funny, smart, nice, cuddly

Thanks to grandpa Gandhi for passing on his storytelling talents and his funny bone!

Naturally, I couldn’t resist taking this to my own family!

Harry Khetarpal

Favorite memory?

Going to SC [USC] football games.

Five words?

Caring, loving, supportive, strong, dedicated to family

Son Navin (age 24)

Favorite memory?

Going to Laker games!

Five words?

Caring, happy, inspirational, funny, supportive

Daughter Nitasha (age 27)

Favorite memory?

Our intellectual talks about business, the Lakers…really anything and everything. He is always up for a great talk!

Five words?

Selfless, hug-obsessed, inspirational, always supportive, and genuine

Clearly, the Khetarpal family legacy is enjoying sports and being caring, supportive, and inspirational. I’m confident that my kids will pass along these valuable traits to their own children as well!

Says Dan Pearce, author of The Real Dad Rules, “Children are gifts. They are not ours for the breaking. They are ours for the making.” And truly it is the simple things in life—spending time, and being funny, supportive, caring, inspiring, and loving—that create memories and contribute to the “making” of our children. The simple things that cost nothing are the most valuable to our children.

What are your family legacies? Ask your spouse and your kids the two questions above, and find out! That makes a great Father’s Day gift for yourself, your spouse, your father…even another father whom you admire. And we’d love to know, too. Do share your thoughts with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Wishing all of you great Dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day!

Special thanks to the Watson, Gandhi, and Khetarpal families for sharing their reflections with TOG!