Thursday, June 24, 2010

My Dad

I’m visiting my father in Pittsburgh soon.

I was just there about a month ago. But a couple of days after I left, he fell and was in the hospital, then rehab. He was in good hands and there was nothing I could do, even if I’d visited then.

Now, he’s back home and doing well. There’s still not much I can do, but I want to give him some hugs.

He was one of the best contributing factors for my becoming a writer. I worked at his advertising and public relations agency while I was in high school, as a secretary and bookkeeper. After I graduated from Penn State in journalism with an advertising emphasis, I soon wound up working for him as a writer until I decided to become a lawyer.

Now, he sometimes takes credit for my having become a fiction writer but, hey, I don’t mind. He passed along some of his creative writing genes as well as his encouragement.

I celebrated him on Father’s Day last Sunday, and I celebrate him now.

By the way, on Father’s Day I was also celebrating our sons, and how much their wonderful father has influenced them. Our older son is especially handy--among other excellent traits. The handiness was handed along from his dad. Our younger son is a day trader--also among other excellent traits. His interest in the stock market was handed along by--you guessed it! His dad.

Do you see traits from your father in you? Traits in your kids from your spouse?

6 comments:

Camille Minichino said...

It's nice to hear about your sons, too, Linda. Sound like you are surrounded by great guys!

Annette said...

Ahh yes, I see a bit of the Irish in my daughter, who loves sharing her Irish heritage with her Dah.

Betty Hechtman said...

I am really enjoying this topic. It's very interesting to read about the dads in all of your lives.

Linda, your father must be very proud of you. How nice that he helped you on your path to be a writer.

Linda O. Johnston said...

I'm definitely surrounded by great guys, Camille. I'm really lucky!

Linda O. Johnston said...

How very cute, Annette. Do you share in the Irish heritage, either for real or vicariously?

Linda O. Johnston said...

I agree that this is a fun topic, Betty. Yes, I think my dad is proud of me. One of the EMTs who helped him after his fall has been communicating with my by e-mail after he told her about me!