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?