Lessons From Dad

Dear Readers: A few weeks ago, I asked you to share the most valuable trait that a dad (or dad figure) instilled in you. Hundreds of you were thrilled to write in about that prompt. Below is just a small sampling. Happy Father's Day.

Dear Annie: The most valuable trait my dad instilled in us was love and respect for one's partner. All I ever saw between my mom and him was love. I never saw or heard them argue, even though I know they occasionally did, but they never argued in front of their kids. They were married 53 years when my dad passed away.

My older brother and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019, and my wife and I will celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2022. I guess this says something. -- Keith B.

Dear Annie: My dad was a Philadelphia banker, and integrity was his telltale trait. As a young man, he delivered groceries on a horse and wagon and earned a reputation for caring for all his clients. He saved all his tips to put himself through college. As a grown man, he found a bag full of money and immediately searched for and found its owner. As a retired man, he noticed that the widows in his social group were ignored after their husbands died, and he introduced a plan to include them. Integrity is a trait that shines through the years. -- Nancy R.

Dear Annie: My Uncle Bob was the greatest "Dad" I could have been blessed with. He and my aunt were there for me growing up. The most valuable trait he passed on to me was the ability to love unconditionally by caring about the whole person. He loved me my entire life, warts and all, and taught me to do the same for others. He never judged me and was always there to offer a listening ear and a ready hug. I like to think I am who I am as a person because of him. -- Merrie N.

Dear Annie:

The most valuable lesson my dad instilled in me was a love of learning. At age 50, he went back to college to become a quality control engineer. He did this so he could find work close to home, and the short commute gave him time to help us with our homework every night. He was the only one who had the patience to teach me higher math. I have a learning disorder, but he never let me use that as an excuse to get out of college-bound classes. I ended up going to the same college where he had done his retraining. I was desperate to quit at times, but if my dad didn't give up despite the cold and the difficult material, how could I? I ended up graduating with honors. The accomplishment belongs to both of us. -- Lisa E.

Dear Annie: My wonderful father taught me to be calm in the face of challenges, and he taught me to fish. He showed me that fishing wasn't always about catching fish; it was often quiet time on a beautiful river, time with good friends and a way to recharge his batteries. He's been gone more than 20 years. I still think of him every day. -- Love My Dad

Dear Annie: The most important trait my father instilled in my sister and me was his conviction that women could do anything. He encouraged us to get a good education and study what interested us, and he never once told us that something we wanted to do wasn't appropriate for a girl. This was an important message for us to hear in the 1950s, and I've been grateful for it all my life. -- Paula L.

"Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie" is out now! Annie Lane's debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http:// www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.