Things My Father Taught Me
There are two things that stick out as early memories of my father. First, his hands are always warm, no matter what. We used to walk around a lot, and I’ll never forget how warm his hand would be when he would grab mine to cross the street. Secondly, he always let me help pick out his new briefcases. When he got a new one, he’d let me have his old one. I loved carrying around those hard shell briefcases. I stuffed them full of papers, pencils, and G.I. Joes.
I ended up taking those briefcases on a lot of adventures with my dad. Everywhere from his office, to a dairy farm, to a surprise day off from school. I’d always ask, “Where are we going?” and he’d always reply: “On an adventure….” My dad has always understood the importance of the small, quiet, fleeting moments.
My dad has always been my biggest supporter. He checks the blog every day and always has a comment or a new idea for content. This isn’t really anything new, though. My dad always knew where the coolest comic book stores were, no matter what city we were in at the time. And he always took the time out on Wednesdays (new comic day to us nerds) to take me to my favorite local shop. My dad has taken me to the newest shops and boutiques, dealing with loud, pretentious music and jaded hipster service. He’s helped convince my mom I was ready for a Red Ryder BB Gun and a Swiss Army knife. He let me watch Die Hard and took me to a midnight screening of The Crow. My dad also understood when I told him I wasn’t going to pursue a career in law for the time being.
My dad has always known his son and never asked me to be anything other than his son. He’s never tried to be my friend or my boss — just my dad. I think the greatest lessons I’ve learned so far from him are to cherish those you love, be kind and magnanimous, and keep you wardrobe classic and free of ostentation.
We talk a lot about style icons. We may like to talk about them, but I think we more often dress like our fathers. I carry a Swiss Army knife in my bag like my dad. I wear his Fell Co. pea coat all the time. He rode a motorcycle quite like the one I am working on. I really like gray suits, like the one my dad has. And one day I might be able to fill in his brown leather brogues. After all, they are large shoes to fill.
