1) When I was sixteen years old my father acquired a car to use for work. Though used, it was in great shape and would make a perfect station car. He picked up the car around noon that perfect summer day. About nine hours later, I took it upon myself to drive a buddy home with some other friends coming along for the ride. Mind you, I had no experience and no license!! About ten minutes into our little road trip I take a sharp turn way too fast and smack up his newish car!!! (Thank you Brian for blaming the landscape design of the turn and not my driving) This had to be one of the worst phone calls that I ever made. Of course this was about eight years before cell phones so after walking my fat a** to a pay phone I finally got in touch with my dad. Did he scream? Did he flip out? No, He asked me if everyone was okay... them told me to walk home. Being extremely out of shape I think I would have rather he balled me out then picked me up...
2) My father's dad was not the dad of the year. Having a second family in Jersey he did not spend too much time with the one he left behind in Queens. My dad was forced to either buy a pizza on credit or eat a mayonnaise and onion sandwich. I have never been subjected to a mayonnaise and onion sandwich. As anyone who knows my dad will tell you, and all my friends growing up who saw it first hand, my father was the hardest working guy they ever met. Averaging about four to five overtime shifts a week an addition to his normal forty hours. To put it in perspective we work for the same place, and though dad retired making six dollars an hour less than I do now he somehow more than doubled my salary fifteen years ago. He did not do it for fancy cars, designer clothes or exotic vacations... he did it to make sure that we never had to live the childhood that he did.
3) Dad showed me that it was okay to party all night but make sure that you are up for work, regardless of how crappy you feel. It told me to never, ever be a snitch and take it like a man. Regardless of what you are threatened with. He never raises his voice or lifted a finger to hit me or my three siblings. He does not judge anyone and could break bread with princes and paupers alike. He told me not to make the same mistakes and make sure I spend more time with my wife and that the money can be made tomorrow if needed. He showed me how to always dress like a respectable man and to never disrespect a lady, even one who deserves it!!!
4) The most important thing my father has ever told me: "Don't tell me where you've been... show me where you're going." Those few words have stuck with me more than anything. I do not give a damn if you were valedictorian of Yale or if you spent the last five years of your life in Sing Sing Correctional facility. I don't care how much money you made or how fancy your zip code is... show me what you are doing to be a better person.
Other notable fathers who I have seen set the bar higher for the rest: My Father in law: Doc Scotto, My brothers Ron, Pete and Bob, my wife's grandfather Doctor Sapienza, My uncles Pete, Artie, Tom and Frank, The late Mister Anthony S who taught me so much during my daily visits to his house, a great man. Mister Phil D and his son Brian following in his footsteps already. I am sure I forgot one or two but you know who you are and that you are an example of being a true dad!
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