He might have claimed he was "just resting his eyes," but he was always watching out for us. For our issue this June, we’re sharing the timeless advice and vintage snapshots of the men who shaped our world. From backyard pep talks to those quiet, profound realizations, here is some of the wisdom that proves father really does know best.
Mitch
I once asked my dad, “How do you and Mom stay together? It doesn’t always look easy.” His advice was simple, and I try to hold onto it now that I have my own marriage and family. He said, “The key is never falling out of love at the same time.” —Evan
Tom
Growing up, we watched our Dad run several marathons. He inspired me to become a runner myself and, eventually, to create one of my best memories in adulthood: running on the beautiful beach on South Padre Island with him. I'd try to keep up with him, and after we would run, he would say, "You could run farther!" That's what he's always done for me—cheered me on in life to go further. —Kim
Dave
This is my Dad's favorite quote: “It doesn’t cost a thing to smile at someone and say, ‘Hello, Pal!’” —Brian
Melvin
My dad’s favorite advice was always, “I told you so.” And the truth is, he usually had! But his “I told you so” was never about being right. It always came with love, and a reminder that you could work your way out of just about any mistake—even the ones he saw coming. He’s been right enough times that, to this day, he’s still usually my first call when I’m not sure which direction to go. —Samantha
Don
My father fought as a U.S. Marine in Okinawa during World War II and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He had plenty of advice, but one always stuck with me: “Kevin, grab sleep whenever you can. Take naps—you never know when you’ll get the chance again.” I take that to heart still today. —Kevin
Tommy
When I asked him, my dad said, "As a young parent, you'll struggle and fight to get ahead. It doesn't work very well until you stop and put God first in all you do—then watch your path become clearer and more successful." —Taryn
Ray
I can't recall specific words of advice from my dad, but what I can see in my life that I picked up from him is a love for all of the things that bring me joy: film, music, time with the people you love, and connecting with people over a shared enjoyment of all of these things. These are the things that make my life interesting, messy, and beautiful. I owe my affection for all of it to my dad. This was the legacy he passed on to me. —Rey
Bruce
My dad’s best piece of advice: “Never shake a man’s hand while sitting down.” —Steely
Todd
My dad’s best piece of wisdom that still sticks with me today is, “Don’t be stupid and be careful.” Any time I hung out with friends, he was always the first to remind me to be smart and stay safe. I always appreciated that since my friends were pretty stupid in high school! —Connor
Rod
One of the first lessons I remember learning from my dad was that “it’s better for a guilty person to go free than for an innocent person to be imprisoned.” He related it to the way he believes God shows us mercy. It’s always stuck with me that we should “err on the side of mercy,” and that it is our duty, privilege, and joy to show grace and kindness to others. —Daniel
Gary
My dad taught me that girls can learn to do anything a boy can do. I’m not sure if he set out to teach me that lesson intentionally or if it simply came from being the father of two girls—but I’m grateful either way. Because of him, I learned how to use a paintbrush and tape off a wall, change out electrical fixtures and a faucet, ride a mower, and handle a weedwacker.
Today, we talk a lot about empowering women, but when I was growing up, that mindset wasn’t always the norm. My dad didn’t just believe it—he lived it. He leaned in, took the time to teach me, and was proud to do so. And that’s something I’ll always carry with me. —Tara