A Tribute to My Dad on Father's Day

“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.” - Umberto Eco

Many people assume Father's Day (and Mother's Day, for that matter) is a holiday created by Hallmark and other greeting card companies to turn a profit. But that's far from the truth.

The credit goes to one very determined woman, Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. She led a decades-long fight, starting in 1910, to get fathers the recognition they deserve, eventually leading to the creation of Father's Day as a federal holiday in the US in 1972.

Father's Day is a time to celebrate and honor the remarkable men who have shaped our lives. As we approach this particular day, I reflect on the valuable lessons I learned from my dad, Konrad. He is 84 years old, full of life, and living in Austria, where I grew up.

My dad was born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1938, shortly before the beginning of World War II. (Yes, I know. You're probably humming, "The hills are alive with the sound of music."). From humble beginnings, he has achieved great professional and personal successes and imparted wisdom that continues to guide me today.

So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let me share the three important lessons my dad taught me.

Lesson 1: Value Education

From an early age, my father instilled in my three older siblings and me the importance of education. While he didn't shower us with material possessions, he firmly believed in investing in our future through the power of knowledge.

During our teenage years, each of us had the opportunity to spend multiple summers living with local families in England, Ireland, or France. These experiences not only helped us learn English and French but also exposed us to different cultures and gave us a more global perspective.

So, when the time came for me to choose a university, he generously supported my decision to study in the US, even though Austria offered free college education.

That decision expanded my worldview and planted a seed within me -- a seed that would sprout into a deep desire to travel the globe and immerse myself in the richness of various cultures. It also instilled in me a sense of gratitude and determination to make the most of every opportunity that came my way.

Lesson 2: Live Below Your Means

As my dad progressed in his career and his compensation increased, he had colleagues who upgraded to bigger houses and bought fancy cars. Yet, we stayed in the same house we moved into when I was five years old, and we didn't purchase flashy things.

A fun fact: My dad insisted on always keeping an old, rusted bicycle in front of our house, despite my mom's rumblings. Why? Because he wanted to give the impression that this house had nothing worth stealing.

He taught us the importance of financial responsibility, emphasizing that comparing ourselves to others and trying to keep up with the proverbial Hubers (or Joneses) only leads to unnecessary stress and debt. He wasn't impressed by the wealth being flashed by others. He was turned off by it.

My dad encouraged us to spend less than we earned and to prioritize savings and investments. I think he valued the freedom that comes from having financial security—the possibility of leaving a career if it no longer served him.

Today, as I reflect on his wisdom, I realize that this lesson was about being mindful of our financial choices and finding contentment in life's simple joys.

Lesson 3: Give Back and Pay It Forward

My dad ingrained in me the importance of generosity and the responsibility to help those less fortunate. Every year, without fail, my father donated 10% of his annual income to charitable causes.

This act of giving was not merely a financial transaction but a demonstration of gratitude for the good life we enjoyed. Through his actions, he taught us that we can make a positive impact on the lives of others, no matter how small.

Today, I find joy in following in his footsteps: volunteering my time and resources to causes dear to my heart.

On this Father's Day, I'm reminded of my immense gratitude for my dad and the invaluable lessons he taught me. His commitment to education, financial prudence, and compassionate giving has shaped my life in immeasurable ways. The wisdom he imparted -- and continues to impart -- resonates with me and, I hope, with you too.

So let us remember the essential lessons fathers teach us, the love and support they provide, and the lasting impact they have on our lives. And if you didn't have such a figure in your life, I hope you found someone else to love and support you.

Happy Father's Day to all the incredible dads out there, and a heartfelt thank you to my dad, who remains a guiding light on my journey.

Best,

Christine

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