Softie Dads

Comics with the kids, 1940s

With summer on our doorstep, it’s that time of year again to appreciate dear old Dad. In our memories of June barbecues and road trips, Dad was always there at the helm charring the burgers and finding the perfect parking spot. Although these patriarchs are often stereotyped as the stoic and silent types, we've heard enough stories to know that there is a wide variety of Dads out there, and we appreciate those with a softer side.

So here's to the softies, the dads who aren't afraid to show some emotion, give the bear hugs and struggle with goodbyes. Whether recalling their own parenting or the upbringing by their own fathers, these guys are the true, strong heroes in our books. 

“Dad was a great guy who everybody loved. People would gather around him as he told stories about all these guys who played ball with him, guys who ended up in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was a storyteller and had a great sense of humor. I never met anybody who didn’t like him. I never saw him mad, except when we were disrespectful to our mother. He really was my one true hero. If I am just half the man he was, I will be greatly blessed.”

“When my father retired, all these trustees and community leaders gave speeches of recognition. Those who couldn’t make the party, wrote kind letters of appreciation. After working 6.5 days a week for years as a school superintendent, he deserved every bit of it. He was a key part in the evolution of our town as a community. Though he appreciated the recognition, he didn’t need it. He wasn’t a boastful person at all. He looked at public education the way a rabbi or minister looks at his calling. He had a sense of duty to do his part.” 

Proud dad, 1953

“I loved fatherhood—that topped everything else. From pregnancy to now, I have been in love with my kids. I love being a dad and I love being A's husband... Given my own childhood experience, I was committed to being there for our kids as best as I could. There were so many things I loved about being a dad to the kids at every age, but I really enjoyed those younger years. We’d play games together, watch silly TV shows, read books, and wrestle. I always loved playing with words and still have silly poems that we all created together."

“When my daughter was born, I was so happy. I couldn’t believe it. It’s indescribable! If I had any free time, I spent it with her. We went for walks or we went to the park. She swam a lot as a kid and one year, she qualified for a special race. She called me about it and said, ‘Papa, I want you to be there.’ It was a far drive! I skipped an important work meeting to make it, and when she saw me, her face lit up and it was all worth it. I don't even remember how she did. I just remember her face when she saw me there."