My dad gave me a toolbox when I was in high school. It held just a few things at first: a hammer, a handsaw, a set of screwdrivers, and a photo of his dad — a quiet reminder that being handy ran in the family. As a teenager I wasn’t very interested in tools, but that box came with me to college, to New York City, and eventually back to Richmond.
With every move, my need for tools — and my confidence using them — grew. I added levels, drills, wrenches, and more, until the original box was too small. Still, some pieces from that first set remain in regular use: the handsaw and the screwdriver set are still part of our household toolkit. The hammer, I suspect, is still wandering Manhattan somewhere. Sorry, Dad.
With Father’s Day coming up, I want to say thank you to my dad, to Sherry’s dad, and to all the fathers who taught us practical skills and passed along a do-it-yourself mindset. To celebrate, we dug up some old, slightly embarrassing photos of them — including one of my dad in a tie I gave him for Father’s Day years ago. I decorated it with puffy paint; a reminder that good intentions don’t always equal good taste.
But enough about our dads — we want to hear about yours. Do you have a memorable story about a lesson your father taught you, or a tool he passed down? Are there traditions or creative ways you honor your dad on Father’s Day? I’ve got a special gift planned this year, but I’ll keep it a surprise until he opens it. Tell us your stories — we’d love to read them.