by Greg Gottsacker
I heard Jim Gaffigan compare Dad to the Vice-President of the family. That can be interpreted in many ways...but he ultimately plays second fiddle to the Mama.
And despite what he thinks, he was probably chosen (indirectly elected) by Mom’s campaign team of clucking birds and sisters. (Electoral College).
We all have special relationships with Dad..and as Father’s Day is behind us and I wasn't able to spend it with him, it is time for me to thank pops for everything he does for me.
I have memories of fights and arguments with my dad--like struggling with math homework in middle school as he showed me his way to do it, curfew violations and explaining suspicious empty cans in high school, and the kicker---religion and politics later in life.
Those tensious moments will never be forgotten, and they shouldn’t be. Those moments shaped me as a man, and they defined the role of father in another….as did another thousand joyous moments.
….like sitting in the bottom of a duck boat when I was 5-years old, sleeping, as my dad and friends sprayed lead into the marsh and dropped mallards…..
...and my dad teaching me to hunt in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, sitting patiently in the cold and seeing me get a deer year-in, year-out, despite him never getting one...
...and traveling in Europe on a midnight train perched on a bunk bed above a lady of the night named Kyra Ice all the way to Budapest, Hungary after attending the Oktoberfest…..
….and like brewing beer with my dad and brother in Northern Michigan and singing just ridiculous songs….
Many of the experiences I had were outdoors, exploring and learning about our surroundings. Whatever the memory was, an argument or a weekend at deer camp, I have always learned something from him--whether he knows it or not.
So in the spirit of the outdoors, learning, and my recent trip to South Africa, I want to share a couple fun outdoor and African experiences with Dad (and you) via this newsletter.
Wine and Whiskey: A South African Combo
Helicium Glasses are the perfect tool for summer braai and man time--extra tough when it matters and versatile for wine or whiskey.
Helicium comes in two different models, stems and stemless, and are the premium aerating wine glass on the market.
Enjoy all the benefits of Helicium by ordering today!
-immediate aeration in the glass thanks to integrated blades
-100% lead free all mineral glass, robust and sturdy
-holds a brilliant shine up to thousands of industrial washes
-elegant and classic look
Order Now before the end of June!
By entering "AFRICA" at heliciumglass.com, you will receive 25% off all orders until June 30th!
Hope you all had a great Father's Day, and please enjoy a moment with your Dad this summer on the braai with a glass in your hand!
Gregory Gottsacker
Author