Dear Readers

Thank you for sending your stories. I received hundreds. Here are just a few...enjoy! Thanks for reading with me.

--Suzanne Beecher

Click to read Suzanne’s original column:
The Best Gift My Father Ever Gave Me

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Readers Share Their Stories

"My Dad was not one of those guys who would cry easily. The only time I ever remember him crying was when his mom died when I was 7. My Dad was a nice guy and a great friend, but when it came to showing his feelings, well, we usually only saw them when he got angry. He would occasionally give me a hug or a pat on the head but he wasn't the kind of guy to spout off "I love you".

I lived at home until I got married and moved out at the age of 22. My husband I and moved to a town about 3 hours away so he could finish college. The town was where my Dad had grown up. I finally got to see the house where he had grown up. After the school year was over and my husband received his degree we moved back home to save money for our move to California. We were going there for my husband to attend seminary.

When it came time to say our goodbyes my Dad actually got all choked up. His baby was moving 1000 miles away. As we pulled out of the driveway with an 18 foot truck pulling our belongings that only filled a small portion, I looked back and saw my Dad crying. I knew without a doubt that my Father loved me. That was the best gift he could ever have given me.

My Dad passed away a few years ago. I still miss him." --Jeanne

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"When I was about 5 or 6 my Dad presented me with the most beautiful coat and muff I had ever seen! They were both white bunny fur and I just knew that every little girl I knew would be soooo jealous until my best friend showed up with the identical coat and muff...with the exception that her muff had a "bunny face" on it...but I liked mine better....What a great Dad...and he picked it out himself.! To date myself, as the coat probably already has...that was in 1935 or 36! I am now 72 and my Dad is 93...great, huh?" --Madelon

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"My father was very short in stature and never raised his voice. He was gentle and loving. My Father had five daughters, of which I am the second oldest, and he believed that girls should not be restricted to engaging in girl's only activities. This was not the common thought when I was growing up. My father took us hunting and fishing, taught us about the bush and the necessity to respect nature. He allowed us to play the "boys" only sports and encouraged us to become well rounded individuals. ....Thank-you Dad, for my life." --Donna

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"The best gift my dad gave to me was a home to come back to along with my two little boys to help raise 3 years ago. My now ex-husband of two years was abusive to us three and kicked us out with no where to go. The last minute I called my parents to let them know what I had been going on thru the whole marriage and they sort of knew, being parents. My dad said we have a home as long as we need. My life now wouldn't be terrific without him along with the rest of my family. I owe him so much for helping me supportively, financially, and being a wonderful man and human being. I love with all my heart." --Diane

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"[My dad] gave me the love of reading. Whenever he went out of town he always brought me back a book, from the time I was very young. I started reading at the age of 3, and haven't stopped since. --Diane

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"One rainy day, when I suppose I was about 9 years old, I got off the school bus to have my brother greet me with "Go look in the barn.....it's a surprise from Dad!" What could be in the barn....a new calf or maybe a new kitten? But no, they wouldn't be surprises from Dad... calves and kittens were not a novelty on our dairy farm. I hoped against hope that finally I would see a horse in that barn. I devoured books by Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley. A black stallion or even a "Misty" would be a dream come true. As I followed my brother into the barn he excitedly pointed out my surprise....a shaggy brown pony! What a surprise! The best a girl could ever want! Even though "Shorty" was like no horse in any of the books that I had read, he was mine and life was near perfect....thanks to my Dad." --Kristin

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"The best gift I ever got from my dad was being adopted by him. And because he was in the Army and stationed in Germany, he and my mom decided to adopt in Germany in 1955. That's how I got so lucky to have my parents adopt me--I was in an orphanage in Darmstadt, Germany. Thanks to his military service, I not only got adopted, but also got the chance to feel extreme pride in my dad as a service man and veteran of the Vietnam War." --Carol

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"My father was a dedicated outdoorsman and truly loved to hunt and fish. When I was 8 years old he was transfered to the Springfield Armory where the government used to make rifles. He joined a trout club and enjoyed going to it 3 or 4 times a month. Once in a while he would invite my two sisters and me to go with him. We 3 kids each had a cane pole which we would take along. On the Christmas following my tenth birthday I received a real spinning rod. Now with lots of practice I might be able to cast like Dad. It was supposed to be from Santa Claus, but my younger sister was the only one who still believed in Santy." --Thom

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"The best gift of all wasn't a present it was his presence. I've had him for 67 years and he is still alive and well at 92. Could one ask for more?" --Babs

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"My dad passed away on March 1, 2002 -- after turning 80 on February 28. The best gift he ever gave me was time with him." --DFillmorecom

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"This is not a particularly touching story, but my all-time best gift from dad was, hands-down, the 2 rolls of duct tape he send me off with to college. He told me that I could fix anything with it, to which my mother also chimed in "that and a can of hairspray" I have found these 2 items to be invaluable in my life. Thanks, dad!" --Teesha

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"I haven't received so many gifts from my father except that he gave me my life and provided me a shelter before I was able to support myself, because we really didn't have extra money except surviving everyday life. But I do remember that my father's words after I was accepted as an Engineering student for one of China's most prestigious school -- Shanghai Jiaotong University, which I think would make the most memorable gift of my whole life. He said: "I read from somewhere, a person to reach his/her success, must have had at least one of the three factors:

1. Great talent 2. Famous teacher guiding 3. Diligence I know you don't have 1. & 2. It is the diligence that realized your childhood dream." His words has been a great encouragement to me." --Jane

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“My mom and dad are divorced, and I live with my mom, so I would have to say that the best gift my dad ever gave me was a cell phone last Christmas. It's easier for us to keep in touch now!" --Chelsea

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"The best gift my dad gave me was staying with my mom. His parents were divorced before he was born, his mother raised him and his 5 siblings, with the help of her father, on a farm during the thirties. He realized shortly after my sister and I were born that his marriage was not good but he stayed with my mother and us so we wouldn't have to grow up with the difficulties he did. My sister and I were not aware of the problems they had until we were adults, when they finally divorced. Each remarried and had a much happier life. The second best gift he gave me was a wonderful stepmother who has been a part of our family now for 24 years..."--Shirley

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"My father was an alcoholic, and abusive. I left home when I was 16 and didn't have any contact with him until I was 20. He quit drinking and became very involved with A.A. He gave me a butterfly pin, and said that butterflys stand for new beginnings. That was all that was said, but I believe he meant our relationship." --Anita

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"I have a wonderful father, he has made many sacrifices for me. I am of African origin and the best gift my dad gave me was to bring me to America for better education and better opportunities. I am forever greatful for that." --Grace

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"The best gift my dad ever gave me was not a gift he intended to give. My dad was a mechanic and many days I would hover around and watch as he fixed cars. I learned to change oil, gap spark plugs, and problem solve. My brothers, who did not think it was cool to hang around dad, learned nothing. Even today,as an adult, I know how to figure out what is wrong with my car (or at least narrow it down.) My dad, is long gone and never knew the influence he had. As a woman knowing a few things about car mechanics in this day and age, IS a real gift. Thanks, Tony!" --Katie

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“Open arms and love after I hadn't spoken to him for ten years due to bitterness over my parent's divorce. I asked for his forgiveness, and he gave it, no questions asked. When I think of how much we both hurt...I'm just so glad it's better today!" --Amanda

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"Actually that was the plan for this Father's Day if I can get my sister to cooperate. I thought we could print out a nice certificate to hang by his desk (even though he is retired, he spends a lot of time on his state of the art computer) that would remind him how he influenced his daughters' lives in a positive way. I would like to thank him for giving me the courage and the mindset that I could do anything I wanted in this world, that it isn't a compartmentalized world, girls can do guy's jobs and vice versa. When I got older, I realized some of this may have been inadvertent (there were only us two girls) but it still shaped my outlook on life. Thanks Dad!" --Nancy

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"The best gift my father ever gave me was the gift of being there for me always. It's not something I appreciated until I was older and he was gone. I participated in sports and girl scouts. My dad was always there to cheer me on at softball and bowling. He was the dad that always got stuck carting a bunch of girls to girl scouting events. He never seemed to mind and he was great. When I was younger I used to be embarrassed to have him drive up on his scooter to see my softball games, boy I wish I had that to do over again - I really love him for doing that! PS - I love the book club!" --Rosemary

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"I would have to say that the best gift that I ever got was when I was in the 7th grade.

It was 1967, and that year dad asked me whether I wanted $50.00 to spend anyway I wanted, or a TV. It was something that my dad had gotten at one of his extra jobs; someone's reject. But it didn't matter to me. Whether my dad realized it or not, that old beat up TV changed my life, if only for a couple of weeks. I was considered the cool kid in school. I was the FIRST kid in the entire school to have their own TV! I wouldn't have taken a million dollars for it. I carted it around for years...to college, to most of my apartments. I even "loaned" it to one of my brothers. It finally gave up the ghost a couple of years back." --Dianna

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"Hi Suzanne, The best and most memorable gift my Dad ever gave me was a beautiful red coat with silver buttons. We only received one pair of shoes a year, so you can imagine how this coat made me feel extra special. I have saved the buttons, for 60 years now, they bring back happy memories. I am glad you and your Dad were able to communicate your love for each other before he died." --Genetta

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"Dear Suzanne, Over fifty five years ago, my Dad gave me and my younger sister the freedom to attempt anything we had the inclination to do. He taught us to fish, mow the grass, change a flat tire and a lot of other things usually relegated to boys. Just because we were girls was not a reason not to try something new or in those days "for boys or men". The confidence he gave us has worn well for both of us. I know it is commonplace now but it wasn't back then. We sure miss him." --Pat

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"My dad gave me the gift of believing in myself. Having four older brothers I always wanted be a part of the action and do whatever they were doing. Whenever I asked my dad if I could ride a bike, climb a tree, hit a baseball, push the lawn mower, paint a fence, and a million other things my brothers were doing, my dad always said "let's try it and see." With his help and encouragement there never has been anything I couldn't do if I just "try it and see." --Mary

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"The best gift my dad gave me was his example of absolute honesty and tolerance of his fellow man. I remember once as a child about saying something about another's dad being a GARBAGE collector--- in the days before they were sanitary engineers---and my dad quietly asked me, "Does he do a good job? Does he work hard? Then he makes an honest living and does it well, you should remember & respect that." And I always have! I don't recall repeating the offense of ridiculing any one else again. Even after 60 years I remember & cherish his example. I just wish I'd told him more often how much I loved and respected him." --Winnie

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"Mine is not "your Father" but "your Grandfather"

You see, my parents were divorced when I was very young and I never knew my father but that was okay as I had the best Grandfather and the gift he gave me was "a happy life."

My mother and I lived with my maternal grandparents for many years, until I was married, as a matter of fact. My Grandfather was a wonderful gentleman who, believe it or not, let me play barber! He allowed me to trim his mustache, the hair in his ears, etc.

I have wonderful memories of my life with him and wanted to share them with you." --Jane

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"Responding to your request for the best gift you got from Dad. Well mine was a beautiful sapphire ring. Mom, Dad & I were shopping in a village of quaint shops. It was in the fall of Oct. I admired a sapphire ring in the window of one shop and my Dad said he would buy it for my birthday in Nov. from him. At the time he was dying of bone cancer and I guess he wanted to give me something to remember him by. He died in Dec. and that ring meant everything to me as it was the last thing I would ever get from my  Dad .The ring was now special because it was not just because I wanted it but because my Dad wanted to give me something special I liked." --Elaine

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"My dad always bought all four of his girls (Mom and 3 daughters) a valentine's box every year and put it on our plate at breakfast. We three sisters got the small red heart-shaped box of chocolate candy and Mama got the big pink or red hear-shaped box. It became a family tradition. The first year I went to college I wondered how they would continue the tradition since none of us were home - me being the last to leave home - except for my little brother. Low and behold two packages came in the mail - one from my father, the small red heart-shaped box of chocolates and one from my mother - a box of homemade fudge. They had each sent their valentines separately, not wanting me to feel left out that first year away from home. Out of all the many wonderful gifts he gave me over the years. That little box of chocolates stands out in my memory as the most precious." --Jane

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"Six years ago I was unconscious in an Intensive Care Unit . After about six months, I was transferred to a Progressive Care Unit ; from there I had go to a Nursing Home where I spent the next eleven months. It was soon after I went to the Nursing Home that my father gave me the best gift in the world. It was Valentine's Day. My dad had never purchased a gift for me in over 46 years. He and my mom came to see me every day while I was in the Nursing Home. On this Valentine's Day, he brought me a small, snow white TeddyBear with a red bow around it's neck. It wasn't large; but it meant the world to me. To this day That little teddy bear stays on my bed right by my side while I sleep every night. My story isn't all that special to most people; it means so very much to me, especially since my father will turn 88 in November!" --Carol

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"When I was small my dad was always such a trickster. It was a few days before Christmas, my dad knocked on the window but when I got there he would be gone. He did this for a little while and he had something in his hands putting it up to the window but I couldn't see what it was. Christmas came and my gift that he had by the window in his hands was a 3 foot doll dressed like a nun, to this day I still have this doll and think of that Christmas when I take out that doll." --Janice

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"The best gift that my dad ever gave me was an example of a loving marriage, dedicated husband, and awesome father. I am 35 years old and have still never married because I have not found someone as wonderful as my father. You can't help but smile/laugh when you're around my dad. My dad has given me the greatest gift ever - a shining example of what it means to be a dad!" --Brenda

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"My father gave me the gift of music. He took my sister and I to music lessons several times a week. Not only did he encourage us, but he sat right outside of the room where we were getting our lessons. He wanted the teachers to know how much he valued a good lesson each week and he made sure we received one. Well, it worked! Our teachers knew dad would be there every week and how much he cared about our progress. I give piano lessons and value the time and skills that students can get from a teacher that gives their full attention to them. I credit my dad for instilling in me this sense of fun, skill and confidence that music can give a person." --Mary

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"When I was seven years old - I remember my father taking the train into the city every Saturday to go to the NYC Library on Fifth Avenue. I remember begging him to let me go with him. One Saturday he took me on a test run to see how a seven year old would behave. It was "awesome" for a young girl. This was in the late 1940's. He showed me how to order books and how they were sent up. I even remember the book I requested "John Paul Jone's" biography. Almost every Saturday I would take the train into the city with my father and spend hours reading in this beautiful place. That was my introduction to reading & I've been hooked on it ever since. (Have to remember to thank my Dad for that when I visit his grave on Father's Day - thanks for reminding me)" --Betty

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"I remember fondly that when I was a senior in highschool that I had big feet and wore a 9 1/2 narrow shoe, which generally could only be found in expensive stores where we really couldn't afford to shop. One summer day my father came home with a beautiful pair of pink high-heeled sandles for me! He had seen them on a sale table marked way down, remembered my size, and hoped I might be able to use them. I thought they were quite glamorous and was impressed that my father saw me as a grown-up who could wear such pretty shoes! I'm a grandmother now and lost my father 15 years ago, but still remember the pink sandles." --Helen

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"Really enjoying the read this week. I think the best gift my Dad every gave me was going to a father-daughter scout dinner. Dad never seemed to have time for us kids with working two jobs, but he made time one year on his birthday, no less, to go to girl scout potluck dinner with me. I was so proud to have him spend time with me that night over 35 years ago. It's easier now to understand that working two jobs was his way of giving us "things" he didn't have growing up even though all we really wanted was his time and attention." --Maureen

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"Suzanne - I'm a very lucky daughter and have received lots of fabulous gifts of time and money from my father over the years, including my education, money to buy my first house and many things I really wanted at the time that I've long forgotten. The coolest gift I still use and always think of him when I do is my own set of John Deere tools engraved with my name on them which he did himself when I first moved out on my own many, many years ago!!" --Dawn

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