"Life is Uncertain, Eat Dessert First," and Other Life Lessons from Dad

Dad, what a hipster. :) My sister Janet is in the stroller. Dad is holding me.

First of all, Happy Father's Day to all the faithful dads out there. From shoveling snow to pacing with the baby late at night, to mowing the lawn and going into the office everyday, you are shining examples of what real men should be. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!!

Today, in particular, I would like to pay homage to my own dad, Raymond Barone (yes, just like the TV show) a Brooklyn, NY-born Italian, who is as talented and smart as he is hilarious.

Dad and I have always been a great team. Surrounded by artists (my mother, brother, and sister), we found refuge in our shared passion for music. I started singing with my dad at the ripe age of 11 and he taught me so much (mostly about staying humble and using your talent for good).

Besides the legacy of music that he passed down to me, what sticks out in my mind the most are dad's witty words of wisdom.

For example:

After late night practices, when we sit down at the table for tea or coffee. Dad often says,"Drink the coffee, you can sleep when your dead."

Or, whenever I call to let him know I got a promotion at work, he says, "Take the money and run!"

If dad finds a really good deal he says, "You can't beat that with an ugly stick."

If I am super frustrated with people, dad's comfort is, "Tara, it's all for your entertainment." I have gone back to this phrase many times and ended up laughing about things that would normally make me want to scream. Dad always knows how to find the humor in life.

Once, I asked my dad how he became so good at saving money. He told me, "If you want to save money, Tara, just pretend your really poor and don't spend any money." 

But in all seriousness, my dad is the guy who works all day, but still takes time to vacuum the floor and do the dishwasher after dinner. He made time for each of his kids every week when we were home. He spent many a Saturday under the hoods of our cars to keep them on the road. When it snowed, he got up early to shovel. He worked hard and paid the bills. He worried about us and readily gave my sister and I advice about boys.

So, dad, now it's your turn. I raise a glass to you today to celebrate the great and Godly man that you are. 

This year, out of God's sovereignty and grace, He helped my dad kick cancer in the face.

So, this really is the happiest Father's Day EVER!!!!!

Dad and me on my wedding day.

And for your entertainment, here is my dad doing a few licks on the guitar.