Father's Day is a holiday of honoring our fathers and fatherhood. Celebrating all men that have had an influence on our lives or the lives of others.
When it comes to fathers, we often leave a lot of things unsaid, like how much we truly love and appreciate them. But it doesn't have to be that way!
“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.” —Charles Wadworth
Terry Wilson, DC
East Canyon Chiropractic
My dad is my hero and a major influence in my life. He was an electrical/test engineer at Rockwell International and Boeing. Despite having only two years of junior college, he has more common sense than anyone I’ve encountered and is the smartest person I know. He taught me work ethic, integrity, and honesty—life lessons that shaped my chiropractic career. He taught me to “never do anything that someone can come behind you and do better,” a thought that has stayed with me. I’m so thankful to have my dad in my life, and greatly appreciate everything he has taught me.
Edward Padilla
Evoke Customs
Father’s Day brings back great memories with my dad, who prioritized spending quality time with our family, primarily during outdoor activities.
Whether it was motocross riding, driving sand cars in the dunes, or boating in Havasu, this was always our time to “disconnect” from the rush of daily life and “reconnect” with one another in a fun environment.
In turn, I did the same with my own family, spending time all together since my kids were just babies. Now that my kids have grown up, they continue our tradition of enjoying these activities with their families and friends.
Ted Learakos
United American Mortgage
My dad, James T. Learakos, was born in Greece. He was a chef who taught his sons that if you “outwork your competition, good things will happen” and to “find something you love to do, and you’ll never feel like you are working.” Taking his words to heart, I ventured into the Mortgage Loans business after years of being a line cook at the Balboa Bay Club.
My dad was my mentor and idol. He taught us to play sports and to always be truthful, even when it was uncomfortable.
My two daughters Kylie and Jamie(named after dad) were able to experience his wit, charm, and love of life and food.
Carlos Rodriguez
Mayor – Yorba Linda
The most enduring joy of my life has been shared with my wife Rhonda raising our son Ryan 12, and daughter Rebekah, 10. There’s no greater moment than when I carefully held each of them in my arms for the first time. I’ve learned to enjoy the fleeting moments of fatherhood. In a blink of an eye their first steps, highchairs, strollers, and car seats have given way to pre-teens with opinions. I continue to learn why it’s been said, “fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.”
John Crawley,
JCA Insurance Services
I have always kept my kids at the forefront of everything I do. “The biggest gift I can give my kids is my time. I’ve realized over the years; just how fast time goes.” Growing a business, while making sure to find the time to spend with my family, has always been a priority and something I am proud of. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s all well worth it. “Being a dad allowed me to be the man I always wanted to be.”
Sako Yakinian
No Limit Personal Training
As a child, my father immigrated to the United States from Amman, Jordan. He grew up watching his father, my “Dede” (Armenian for “grandfather”), work to earn his ranks amongst his American coworkers.
Following in his footsteps, my dad worked tirelessly to provide a better life for his four children. Although our careers are very different, we share the desire to provide a comfortable life for our families and treasure being able to spend quality time with those we love most—our kids!
I'm blessed to have a beautiful, loving family. Our two incredible little girls are my “why” for everything I do.
Carlos Torres
Farmers Insurance Agency, YL
I always feared the idea of becoming a dad because I didn’t think I had much to offer—no great wisdom to bestow. I felt I couldn’t top my dad, who seemed to have all the answers and great stories to match!
As fate would have it, I met someone special with two beautiful children, and their father wasn’t in the picture. I happily stepped in to fill that role, and the kids accepted me.
It finally occurred to me that a dad just needs to “be there” to give his unconditional love—the rest will take care of itself!
Joshua Ramirez
California Estate Planning Services
To my Children on Father’s Day,
You are what makes this day special to me! Jack, you are so special and an amazing soccer player. I love playing video games together and watching you excel in Cub Scouts. I’m so proud of the young man you are becoming.
Reagan, at only three years old, I can already tell you are going to dominate the world! I love watching you learn and grow, and I am so excited to see the young woman you will become.
Jack and Reagan, you are my legacy—and I love you.
Brian Moore
Lead Pastor, Crosspointe Church
On a family vacation when my son Braden was two years old, we were about to board a flight at LAX. There was a sizeable crack between the jetway and the entrance of the airplane. Braden looked down and was gripped with fear. As Braden looked back for support, I assured him with certainty using the five most important words every boy needs to hear from his father, “You’ve got what it takes.”
Fast forward to nearly ten years later where just last week I found myself at the little league baseball field encouraging my son as he stepped up to the plate, “You’ve got what it takes!”
Julio Guzman
Elite Roofing and Solar Solutions
"I enjoy creating memories with my wife, son, and daughter because we always have the most fun together as a family. Some of our favorite memories together are going to the park on weekends and spending the day playing soccer and hiking. Our memories together are something I will always cherish and remember. Being there in every phase of my kids' life and watching them grow up has proven to be one of the most rewarding parts of being a father."
