Celebrating Father’s Day And What I Learned From My Dad

Next Sunday is Father’s Day, and even though my dad is no longer with us, the lessons he taught me are valuable and meaningful. So, in this week’s Love Essentially, I share these things with my readers, in hopes you learn this wonderful knowledge from a wonderful man.

Life Lessons I Learned From My Dad

by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group

Before seeing the movie “Rocketman,” the only thing I really knew about Elton John’s personal life was that he was a recovering alcoholic and drug addict.

“Rocketman,” details John’s childhood, his rise to fame, his drug, alcohol and sex addiction, as well as his eventual recovery. The most heartbreaking parts of the film, though, were those in which John’s mentally abusive parents ignored, criticized and demeaned him repeatedly, even after he became one of the most successful musicians in history. It made me want to weep with pity (and I did.)

So it wasn’t surprising that, as an adult, Sir Elton John, despite his extraordinary success, fell into several addictions and entered into a cruel, abusive and manipulative romantic relationship.

The film got me thinking about the huge impact moms and dads have on their children and the choices we make as adults. So much of what our parents say and do from day one of our lives becomes ingrained in our core and can result in learned behavior.

That’s not always a bad thing because it works the other way, too. Parents can pave the way for their children to lead happy, healthy lives. That’s what happened with me.

When it comes to parents, I hit the lottery. Although no childhood is perfect, I had the gift of both a mom and a dad who were loving, caring and supportive. So, in honor of Father’s Day, which is June 16, here are some of the most important life lessons I learned from my dad, Zack Pilossoph.

(Click here to read the rest of the article, published in the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press and several other newspapers across the country.)

Like this article? Check out, “25 Lies People Tell In Relationships”

Editor-in-chief: Jackie Pilossoph

Divorce is a journey. Live it with grace, courage and gratitude. Peace and joy are on the way! Jackie Pilossoph is the creator and Editor-In-Chief of Divorced Girl Smiling. The author of the novels, Divorced Girl Smiling and Free Gift With Purchase, Pilossoph also writes the weekly dating and relationships advice column, “Love Essentially”, published in the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press and the Chicago Tribune online. Additionally, she is a Huffington Post contributor. Pilossoph holds a Masters degree in journalism from Boston University.