Dear Old (and Wise) Dad

I'm not sure why we watched reruns of this old TV show when I was a kid. Either because it was wholesome (likely the case) or because in the show, the kids always went to Dad for advice since "Father Knows Best." Unlikely Mom thought that but maybe having 8 kids nagging on her prompted a "go ask your father" a time or two.

I kind of think there's still plenty of that in today's world. And I do appreciate the wisdom (and wise-ass remarks) of dads and fathers-in-law – especially today.

My father-in-law turned 85! Jim and I went to visit Johnny after work. It just happened that while we were there, Carter called him to wish him a happy birthday.

And it was pure coincidence we were talking about how he hasn't called me in ages.

So I suddenly hear Grandpa saying things like, "Have you called your mother lately?"and something like "There was a guy on TV the other day saying you should call your mother every other day" and an offering of "If I see your mom today should I tell her you're going to call her?"

And the clincher "Would you like to talk to your mom NOW?"

He hands me the phone and Carter says, "Grandpa is clever!" Indeed. He DOES know best! It wasn't even my birthday and I got the gift of talking to my baby. Thanks, Dad!

By the way, the "guy on TV" was Steve Harvey and it was a Family Feud fast money question about how often you should call your mother. Carter will be happy to know "every day" got lower points than "every other day". You're off the hook there, buddy.