In honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, June 18, we asked BWHers to share their favorite piece of paternal wisdom. We invite all readers to share their own in the comments section of this story.

“Although an Episcopal chaplain and a counselor, my father was not really an advice-giver. He ‘taught’ by example: keeping confidences, challenging assumptions and addressing injustice. Most importantly, he never acted as if the world owed him anything, despite having suffered from polio, which caused a lifelong disability. Those were all powerful examples.”

Mark MacMillan, grants administrator,
Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology

“My dad was my hero. He gave me so much great advice over the years. One of the things he always said was, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.’ While some people remember him as being ‘important,’ when he passed away there was an outpouring of stories about how kind, thoughtful and nice he was. It meant the world to me to hear those stories.”

Erin McDonough, MBA, senior vice president and chief communication officer, with her father, Will McDonough

“My dad took pride in my most minor accomplishments, which instilled confidence. I watched him valiantly overcome adversity, helping me get up when I was down. Most memorably, and everlasting, he taught me to celebrate, embrace and learn from our differences. He taught me not to fear the unknown. He taught me compassion.”

Tracey Martin, Fellowship Program, Emergency Radiology

“My dad always told me to help someone every day and you will have a good day. I have passed his same advice on to my children.”

Leo Buckley Jr., executive director, Business Operations and Patient Care Services

“My dad, who died six years ago at the age of 88, encouraged me to be observant and pay attention to the world around me. Those simple words, ‘be observant,’ inform the way I approach my writing today, for writing is ultimately an act of paying close attention, using words to convey truth, meaning and clarity.”

Jessica Keener, associate director of Proposal Management, Development, with her father, Melvin H. Brilliant