Fathers come in all shapes and flavors. Some are sweet — some are spicy or salty. Occasionally you might run into a sour puss. And if you’re REALLY lucky, you get one who manages to mix it up, like salty caramel dipped in strawberries. Yum.

In the 1950s, family life columnist Dorothy Nolte wrote a poem that continues to be a household classic . . .

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn…

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight…

If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive…

If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself…

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy…

If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to feel guilt…

But…

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient…

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident…

If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative…

If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love…

If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is…

If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice…

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him…

If a child lives with friendliness, he learns the world is a nice place in which to live.

All these things are true, of course … and yet I learned a few other things from my dad as well.

• Silence can be an eloquent argument if it is combined with a good example.
• Sometimes love is best spelled w-o-r-k.
• Dogs are God’s way to teach us unconditional love.
• A man’s home is his castle. Unless his wife is out of sorts. Then his castle’s in the basement.

Love you, Dad!