Fathers’ Day
Tell us a story about how a father figure in your life has taught you a life lesson about Buddhism—regardless of whether it was intentional or not, as with most “dad” lessons are.
Sheera Tamura
She/Her/Hers
Seattle University, Class of 2022
“My grandfather Sadao Tamura has always reminded me to “give more than I take”. As a “nissei” or second generation Japanese American, he has faced more adversities than I could ever imagine. My grandpa and his seven brothers immigrated to the Island of Kaua’i within the state of Hawaii from Okayama, Japan when he was only a little boy. Shortly after their move, he received news that his mother died while trying to reunite with them. From that point on, my grandfather had to learn the English language while simultaneously working full time in order to support our family. As many residents from the Kaua’i community united together in collectively supporting my Grandfather’s boating business, my grandpa always made sure to thank each customer as they were the main line of support towards our family. Therefore, as I grew up, my grandpa always reminded me to show gratitude as he would often reflect upon the many struggles he encountered in making sure that he could provide for our family. He is the type [of] person that I aspire to become like, and it is because of him that I decided to pursue the profession of social work so I can always “give more than I take” throughout my daily life.”
Hallie Ewig
She/Her/Hers
University of Washington, Class of 2022
“For as long as I can remember, my dad has exclusively listened to hip-hop music. When I was little, instead of listening to pop artists on the car radio, he would play artists like Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., and Wu-Tang Clan from his iPod. I never really understood why he listened to music most parents would find “profane.” One time I asked him, “Dad, why do you listen to songs with bad words in them?” He responded by turning up the volume and saying, “Just listen to the lyrics, Mika.” If you really listen to the lyrics, you can see that all of these Black artists are sharing a common theme intertwined with the swear words: systemic racism. My dad has been exposing me to Black oppression before I was even old enough to understand it. He taught me that it is important to not only listen to others but to do so with compassion, and music is a great place to start. Even though we face our own racism as Asian-Americans, we must be compassionate to the struggles of others so that we can unite to overcome them together. Black
men, women, children, members of the LGBTQ+ community, dreams, and futures matter. They have always mattered, and they will forever matter. Thank you Dad for everything!”
Nicholas Hamakami
He/Him/His
Kentridge Senior High School, Class of 2020
“Back in elementary school, Dad and I used to go fishing every summer on my grandparent’s farm. But since the grass grew back every year, it was always an ordeal getting to the stream. I remember teaming up to take the challenge, with Dad cutting through the tall grass with his machete, and me following not far behind with the fishing gear. Our most difficult trip was during our very first year. Nobody had made a trail in years, and the grass was overgrown to the point of being almost impossible to cut through. However, we endured, and we eventually made our way to the stream. After a long, tiresome journey, I picked up my rod, put on some bait... and hooked my thumb on the very first cast. Ouch! Dad took me to the hospital immediately afterward. I might have ruined the fishing trip, but he was right there by my side. Looking back on it, I guess that’s just what dad’s do. They always put their kids before themselves.”
Taryn Chisolm
She/Her/Hers
Santa Clara University, Class of 2023
“Impermanence is a difficult concept to grasp, especially as a small child. But my father inadvertently taught me its importance throughout my whole life. I have watched him take on any circumstance, whether it is work stress or a family situation, with determination and bravery. Without needing to even tell me that everything would pass and change with time, he showed me the value of impermanence. Even when he would need to travel for weeks at a time throughout my childhood, I would know that soon he would be back. Everything is temporary. Although some of the most obvious examples of impermanence have a negative connotation, like flowers dying, my dad helped me realize that this change is good because it means we are able to move on and continue through our life knowing it will never be exactly the same as the moment before. Good things might fade, but at the same time bad things will too and new opportunities will arise.”
