Dry, Three Olives? Thanks For The Life Lesson, Pop

My father taught me how to mix martinis at the age of 11. This meant that at cocktail hour, he could lounge on the couch while I served him an icy, dry vodka martini (three olives) and then relax as I played classical music on the piano. From his perspective, it's probably one of the most valuable things he ever taught me.

Earlier this week, I asked Patch Facebook followers about the most important thing their fathers taught them, and answers ranged from the endearing to the humorous to the cautionary. Read their fathers' lessons, then add your own in the comments section below.

• Ellen M Parke: My dad taught me the importance of treating others fairly and with kindness and respect for myself and others.
• Brian Way: Not only how to drive but driver's etiquette, a lost art.
• Susan West: My dad taught me how to work on my own car. Has saves me a lot of money over the years! Thanks Dad!!!
• Julie Moss Callan: My dad taught me that if you're driving and an animal darts in front of you, do not panic, use the brake and steer straight. Do not leave the roadway!
• Rayne Wolfe: That people argue because they're both right. Also, never buy socks in a bar.
• Judy Corda Buttke: My Dad taught me patience, while he was in Volpi's bar and us kids waited patiently for him in the car. Of course something you cant do now a days.
• Kelly Hong: My father taught me how to make my grandma's famous sauce and meatballs.
• Brent Ainsworth: To be responsible, to stand up for the decisions I make and to fess up when I screw up. It drove him nuts when people were quick to blame others. Cut the excuses and be honest. That's what my dad was all about.
• Karuna Gerstein: My Dad taught me about the importance of living a simple life. Semplificare  Miss you Dad!
• Jean Falzon Burnett: My dad passed away from cancer when I was 12 years old..I will always remember the baked macaroni he made..He would drain the macaroni noodles and beat in eggs and ricotta cheese or cheese of choice, put it in a baking dish and pour on top a spaghetti sauce of choice, sprinkle more cheese on top bake at 325 to 350 for 35 to 40 mins..the name for this dish was Maltese noodles....
  Susan Simmons Beck: How to read, and how to swim.
• Denny Russo: To have a good work ethic!