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 the most important thing 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.

• MelissaJustin Busch: To work for what you want!!! Also how to change my fluids on my car and change a tire!!!!
• Paula Lee Murphy Vance-Hale: One of the biggest things my dad taught me is Everyone makes mistakes but the toughest is forgiving ourselves for them.... As my Dad was in his older years I can honestly say He was my forever best friend. Today I miss him so much!
• Shelly Agerter: How to fish and work with tools...things I am teaching my sons now.
• Kim Sager: How to be a smarta**
• Sandy Sherman Smith: My father always taught me to be proud that I am a female and I can accomplish anything I wanted. Always be proud of who I am.
• Earl Rodier: Respect.
• Ramón Vera: "It's never too late"
• Karen Sandoval: Fishing, play catch, and took me to my first baseball game, just the two of us!
• Fran Phelan-Logue: Look people in the eye when talking.
• Gregory Nordin: Humor. To laugh at myself and with others.
• Home Instead Senior Care - Sonoma County, CA: i saw him care for his aging father ( my grandfather ) and his compassion and patience when my grandpa couldn't dress himself, feed himself or care for himself- my father loving & caring manner & how he gave grandpa his dignity even then..... that stayed with me my entire life & contributed to why i do what i do now 
• Oilstop, Inc.: How to change your oil.