Every year, Father's Day sneaks up on me. My latest theory? My smart devices target me, and reminds me about the latest sales on gardening supplies, rather than holidays such as Father's Day. Growing up, I also think that we made much more fuss for my mom than my dad. We made my mother breakfast-in-bed, but for my dad, we often went out to eat. For my mom, we made noodle necklaces, for my dad, we hand-painted ties, baseball caps, and t-shirts. My father was a man of few words, but great wisdom. He worked hard. As a car mechanic, he was often helping our neighbors during his off hours and weekends, he stayed mostly close to home. His hands were perpetually stained. It was just a few years ago, when launching Whole Naturals, I realized that my dad was (unintentionally) one of the reasons why I chose to develop an organic, gentle and all-purpose soap.
Growing up, my father was a man of simple pleasures. He didn’t need much to be happy—a good book, a sunny afternoon, and the hum of nature around him. Working with his hands, he was not only magic with cars, he fixed things around the house, tended to our garden, or hammering and banging out small projects in his shed. His motto: “The simplest tools hold the greatest power.”
When I was about ten, my brother and I begged my father to build a bat house. It wasn’t a grand endeavor, but to my young mind, it was monumental. We spent hours in the shed, sawing, hammering, and sanding. He taught us how to drive a nail, which direction to stain wood, and how to safely climb the ladder to install our bat house in the trees. By the time we were finished, it was dusk and my mom was calling us in for dinner. Our hands were covered in sawdust and grime. The paint stain was not one bit affected by soap and water.
Our mother would not let us in the house with those dirty hands. My father brought out his magic soap recipe - a pumice stone, and a scrubber. I think we washed for 20 minutes! I remember that our hands were so dry, and the tinge of stain lasted at least another week. However, it was a small price to pay. We were exhausted, but so proud of ourselves and what we had made with our own hands.
Years later, I still find myself drawn to that memory. It wasn’t just about creating something from nothing, it was about a loving experience with a hands-on-dad. I do not have my dad's talent with tools. I’m more of a keyboard person, but I still try to engage my offspring in so many other tasks. We love going camping, gardening and spending relaxing days at the beach.
Father's Day is not just a day to celebrate my dad, but also a day to honor the countless lessons he imparted. A few years ago, we lost my dad. Luckily, he was able to see grandchildren, and he even tried Whole Naturals Castile Soap. We had a good laugh about it, knowing that it would have probably cleaned our hands much more gently (and effectively) than that pumice stone we used all those years ago.
Just as my father’s lessons have applied to so many aspects of my life, Castile Soap has countless uses. From a gentle face wash to a sturdy dish cleaner, it embodies the multifaceted nature of fatherhood. It’s a reminder that the best things in life often come from humble beginnings and have the power to make a profound impact.
This Father's Day, as you search for the perfect way to honor the dads in your life, consider the power of simplicity. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, a shared memory, or a gift that speaks to their values, it’s the thought and the connection that truly matter. A nod to the simple, effective, and enduring love of a father.
So, here’s to all the dads who’ve taught us through their actions, who’ve shown us the beauty in simplicity, and who’ve been there to wash away the grime of life’s challenges. May we always cherish the lessons they’ve given us and find ways to pass them on.
Cheers!
