My dad is fearless

At least that's what I thought when I was a kid, watching him take on the world through his career, his athleticism, and his relationships with people. He seemed to approach everything without hesitation, and he made it look easy. At 76, he hasn't slowed down: he still tackles every opportunity and situation with incredible gusto and optimism.

I slowly came to realize, however, that it's not fearlessness that drives my father: it's courage. For this reason, I wear the Dagger talisman ring; it reads Courage Sans Peur — courage without fear. I gave my dad the same one, and he never takes it off.

Just as my father has always done, the talisman reminds me to set fear aside when it feels like it might cave in on me, and encourages me to say 'yes' when saying no would be easier but, ultimately, more painful.

Happy Father’s Day!

Three Generations of Papin Fathers