My Dad’s birthday was June 18, which usually fell on or about Father’s Day. This year it fell the day before Father's Day. A few days later, I went out to dinner with a friend and we spent a lot of time reminiscing about our fathers. It was amusing to hear that both of our fathers had interesting stories about their past. Here’s my favorite one about my Dad:

As a young man, my Dad used to hang around the clubs of New York City hoping to get a job as a free lance photographer.  While walking down the street one evening, he was flabbergasted to see Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz coming towards him. As they walked by him, he struggled to find words to say hello. As he did, he flailed his long arms and, unintentionally, pushed Lucille Ball down a flight of stairs into the storage basement of the building.

My Dad quickly ran down after her and Desi Arnaz ran after him. She was unhurt but she did have to pull Desi Arnaz off my Dad and convince Desi that my Dad’s act was not intentional but, rather, the result of clumsiness. After that, they would see my Dad often around the clubs and Ms. Ball even had a nickname for him, “Arms.”

After I recounted this story, my friend told me one of her favorites about her father.  We both then realized that most families probably have their own “gems.”  So, in honor of my Dad, who loved to share his stories, I invite you to share one of yours here. What is one of your families’ favorite anecdotes?