From the outpouring of memoirs on fathers and fatherhood, it’s clear: pops are important, their impact felt whether present, absent, or no longer with us. At their best, and occasionally, at their worst, fathers have helped shape your worlds. Many Sixers revere their Dads—some traditional, others, unconventional—and reflect on how each has influenced the other’s lives.

With Father’s Day approaching, we take this time to celebrate fatherhood, in all forms and descriptions. Join us and enjoy a few of our favorite Six-Word Memoirs on Dads as we honor all of the exceptional men who touch our lives so profoundly. If your father did not meet the mark, hopefully you know a Dad who has and can think of him today.

Measure of good dad, his son.
— Mark Hashizume (with his son, above)

When I shave, Dad’s the reflection.
— Vincent Aurelius

Dad had a second job…Superman.
— MariaMaria

Fishing, farming, camping. Childhood with dad.
— rustlingleaves

Met man, my dad in disguise?
(click memoir to read the backstory)
— Mourning-dove

My kids make me good dad.
—Batz1

Sperm or not he’s my dad.
—ZoePrice

This one gets to meet Dad.
— bohemdeb

I get older, Dad gets smarter.
— sgbrown78

Dad loves me, despite being opposites.
— aaronek

My son is the best dad.
— rcz

A world without Daddy: implausible.
— booklover

Lost biological dad. Found real dad.
— writtenvoice

Dad; first love of my life.
— maryjane31

Raining. Dad’s watering the celestial flowers.
— Bevvie

Going gets tough, tough calls Dad.
— Carrieboo

Dad is my Designated Awesome Driver.
— sincerelyconfused

Dad, makes better grandfather than father.
— ASUGIRL

Marriage didn’t make him my daddy.
(click memoir to read the backstory)
— jene2008

Dad owes me for 1967 deferment.
— Seraphina_Lullaby

Some conversations sons just need dad.
— JAD

Dad’s legacy: strong hands, strong will.
— Staraj

Father figures often make better dads.
— BellaDonnaBlueEyes

Hardly knew dad, still miss him.
— mali

Single dad teaching teenager life skills.
— wendel

Liberal daughter totally loves redneck Dad.
— Sweetthyme69

I am still daddy’s baby girl.
— daddysbabygirl