With Father’s Day approaching, many of us at SMITH Magazine are struggling to get our gift ideas together in time for the holiday. Dads aren’t always the easiest people to shop for. They can be stern or goofy, close or distant, helpful or harmful; the variations are endless, and no two relationships with a father are quite the same. Still, whether we love him, hate him or are just starting to get to know him, we all owe half of our genetic material to someone somewhere, and every third Sunday in June, we are reminded of that fact. Here’s what you Sixers had to say about Dad. Click on each writer’s screen name for more memoirs.

Fathers are plentiful. Dads are rare. –RayRichmond

Duct tape was his tool chest. –Sarmors

Dad’s just jealous of my style. –Apollo

Dad wants to be the hero. –Waiting4Someday

My mom is a good dad. –montsse

When I shave, Dad’s the reflection. –VincentAurelius

Mom: “You have Dad’s sex drive.” –Seraphina_Lullaby

I never realized he wasn’t macho. –wayword_angel

Dad made me a spaghetti sandwich. –Pokey

Dad: First love of my life. –maryjane31

Ninety-five-year-old father-in-law. Same stories, ninety-five times. –lisamoans

Could my Dad snore any louder? –Canyouhearme

Two: one gave money, one sperm. –seaplum

Six foot four with a jellybaby heart. –Wong

Car shows, white socks, backscratches, dungarees. –Nada1234

Kept my promise… Dad still drank. –PerfectlyBroken

“Don’t make me stop this car!” –TucsonDawn

Nearly 30, seeing him first time. –MissTChristine

Dad’s simple sermon: Follow the love. –MrCT