Exploring Dad Lore: Stories That Shape Generations

Growing up, my childhood was filled with tales, non sequiturs, and mysteries that baffle and amaze me to this day. My father and grandfathers were the master storytellers in their own unique ways.

My grandfathers weaved narratives that were as grand and mythical as the tales in “Big Fish.” As many times as you were sure they were made up some evidence to the contrary would appear to set you straight. My father on the other hand is a master of the lore drop, casually mentioning some insane tidbit off hand and moving on to a new topic before anyone can process it.

These stories weren’t just bedtime entertainment; they were the fabric of our childhood and formed basis of our shared lore.

Lore is important.

Creating My Own Lore

As I’ve grown older and become a parent myself, I’ve realized the importance of these stories. They weren’t just about the past; they were a blueprint for the future. They taught me to live a life worth talking about, to create my own stories that my children could one day tell.

Now, with a child of my own, I find myself crafting tales of my own adventures. Whether it’s the time I drank a mysterious tea claimed to make kids immortal, or that time we talked our way into a boondogle in the Bahamas, I’m learning to weave my own lore. You can of course just make up fish stories, but the good ones are never made up, they just seem like they must be.

The Importance of Lore

In a world that often feels too serious, these stories remind us of the joy of imagination and the power of a good tale. They connect us to our past and inspire us to live boldly, to create moments that are worth retelling. They connect us to our elders and endear us to our children.

Most importantly: lore drives us to create memories worth exaggerating in our day to day lives.

So here’s to the stories that shaped us, and to the new ones we’re creating every day. May they be as wild, wonderful, and full of life as those that came before.