As we experience life, we often gain strength from the words of wisdom we were told by our parents. Other times, the advice given to a child is one that guides a child throughout his or her life. I believe that is the gist of this short story. At a time when being yourself would be considered very different, this dad offers a message that stays with his son for life.

Patrick Haggerty grew up in the 1950s the son of a dairy farmer in rural Dry Creek, Washington. As a teenager, he began to realize he was gay, something he thought he was doing a good job of hiding from others. But one day after performing at a high school assembly, his father Charles offered his son some advice that showed Patrick he knew his son better than he ever realized.

You see, Patrick’s father came to the school for his assembly, but Patrick hid. He did not want to see his dad in the clothes that he wore on the farm. When Patrick gets picked up from school, dad asks him about his absence.

After he explains to Dad, Dad told him never to hide who he is. “Don’t be a sneak.” In a time when Patrick’s life choice was not accepted, he got acceptance in the most unexpected of places.

This is a story you’ll remember forever… 

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