Sometimes, I’ll meet someone whom I find intimidating. It can be someone I work with, perhaps, who has a ton of experience and industry knowledge. It may be someone I meet at a party, who has interesting stories to tell whereas mine aren’t so great.
But, I’ve never really bumped into another Dad that I found intimidating. Being a Dad is the last level playing field, where everyone starts on the same footing and fumbles their way through the process. The way I see it, there are no experts at this parenting thing and every father will have a bunch of great stories and even more stories of exasperation and near failure.
I thought this, until Wednesday night.
My wife and I met up with a couple of friends for dinner and a show at The Second City. We’ve both been sick for the better part of two weeks and Wednesday was a little reward for making it through the sickness without significant incident.
Before the show, we had dinner at Wayne Gretzky’s in Toronto. If you’ve never been, the restaurant is unique in that is contains memorabilia from Wayne’s career, cool artwork, replays of old games on the audio system, and so on. When I arrived, there was even a live TV broadcast happening for the NHL Network. Pretty neat, if I can borrow a saying from the 60’s.
When we finished our meal, one of my friends leaned over the table and said: “Is that who I think it is?” As I turned to look, I found myself within a few feet of The Great One himself, Walter Gretzky, Wayne’s father.
I call him The Great One, because when it comes to Canadian Dad’s, there are few who have the aura and mystique that Walter Gretzky possesses. He’s known as the ultimate teacher. The man who taught the man how to skate, stickhandle, and score. He’s also the man who taught the man that an assist is as good as a goal.
It was intimidating.
Walter came over to our table, signed some autographs, took some photos and basically gave us as much time as we wanted with a real Canadian icon. If we didn’t have to rush off to our show, I might still be talking to him.
After spending some time with us, he moved on to other tables to share his experiences and knowledge with the patrons at his son’s establishment. I imagine that’s what a father who is known for being a father does… he imparts knowledge, teaches others what he’s learned from his experiences and let’s others ask the questions.
Once a father, always a father. Pretty Great, if you ask me.
What a great story! I love that he hangs out there!
he is such a great fella. i had the thrill of sitting next to him on a flight back from moncton this summer. he always initiated the small talk, which was great, since all i could think about was “omg! it’s walter gretzky!!!” he is so friendly and genuine and i think it’s contagious. it’s so easy to pass that love of life on to your family and it seems to me that he has. i’m only saying that since his ‘celebrity’ son and his wife are still together in a happy marriage after so many years.
nice guys do finish first!
oh yah, and i did ask him for a pen since i had to write something down for my daughter and it leaked on my pants. walter gretzky’s pen leaked on my pants! i’m so excited!
Very cool!! I grew up in Alberta and so I can completely understand your awe. And I’ve heard he is very down to earth and genuine. A great Dad for sure.
I got a chance to meet Walter Gretzky at the Wayne Gretzky & Friends golf tourney in Calgary about 6 years ago. He was such a gentleman … just like Wayne (who is my hero!)
I used to go to Toronto for work quite a bit and would always go to Wayne’s restaurant just to stare at all the memorabilia.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Sue
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Sue Sinclair
Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids
Awesome! What an inspiring dad!