Twenty-six of the greatest lessons I was ever taught.

This is a chapter from The ABCs of Dan M. Wilson.

Two chapters ago I talked to you about the practical importance of creating and maintaining routines. This chapter is similar in subject matter but on a more meaningful level. For this lesson I’m going to talk about tradition.

Dan M. Wilson, the man, was the living and breathing definition of the word “tradition.” He dressed traditionally. His beliefs were traditional. He championed a number of true American traditions.

Grandpa Dan was a firm believer in establishing and celebrating traditions. Think of all the ones we enjoyed with him and Grandma Pat throughout the years – everything from the Memorial Day picnic to Christmas, from enjoying Big Breakfast together to playing office, and even from trips to the Dollar Store right down to your secret handshake. I think now you can easily spot the difference between routine and tradition.

“Traditions are what define and hold a family like ours together.”

The line above is what I took away from a conversation I had with Dad shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary. I had remarked on how many people had told me throughout the years how The Wilsons were “unique,” as I had grown up with the mindset that all families were like ours. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I began to realize just how truly lucky I was to be a part of something so special. I had asked Dad what he thought separated us from “the norm” and the conversation elicited that line as the crux.

Traditions are what define and hold a family like ours together.

I remember a conversation that you and I had on a Saturday night when I was living in my loft. There we were, camped out in front of the television and playing a PlayStation 2 game while the “Fish Fry” blared through the stereo speakers. My mind had been debating all week on whether or not we should actually get out and do something for a change rather than what we always seemed to do back then. When I broached the subject with you, your answer surprised me. You told me that you loved coming over to my place on the weekends because you knew what we were going to be doing and therefore could relax.

We have our own tradition…and I look forward to creating many more with you as the years go by.