Whenever something went missing in our house, my mom would always say, 'Go ask your dad.'

And he’d always find it, usually in plain sight. I think he secretly just wanted to make sure we always knew who to turn to when we were lost. Or just, you know, couldn't find the TV remote.

I asked my dad what his all-time favorite Father's Day gift was.

He didn't even hesitate. He pointed to the lopsided, hand-painted mug I made him in kindergarten and said, 'This one. It reminded me that the best things in life don't cost a thing... and also that you're worth every penny.'

I asked my dad what his secret ingredient was for the perfect Father's Day BBQ

He said it was a dash of love, a pinch of patience, and a whole lot of lecturing about how I'm doing it wrong

My dad's ideal Father's Day gift isn't a new gadget or a fancy meal.

It's finding an unlabeled can of paint in the garage that *might* be the perfect match for the trim he painted seven years ago.