Shortly thereafter, I repeated that advice to my shrink and wondered aloud whether my dad was being overly dramatic about the situation.

FORBES: My Bank Thinks This Article Stinks

And to my Dad, I say thank you for being the soldier you were and the Dad I loved, Thank you for the example you set about facing the difficult with courage, You will always be my hero.

FORBES: My Hero Of WWII

Now I was considering how hard it would be to move away from my home, my dad, my friends and family -- not knowing anyone or anything, possibly never being able to contact them because of the broken phone lines.

CNN: Teen refugee: Prince Charming is dead

After losing his entire family as teen during the Holocaust, my dad hid in a barn that was being searched by soldiers.

FORBES: The Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted (Unless It Is)

Now, I was telling the boss over here that the thing I like most about everything -- again, being the son of an automobile man -- is that my dad would be happy.

WHITEHOUSE: Standing Behind the American Auto Industry

And I saw how my dad carried himself with that same dignity, that same pride at being able to get up every day and provide for his family, that same hope that his kids would one day have opportunities he never dreamed of.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Her scariest paddling experience remains being unable to get out of the water having capsized as a 12-year-old, "with my dad on the bank holding a rope".

BBC: Everest inspiration