“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.” — Jim Valvano
“He works really hard and always makes time to play with us,” said Alexandra Brabenec about her dad, David. That includes an RV car that David and his son Braydon recently made out of Legos. Darcie, David’s wife, said, “We’re originally from New York and what brought us here was David’s promotion. Now he’s the supervisor for FedEx Ground for the entire Keys.” They came in just in time to survive Hurricane Irma, but nowadays they are thriving.
“He’s set a good example, he’s always provided for us, and he always gets us laughing,” said Lisa Ziels about her flats fisherman husband, Todd Ziels. He made it to every meet, game, and competition he could when his son Dylan played baseball and when his daughter Hannah competed in swim team, weightlifting, and track. (Hannah just graduated from Marathon High School!)
IT specialist Eddy Worthington III and second grade teacher Kerri Worthington have three boys: Eddy IV, 5, Andrew, 3, and Richey, almost 2. Eddy IV and Andrew say they love fishing with their dad, with Eddy IV being excited that their dad recently caught a mahi mahi. Andrew helpfully noted that, “Eddy just got a yellow tail snapper,” which is his favorite fish. For Father’s Day, Eddy III plans on fishing with his dad Eddy II.
According to 2-year-old Dominic, the best things about his dad Troy Qualls are his hugs, “Mommy!” (also known as Yessenia Crespo), and the rides on the “Vroom Vroom” (also known as a four wheeler). Dominic comes from a long line of Marathon residents, including landscaper Troy’s nine sisters and brothers.
Lorie Mullins said the same thing of her son, Jesse Gallo. The Marathon High School graduate is currently stationed in Japan, spending time with Musashi, 1-year-old.
Thanks to their dad, Pete Chapman, 3 year old William and 9 year old Jack will grow up with an appreciation for baseball, safe boating practices, conservative fiscal habits and a well-kept lawn. This Father’s Day they hope to be at their favorite place – the sandbar, then some barbecuing in the back yard.
“Nothing matters more to Pete than his boys,” said their mom, Kate. “Having lost his own dad too young, Pete treasures every moment with his boys. From throwing a baseball, to wiping tears away after a nightmare. He was born to be a father.”
Enjoy ya self!
Zion, Make your own path. Do not be conformed to this world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The difference between dreams and reality is your imagination, work ethic and persistence. Find your purpose, and you’ll discover a unwavering resolve, that will give you confidence, endurance and the determination needed to be the light you are meant to be.
Don’t tell your mother you are a writer in Key West. She thinks you play piano in a whorehouse.
Live life to the fullest, be kind and loving.
Every morning when I drop him off at school or say goodbye to him I tell him to “Be the best Jack he can be.” It’s simple, but being our best selves every day isn’t easy.
Every human is unique. Kindness is an essential foundation.
ANDREW TSANG enjoys some quality time over a game of Monopoly with his children.
ARIEL POHOLEK, Boy Scout Troop 914 leader, with Pascal, seventh-grader at Treasure Village Montessori Middle School spelling bee champion.
BRETT EKBLOM with his three children, and they’re all 5 and under!
FRANK TENZEK with wife, Jen Tenzek, kids Steven and Sera Tenzek and Anna Acker.
LUIS GUTIERREZ with children, Luke Gutierrez, 17, and Simon Gutierrez, 14.
TERRY ABEL, Islamorada’s fire chief, with daughters Caitlyn, 19, and Emma, 15.
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