Things My Father Taught Me by Claire Halliday

Author:Claire Halliday
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: non-fiction, memoir, Australia, Fathers, Father’s Day, Dad, Parents, parenting, family history, families, immigration, Claire Halliday, Danny Katz, Ann Peacock, Anthony Callea, Darryn Lyons, David Koch, Joe Hildebrand, Kerri Pottharst, Neil Mitchell, Normie Rowe, Catriona Rowntree, George Calombaris, Paul West, Jo Stanley, Christian Wagstaff, Em Rusciano, Matthew Reilly, Rev Tim Costello, Paul West, Father Bob Maguire, Santo Cilauro
ISBN: 9781760404369
Publisher: Echo Publishing
Published: 2017-07-02T04:13:05+00:00

George Calombaris

Pictured: George and Jim Calombaris.

To the majority of Australians, he is simply George from Network Ten series MasterChef Australia. But this successful restaurateur is also a hard-working, ambitious man who recognises the significance of his roots, and has the drive and self-confidence to carve out his own identity. For George, family, friends and food are the most important ingredients in life – and his determination to protect the things he loves most comes from a moral code of respect and loyalty that was taught to him by his dad.

Dad hates boring people. I get that. Dad hates people who would say, ‘I’m tired.’ He says, ‘What do you mean, you’re tired? You’ll sleep when you’re dead. This is life.’

My dad is an only child. My grandmother doted on him and I think you can see that sometimes. Occasionally I have to remind myself in my own relationships to be a little bit more thoughtful – not everything can go my way.

I never met my grandfather because he died when my dad was little. I inherited my grandfather’s name, as all Greek boys do, and everyone says we’re very similar. He was a musician, he liked to entertain people – I like to entertain people. My dad is the total opposite – a very closed, sort of tough person to get into. I’m very open.

I look at my son and I look at my relationship with my father – it’s different. Dad was an immigrant to this country. I don’t think he struggled – I think he had a pretty good life, apart from the obvious health issues he had (bowel cancer twice) – but he grew up in a generation where people believed that you showed a platform of strength to your son. There was rarely any show of emotion. With my son, I’m the total opposite and there are times when I think, ‘Am I showing him too much love?’ But I don’t care. We all want to be spoken to, hugged, pushed – I think it’s that balance.

I ask myself all the time now: ‘Am I a good enough father?’ ‘Have I done it well enough?’

You always question your abilities. I question my abilities – professionally and personally – every single day.

Is my dad happy? Why wouldn’t he be? He’s got three kids, all successful in their own right – and I don’t mean success based on money or how many restaurants you own; I mean happy. Dad’s retired now and has been for a while. Why wouldn’t he be happy? He’s got six beautiful grandchildren, too – and I know he loves that.

It’s interesting when you see your dad as a grandfather. Your dad’s your dad and you listen to him – he’s always got pearls of wisdom – but there comes a time when you stand on your own two feet as an adult and the relationship shifts a bit. I’m at a point

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