“You gotta be tough if you’re gonna be stupid.”

I heard that phrase many times from my father. He never used it when I did stupid things. It was his way of commenting on his mistakes in life.

By that witticism, I must be the toughest man I know.

Once while teaching my grandson how to use a handsaw safely, I explained what he should not do. I used the gash across my thumb and blood on the saw to pass my father’s wisdom from son to grandson.

He lives in New Zealand now, and my granddaughters have no interest in the activities that can toughen you in an instant. Just as well.

I’m tough enough.