University Oaks honors Fathers

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The University Oaks Retirement Community in Mobile celebrated Father's Day today with a special lunch.

Managers of the community, Chuck and Sheila Alexander, put on holiday events at the Oaks so that residents can, as Chuck says, "add to their memories."

"We want them to feel at home, because this is their home," said Chuck Alexander.

A few gathered to share a meal with Dad.

Chuck said of fatherhood, it's nice to be remembered today and to talk with his three grown kids.

"The biggest thing that I wanted them to understand is there's is a big world outside and not just them. They have to grow, they have to mature, and sooner or later they're going to have to cut the apron strings from Dad," he said.

Dad, for some of us, is a source of inspiration, leadership, and friendship.

105-year-old Oaks resident, Charles Hess, says he wanted to teach his son the life lessons he wished he'd been taught.

"As you go through life a lot of people don't realize how important attitude is .. I always told him to look for the good side in everything," said Hess.

Still, at least for some, today is bittersweet.

"Father's Day means a lot to me because my father's not in great shape. This may be our last holiday with him," said Chris Pearson.

"I don't know what I'd a done without him," said Pete Pearson.

Chris says when he was a child he would go to work with his dad.

"I got to carry the toolbox and since my Dad's name is Pete they would call us Pete and repeat," said Chris Pearson.

Today, Chris continues that tradition and takes his son to work with him.