Yesterday on our way back from my in-laws, my wife and I stopped by Target. Unbeknownst to me, my 1st gen iPhone (purchased July 2007) had slipped out of my pocket. When I opened the door it fell out of the car and right down an 8 foot deep storm drain.

Luckily where it landed was dry.

It requires two people to lift the large drain cover. I couldn’t do it on my own, couldn’t ask my pregnant wife for help, and the people at the store wouldn’t budge. Nor would any of the customers in the parking lot who looked on, often laughed and then drove off.

So I called my dad.

45 Minutes later, on Father’s Day, my dad is helping me move the heavy cover. And before I had the chance, my 56 year old father was climbing down into the storm drain to recover my phone. I tapped the home button and screen came to life. A bit scratched up, the phone is none the worse for wear. With no case or cover, I am simply amazed my iPhone survived the fall.

And as a soon to be dad myself, I’m humbled that sometimes I still need help from my own father.

Thanks Dad.