The Cumberland Post

The Cumberland Post
My Backyard, Six Miles from the Cumberland River

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Fathers

Fatherhood is confusing now. Fathers used to bring home the bacon by themselves. Now it could very well be tofu, and most of them have help with the bringing part. They used to build the home fire and keep it stoked. Now their role is uncertain. Fatherhood used to be envied and respected. Every one wanted the job. Now, many young men shun it like the plague.

Fathers have lives too. That means work. And their work can sanctify them. Or it can devour them. As children, we don't know that at first, but we learn. That learning may be hard but it's ultimately a good thing.

A father also has duties, responsibilities, obligations. It comes with the territory. Some fathers don't like that territory so they leave. Most stay and tough it out. Sometimes they do what they do without any recognition. But they do it anyway.

Some fathers will notice you and some will ignore you. Some are as dependable as the sunrise. Some are there when you need them, and others are a thousand miles away. Some laugh, a few even cry. Some will knock you around, others will protect you with their lives. A few will smile and tell you what they used to do when they were young. A few sit quietly with pursed lips reading with the newspaper.

At first, they're huge, stomping around like the giant in that fairytale. But as we age, they get smaller. They may look at your potential with pride. Or with envy. Some give you things. Some take. A few give you themselves. A few have nothing to give.

Let's face it, they're human. Many are good, many are not so good. Most, like us, are a mixed bag. When they're gone for good, they leave behind a few scars and a truckload of sweet memories. After awhile, the scars, if there were any, are forgotten.

6 comments:

  1. Dan, you should be ashamed of yourself! Somehow I knew that you would post that video today, but I came over here and visited, and I watched it anyway.

    Oh man...misty-eyed too early in the morning. I still have my Father. He is the finest man I've ever known. I am the most blessed of all men to have such a Father. He is 75, and I have not one bad memory of him. I'm sure there were some slip-ups in his fathering. But, if there were, I've already forgotten them.

    Oh man...I sure dread the day that I don't have him. Thanks for the post, Dan. Seriously.

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  2. Thank you Andy. And you are a blessed and lucky man. I really mean that. Treasure those memories.

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  3. Dan, you may succeed yet in making me a country music fan. Beautiful.

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  4. Well said, well done. I know your hurt is still fresh, so this is even more impressive.

    On a lighter note... Every one wanted the job. Now, many young men shun it like the plague.

    They still line up for blocks for the interview, though. ;-)

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  5. Just a note to Barry. Chet's voice (which he was obviously never famous for) was much stronger in his younger days.

    By this time, it wasn't good by "singer" standards. But, I still love this performance. I've watched it dozens of times...always chokes me up.

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  6. Barry, I still have high hopes that you will be a convert!

    Buck, "line up blocks for the interview." You are right about that. Oh so right.

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