Father’s day is a tough day for me. Not as much for the usual reason of missing your Dad, which I do. But more for the regret I feel for not having been a better Dad. I was too self-centered, too caught up in my own needs to understand the joy and obligation and gift that fatherhood is…or should be. So I spent years and years doing the “every other weekend and events” thing, instead of being there in the morning when they got up, helping with homework when it was confusing, and watching TV on Tuesday nights, for no good reason. So Dads, be there. Build the bonds. Know your kids. Be involved in their day-to-day lives. You can’t go back and catch up later…
Posted by: J.C. Yates | June 22, 2009
Father’s Day
Posted in Art and Mary, Herb and Juanita, Nana and Pop
But you have 2 amazing sons who are wonderful fathers. And you are one amazing Pop. You may not be able to “catch up” or undo the past but you are helping create a pretty terrific present!
By: Becky on June 25, 2009
at 6:51 am
Take comfort in what Becky says, which I am sure is so true. I do understand your regrets though. I have my own. I was a student when Vince and Alison were young, and was not nearly as involved in the fun and routine day-to-day parenting activities with them as Tom was. I had to study, or thought I did. I attended evening school until Alison was ready for first grade, thinking that was what I should do, but in reality, the TV was her “sitter” while I studied during the day. I look at the parents she and Gary are now, and I realize even more fully what I missed out on. They are extremely busy, but ALWAYS put the kids needs and activities first. I thought a good mother and wife HAD to have a neat house; they realize that is not necessarily so, and certainly not if it means missing out on quality time with the girls. I try to take some comfort in the fact that although I failed in many respects, the daughter we raised is a wonderful Mom, and Vincent adores kids and relates beautifully with them. Their father’s influence, I believe.
Marie
By: Marie Chaney on July 2, 2009
at 1:27 am