My father is a good person. We both took our time growing up. When we did, we found friends in each other. For me, this has by far been his most important “parenting” work. I needed him now, again, and he delivered.
Make ‘em all proud.
Kids still want their parents to be proud sometimes. I have discovered that I’ve never grown out of that. Not only that, I’ve grown a little bit from my Dad’s listening. Part of my education my whole life has been tied to making dad proud. I never realized how simply being born did that for him. I realize it doesn’t happen for many. It makes me feel even more lucky.
Music around the house. (Among other things.)
My dad played flute for me as a kid. I can’t tell you how influential that was. A jingle would come on TV and he’d just jam to it. Start off with melody and then go off, commercials! I was star struck. I wanted that ability. We’re talking my dad here. But we’re also talking a great set of ears and good talent.
Dad also bought me my first real acoustic guitar. It was a satin-finished Ibanez Performance Series. I loved that thing.
My pops also played harmonica. Took me to Broadway shows. Museums. He put me on planes to foreign countries. He even helped me get in private schools and paid some major bills. I didn’t do well in school, sadly. But my father didn’t give up and served me knowledge daily anyway.
To have my dad as a fan now as an adult aligns the planets for me. He was so good at entertaining and educating me. To give a little back is big. I have wanted to contribute to the music of the world since I was a boy. Now I have to find new reasons. I feel good about that. No complaints. I think it’s a happy time, creatively.
There’s no shortage of stuff to read out there about how dads get it wrong. I’m probably in some of that literature. I’m totally aware many folks have dad issues. I did for a long time. But I think it’s also important to remind ourselves not all dads suck. Sometimes dads improve. Sometimes dads are amazing. Mine needs a shout out for that.
The adult friend and mentor my father has become is very important. It’s every bit as crucial as him being the dad in my life. I’m short on friends, conversation, and music fans. He’s a bit of all three. Or four.
Parenthood is a touchy subject. The reason it’s touchy is because so many of our parents had issues. Many of them were young when we were young. They’ve grown. We’ve grown. Sometimes it works out as adults. Hoping that for whoever wants. Merry Christmas.
Return to home.
Fun links:
Dad’s Facebook. He writes a lot. I do not have Facebook, but Keri reads his stuff to me.
Dad’s website. He’s not a frequent as I am, but he’s generally longer form. He’s a great writer.