My Father's Page Features

My Son – The Father

 

All the kids were home for Thanksgiving this year. That is, our son, two daughters, their spouses and, most important, the grandchildren. The house was full, but we had a great time!

 

On Saturday afternoon following the big turkey day, I was browsing through "Velvet and Steel", by John K. Ream.  On page 27 of his book there are 14 different sketches, along with these instructions. "Have your children circle the picture that most reminds them of Daddy!" This is an exercise John uses in his ‘Effective Father Seminars’.

 

I turned to my son who was sitting next to me on the couch and said, " I’ll bet I know which of these pictures your daughter would pick." (There were sketches of a man laughing, another of one fishing, one of an man relaxing in a hammock, one speaking from a podium, and etc." I pointed out to my son the one I thought his daughter would pick.

 

Just then my eight year old granddaughter entered the room. My son called to her, "here sweetie, tell me which of these pictures reminds you of me." While she carefully looked at each sketch I thought, I’ll probably be way off base. She looked at one, hesitated, and then went on to the next, but very quickly pointed to the one in the lower right hand corner. "This one reminds me of you dad, because you are always teaching me."

 

The sketch my granddaughter selected represented a man stooping down with one hand on a child’s shoulder; the other pointed toward something. It was the exact picture I had selected, because I had watched my son time after time, hour after hour, show the patience to teach and encourage his daughter. I was so proud. She sees him that way too!

 

When our sons and daughters are born, we want for them many things – good health –a good education – financial success – happiness- and much more. These are all desirable, but nothing warms my heart more than seeing the loving husband and father my son has become. My Son - the Father, you give me much pleasure.

 

Dylan’s Father

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