Then and Now: Musings on Dads

[Arugula Latte]

When I was a kid (in the 70s/80s), the dads I knew were distant and uninvolved in most aspects of their kids lives. My dad loved me, but he intimidated me and I felt like I never really knew him and he never really knew me. He preferred to read or tinker with his hobbies alone than spend time playing with his kids. I realize that there WERE dads back then who were not like that ... I just never really knew any.

Except, one time I went to a friend of a friend's house, and I was blown away by the kindness of her dad. He seemed so interested in us kids, at first I thought we were being mocked. I remember fighting back tears when I realized he was sincere.

BUT

95 percent of the dads I know today are the complete opposite of the distant dads (including my husband). They are fantastic dads and do everything from changing diapers to getting down on the floor to play Legos to helping in the classroom.

So -- Here is to today's dads! :toast:

[Jade Fox]

1. I remember.....

going to a PTA meeting with my mom in the 1960s, and wondering who the (few) men were in attendance. Eventually, I realized they were student's fathers, which shocked me to the core. My dad would only attend events pertaining to my schooling under duress.

Thanks to todays dads for being different, especially when many of you were raised with poor role models when it comes to Dad-ing.
:toast:

[Arugula Latte]

2. My dad was like that, too.

He would openly grumble about back-to-school nights and such. I remember thinking: "Doesn't he want to come see the stuff I've been doing?" ... Nope. He really didn't.

[AlCzervik]

3. I always felt that my father looked at my sister and as i as a job or

responsibility, he never really took the time to get to know us and he was never and i mean never at any school events or even graduations. He did come to our weddings but i got the feeling he would have been happy to leave half way through to go home and watch the History channel.

[Oeditpus Rex]

4. Huh — I have the opposite take

Dads today seem to show up, but they're not there, y'know? But then, I dunno what goes on indoors.

My dad did all kinds of stuff with me, including just about every spring and summer evening in the back yard hitting ground balls to me or catching me. And he coached my Little League team the first year I played.

Don't get me started or I'll get all sloppy. :cry:

[Arugula Latte]

5. That's great that your dad was like that.

You'll always have those wonderful memories.

[PassingFair]

6. My Dad.

Taught me how to laugh in the face of certain disaster.

Let ME be right once in a while.

Taught me to laugh at myself.

Taught me that a fevered mind was conquerable.

Never turned away ANYONE asking for help.

Caused me great grief when he died.

Taught me the meaning of immortality through works.

I miss him every day.

I appreciate what he gave me every day.