Fatherhood
P.S. I Loved You
P.S., I loved you. Mum passed away from cancer when I was 17. Dad was 53. For the next five years or so, Dad and I learned to rely on one another and relate to each other as we never had before. The relationship as father and son that I'd always wanted with him became reality for the first time, and I loved it. In many ways, he became my closest friend. However, I was too immature to comprehend the loneliness growing in his heart. After all, I was 1,200 miles away at college most of the time. He was still very much a man ready for love, and just as I prepared to graduate from my undergrad program and move home, he was preparing to remarry. In my shortsightedness and his dislike of confrontation, neither of us acknowledged the obvious: His new wife wouldn't want me living there. It got ugly quickly, and my close relationship with Dad soured, almost to the point of utter dissolution.
By Mack D. Ames3 years ago in Men
89 Laps Around The Sun. Top Story - June 2023.
My father's size ten shoes were "big shoes to fill" is an understatement when I reflect on his impact on my life. His eighty-nine years of life and fifty-nine years of personal influence on me have required me to examine my childhood perceptions versus reality. It took years to reconcile the difference as I matured into a man and a father. Harold Wade remains my Superman, North Star, and hero as I plod forward into the future across the ground he has already tread. His race through life, eighty-nine laps around the sun, impacted mine with invaluable lessons.
By J. S. Wade3 years ago in Men
Father's Footprint
Introduction: Fatherhood, a timeless institution that transcends generations, holds a profound impact on shaping one's identity. Throughout my life, the presence of my father, a guiding light and unwavering pillar of support, has played a transformative role in shaping who I am today. His nurturing, wisdom, and unwavering love have left an indelible mark on my journey, instilling in me valuable lessons that have guided my path. As we celebrate the launch of the Men Community and Father's Day, I find it fitting to reflect deeply on the profound influence my father figure has had on my life and the lesson that has had the greatest impact.
By Haseeb Ahmad Khan3 years ago in Men
Bound by Pages: An Unlikely Friendship Through Literature. Content Warning.
The sun shone brightly over the small coastal town of Sandbourne as its residents went about their daily routines. Among them was Amelia, a vibrant and energetic young woman who had recently moved to the town to escape the fast-paced life of the city. Amelia had always been adventurous and eager to explore new places, and Sandbourne seemed like the perfect escape.
By ADITYA SALVE3 years ago in Men
Coach's Son
I struggled with addiction as a kid… that’s right… TV. I couldn’t get enough of it. Still haven’t really kicked the habit. But because of this, I saw all the TV shows. I saw all the families. I saw all the TV dads. I saw all the talks… dad to son… dad to daughter… dad to Arnold and Willis Drummond… who, of course, became Mr. Drummond’s legal sons once they took on his last name.
By Stephen Kramer Avitabile3 years ago in Men
Finding My Own Way
If you've followed my writing on Vocal, you may have read a story about my father I published a little over a year ago. On rereading that story, I decided that it wasn't exactly what I wanted to say for this new challenge. It does say a lot and I'll link to it at the bottom of this story, but please, don't jump to read it now.
By Dana Crandell3 years ago in Men
What Dad Taught Me
For years I have liked to go to the mall on Father's Day. People who have fond thoughts of their father see a little of him in me, and a lot of good will comes my way. I realized I was a fraud because I had no children, but that did not stop me from enjoying the experience, and I also had the joy of finding the odd sized 3XL shirt that some thoughtful person "accidentally" put in the sale bin at the department store.
By Paul A. Merkley3 years ago in Men
Walking on Tip Toes
At church. At school. In sports. At home. Dad made his presence known everywhere, in somewhat big ways. Because of his job, he took me around the world, where we lived. I mean, we lived there, not just a quick look-see and off again. I was immersed in Latin American culture for six years.
By Sherry Lowell-Lewis3 years ago in Men
Bought and Paid For
For most of my life, I felt like a mere shadow in my father's world. It was as if my existence was nothing more than an inconvenience to him. His love language was gift-giving, and while I never went without material possessions, I lacked the one thing that truly mattered - his attention.
By Melanie warman 3 years ago in Men
