Turning a boy into a man is a man's job. Since the beginning of time, it's been up to a father to make his son responsible. Kind. Courageous. Honorable.
A young boy doesn't come with instructions. He just comes with boundless love and an adventurous spirit. But the journey to manhood begins very early... the first time he looks at his dad and thinks, "I want to be like him."
- Be around.
- Be his father, not his friend. If you don't understand the difference, imagine his confusion when you must discipline him.
- Be a good husband. Show his mom respect at all times.
- Be home for dinner.
- Be his hero.
~Harry Harrison, Jr.
That about sums it up. He makes it sound pretty easy, too!
Posted by: Jim | Wednesday, 19 October 2005 at 01:57 PM
Yes, he makes it sound easy. They are, however, excellent points. Frankly, 3 is the only one I probably slip on a bit, just because I don't listen to my wife well at times. 5, of course, I don't know yet.
The first time I realized he was trying to be like me, I pretty much became a blubbering mess. Then there was the first time he leaned on me when I was putting on his shoe. Ah, the joys that one day will be gone forever. I will miss my little boy.
Posted by: Mark Williams | Wednesday, 19 October 2005 at 03:32 PM
Well said. I know it isn't always easy ... but it's always worth it. tina
Posted by: Tina | Wednesday, 19 October 2005 at 11:34 PM
Actually, #2 is usually the one I have the hardest time with. The rest are pretty easy for me.
Posted by: Jim | Thursday, 20 October 2005 at 12:08 PM
Just you wait until he tells you that he hated you all through adolesence ... but that now, as a father himself, he understands why you were the way you were and loves and respects you for it.
Posted by: wil | Friday, 21 October 2005 at 01:13 AM