When Did I Become Like My Father?

As you grow through your childhood and traverse those difficult teen years toward adulthood, you become more and more aware of who you are and who you are becoming. As part of the process you examine the actions and behaviors of adults who have influence over you.

For me, that was my father. A true caregiver; he was someone who always made sure you were fed and had everything you could ever need or want. A man with a biggest caring heart one could have, at the same time never comfortable showing his affection for you.

As a child, I knew him to be Superman. He was an indestructible being with intellect and abilities far above everyone else. But, alas, in later years, I discovered my father was only human with human failings. Luckily for me some of his faults were always accompanied by a humorous turn.

On more than one occasion, he’d show up at events wearing his shirt inside out. His socks never matched and being no stranger to the kitchen, one time he put green beans in his pasta sauce, thinking they were green peppers. Everyone shared the rip roaring belly laughs that ensued at the re-telling of these stories.

The youngest age I can remember my dad is in his early 40s, not too far from my own age now. I’ve always hoped beyond hope that I wouldn’t fall victim to becoming like him and avoid becoming the source of humor for family and friends. Trust me, you cannot escape fate!

Last week my wife and I embarked on our usual Saturday morning errands. This particular morning we were running a bit later than we should. I had a few things that I needed to do before leaving the house, let the dogs out, take out the trash and change the light in the bathroom. Everything was done just in time to jump in the car. It was about 20 minutes to our first destination, during the ride I was running down my to-do list in my head.

When we arrived, I happened to look down at my feet. I was appalled and dismayed at the horror that had beheld me. I let out a scream that sounded like giving birth, if men could do that. My wife, yelled back out of concern “are you ok?” Of course, I wasn’t. I couldn’t speak; much less move to show her what had happened. On this day, I walked out of my home with two different shoes on!

With this one simple act, this anticipated day had arrived. I became my father!

At that moment I knew this story would be re-told again and again and everyone would share in this comedic event.

For me, it was a moment of remembrance and in a way, a tribute.

Thanks Dad, I miss you very much!