I love learning something new about a friend. This week, I learned that my friend Chris has a talent for writing. I am sharing a text he wrote called, “I Am Learning…” Two things about this made me reach for a tissue. One (of course) is how beautifully he displays his complete unconditional love and joy he has for his boyz. And also, I feel so blessed that such great men are in my circle of friends. ~ Peace.
I AM LEARNING…
I am learning what it means to have had the honor to be a father, friend, enemy, coach, referee, and even just the guy on the sidelines. All of course encompass the pleasure and horror of being the father of my two now seemingly grown boys.
I am learning that the times you forget will come back at you in a rush when you are saying goodbye, in your minds eye you are looking over at your son seeing a toddler with ketchup all over his face or a 10 year old saying “Dad watch this!!” knowing that you must be ready to jump into action when he comes running to you with his boo boo. Your seeing your son showing you how fast he is or how many times he can jump on a pogo stick….”bet that was a world record Dad!!!!” Of course it always was. You see first football, baseball games, soccer games and such………You see how happy they were when they got two game systems so they could have ALL their friends over for one heck of a war!!! In my minds eye I see the good and the bad, I see them hating me because I said no, and loving me just because I was at the game. My boys will always be my babies, they will always be 99% of my heart…..
I am learning how to see my boys as they were so I can appreciate the men they are today…….I cant help see the little boys who wore me out trying to keep up with me and saw no wrong in my eyes, and while these days its me who has a hard time keeping up, and they know I have been wrong and made mistakes….but when I look into their eyes it’s love that I see.
My youngest son works very hard keeping the people of Fort Worth happy and has a way of bringing a smile on anyone’s face whether they want to smile or not. I find myself watching as he works wanting to jump in and help, but there is no reason….MY BOY has got it, no matter the situation he will have it well in hand this I am sure.
The last time I saw my oldest son was when I sent him off to the Army back in August 2009, and while I knew I was hugging a grown man with scruff and muscles and a deep voice I only saw my baby boy running off to a new adventure and still looked back to see if I was watching….Of course I was.
I am learning that if pride is a weakness then I am weak……Because I am so proud of MY Boys my heart will beat forever!
Love this. I love that Chris, being the manly man that he is, isn’t afraid to show his true feelings. God bless him and I hope many others learn from his willingness to express himself so openly. Way to go, Chris!
Beautiful, Chris…..just beautiful!!!!
How well I remember the little blond (long hair) boy that went off to kindergarten the first day. He has grown into a man that his Dad and I are so proud of.
His passion for his boys is strong like his heart. His Dad and I are so proud of him and he is our deep love as is his sister. Chris is there for us when we need him and he cares very deeply for those that he loves.
Son you are by buddy and I love you.
Mom
Thank you all so far for all the kind words….excuse me I have to go hug my mother LOL
Thank K<3
Man ~ I need kleenex to read this.
Chris, I don’t know you, but I SURE CAN empathise with you.
I have 3 boys below the age of 12, and every picture is a masterpiece, every goal is a world cup winner, and every hug when I get home from work is ‘parental fuel’.
Also, can I give your mum a hug too ????
Nice job Chris thats deep bro. you made me almost tear up . Even know i dont know you personally i thought you were a good guy before i read this but now sir you have my full respect . being a father of three myself and raising them to be fine young men and woman i know how much just one little thing they do or say can impact your life . My kids were sent to me about a month after their mother and i split up . (thats a long story wont get in it lol) but i know how it feel to know to them you are the best man in the world , their role model . and i know how it feels to be there when they ride their bike for the first time and also fall for the first time . anyways Chris what you wrote is a masterpiece and hopefully it will inspire more men to become the father they need to be . wtg bro you rock .
Well…I was a little teary after that! I have to say it is kind of bitter sweet to read what Chris wrote. I am envious of his boys that they get to have a dad like him. An chance Chris would like to take my daughter’s father on for a a few one on one lessons? Anyway…I love that there are Dad’s out there who treasure their children and hopefully those who don’t will learn from their good example.
Lisa
Absolutely incredible. I just love this. I am just gettin to know Chris but everyday I see something that makes him even more wonderful then he already is. What a blessing for me to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Thanks Chris for sharing and being my friend.
It is so rarely found when a person is able to express their feelings through written words. This is such a touching and heart warming piece of work to experience. Thank you Chris for allowing us all to be a part of your life.
Chris, a truly touching piece. You could give many men lessons on how to be a Dad, not just a father. Your boys are very fortunate to have a Dad like you. Thank you for enriching the lives of so many.
Maggie (if you don’t mind me calling you that), Thank you for raising a son who is so inspiring to others. You have many reasons to be a proud mom. **hug**