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| Herb & Wanda Ratliff 1932 |
There will be a lot of pancakes and eggs prepared with varying degrees of skill for the fathers of the world today. I have no idea how far the custom reaches out beyond the United States but here in most houses of young families there will be some treasured moments and some very messy kitchens all in the name of fatherhood.
I have noticed within my own family a relationship between fathers and their children that surpasses the kind I had with my father. My son and sons in law are deeply involved in the activities of their children. They show up at most sports events and coach in some cases. There is an easy and friendly interaction with sports, games and school where possible. That's very different from what I experienced.
I have noticed another phenomenon that is often emulated by children. It's the electronic connection. Recently I observed one of my grandsons in a close up encounter for a couple of days and noticed his devotion to an digital game he carried with him most everywhere he went. He even engaged in it's magnetism while watching television, a curious but common behavior.
Developing any kind of verbal interaction with the lad was often protracted and difficult because of the extra time it took to make any kind of noticeable connection with him. Eye contact was nearly nonexistent. His attentions were quite fixed on the small electronic device which provided copious exercises for his thumbs.
While the competition with the electronic box was a bit frustrating, it was not unusual and it jumps age groups with ease. That evening I had a quiet one-on-one dinner with my son and observed the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree.
Later I spoke with one of my daughters who apologized for a lack of attention and made a very wise and accurate observation about the young parents of today's world. She said,
"It seems like everyone and everything is vying for our attention. We are working on our developing careers which demand time, our children which demand all of our time, community, and family - which is you. You want time and I want to give it but I am not a magician. And, in order to be healthy and capable of performing well I have to spend time on exercise and a healthy lifestyle."
She was right. I remember the time well. It's a near impossible situation but we all do it and we survive.
I love being a father. It is noble and sweet and frustrating. I'm fortunate to have very attractive, intelligent and resourceful children who enrich my life in myriad ways. I am fortunate to have had a father who fit no mold but gave what he had to make my life an adventure. Happy Fathers Day Dads, what a honor.
©Herb Ratliff, June 16, 2013, All Rights Reserved
