After my last post, I was ready to try another funny styled post, but recent events, and the calendar have caused me to change my mind and go a different track. So, lets light this firecracker...
First, this upcoming weekend is Father's Day. A day for celebrating that finest of achievements, successful completion of amorous pursuits with a woman resulting in the creation of another human being. Of course, there are a lot more things involved to being a father. Dirty diapers, sleepless nights, cranky mommy, and a whole host of other "dream" conditions.
The funny thing is that most good men would never trade these for anything, because they love their kids, and they love their partner. This is part of their purpose in life.
And then... there is the man who wants to be a father with his wife or partner. This weekend, much like Mother's Day, guys wanting to be a father sit on the sidelines as eunuchs or second class wimps, not a part of society for the day. Kick in the Y.
Now, THAT is a winning proposition. So, no matter if you are on a diet or not, depressed or not, go buy a Frosty and help children find their forever home. So that for some children, this will be their last Fatherless Day.
Finally, I have a friend, John, who has valiantly battled adrenal and liver cancer well beyond his expected life expectancy. He has been a great role model for grace during his battle. But, he is now approaching his last days. He has a daughter and wife who love him dearly, and are trying to deal with the medical treatments, emotional issues, and knowledge that soon the beloved daughter will be fatherless.
So, as I sit here writing this post, I realize that soon I will attending my friends funeral. So I really should shut up and not be so whiny. If my friend John has hope, why shouldn't I?
So, this Father's day, I choose to have hope. Hope that I will someday soon be a father. Thank you John for giving me hope.
And I hope this weekend YOU will be able to find hope as well.
Ike, this is such a touching post. It brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes it's easy to be down on ourselves and focus on the negative, but you have really shown what a strong person you are and how wonderful of a father you will be one day soon. My thoughts and prayers this weekend will be to you, Ike, along with John and his family. Thank you for always being so open and honest...and real...with your posts.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Ike and thanks for reminding me what is really important!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Ike! I will be indulging in at least 1 frosty this weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI am headed with my BFF to visit with John's wife Jennifer at the hospice. When Ike wrote this, little did we know that John was heading to the hospital supervised hospice with the expectation that he only has hours left. We had hoped for a few more weeks based on the previous information. Remember Jennifer and their precious daughter. (Ike and Suzy)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful post. I wish strength and peace for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. Father's day has always been more difficult for me than Mother's day through this journey. It is probably due to the fact that I lost my Dad when I was 3 and never was a part of the experience that I want so desperately for my Hubby. I can only hope that next year things will be better. I will be praying for your friend and his family.
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