Bad Dad, Great Grand Dad
Old dogs can learn new tricks.
My father wasn’t a bad dad or an absent one. He was the dad he knew how to be. He and my mother separated shortly after I was born, some 35 years ago. I don’t fault him for what he did not know.
As a Grand Dad, however, he is great. He is playful, caring, present and brings my daughter all of her favorite items. Today my wife and I had him come by while she and I stepped out to handle a personal matter. Our daughter was napping. My dad accepted that responsibility and before I left home, he asked me, “so what do I do?”
Of course, I had already told him what to do 4 times. It’s great to see this side of my dad. The lover. The nurturer. The parental instincts. Carrying the worry that parents have.
As kids we don’t realize that our parents are human. With stress, jobs they hate, and other external issues life brings. It’s only when you get much older that you realize who they are. Only when you become a parent you see them differently again. You understand that your dad was just doing his best. I accept that. All of it.
My dad may not have known how to be a dad, but he sure knows how to be a grand dad. People can learn. People can grow. And I personally have learned, you can teach an old dog (my dad) new tricks.
Through the life and growth of my daughter I have grown closer to my dad. The closest we’ve ever been in my entire existence.
Dad: you’ll never read this. But thank you for being a great grand dad and for doing your best as my dad. Love you
Thought Provoking Question 1 : What lessons can you draw from the relationship with your dad or mom?
Dan Roman is a Husband, Father, and writer that releases a daily blog. A quick read on sharing wisdom and asking though-provoking questions.
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