If you are lucky enough to have a great man, you better hold on to him. There are a lot of inconsiderate, abusive, losers out there. And if you have a good one, you’re a lucky gal. Just yesterday in the grocery store waiting on the cold cut line a man walked right in front of me to cut me. I said out loud, “wow, your mother raised you wrong, my husband would never do anything like that.” And so my mother in law did a good job. And I am grateful. I tell my single sister, when she looks for her future husband she better see how he treats his mother. I am training my son now to be a great husband and father. He knows he has to open doors, stand back, let the girls go first, and to treat women with respect.
When it comes to being a great dad, you have to teach by experience. Men need to treat their boys with sweetness, play and time together. Boys need to show their emotions and be able to express themselves. When they can’t, when they are told to be tough, walk it off, or ‘be men,’ it hardens them too soon. Little boys aren’t meant to be tough guys. Boys need to grow into strong, courageous, brave, and successful men who can provide and care for their families. They may go off to war. They may lead our nation. They may battle in court or on the front lines. They will be trained to do so when they are older at the right age, but not as little boys. Love these sweet babies with all your strength and they will grow up to be the best men.
Two months ago I was on line at the Piggly Wiggly in Charleston. This huge guy about 25 with a Citedel sweatshirt was standing behind me. He was holding his little girl, kissing her up, cuddling her, and he was just a teddy bear. I commented how he looked like this big warrior pussy cat. He laughed and said he was a trained soldier who is controlled by this adorable 2 year old. He was there buying heavy cream because he was making carbonera for dinner while his wife, a nurse, worked late. Men being sweet to their little girls. It is so important.
I grew up in a household where my father was a quiet guy. I was never spanked and I rarely remember him getting upset. My father worked hard and we had everything we ever wanted. I had no idea there were children who were unhappy. We wrestled, played ball, and my father was always home with us every night. He was the great provider. And on this Father’s Day it is these men, these guys, who deserve the spotlight. They work hard for their families. A lot of our men have a lot on their plates today. Trying to hold onto their jobs and homes in this recession is exhausting. And more than ever the pressure to provide is difficult.
On this Father’s Day I want to thank all the great guys out there. Especially mine. He is amazing in every way. And we appreciate all that he does for us. Happy Father’s Day!
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