Me and my son are inseparable, we fish, shoot, play guitar, take pictures and enjoy time with each other. As I watched him grow I seen in increments the man he was becoming. A strong young man driven by principle, morales and ethics. I also started seeing myself as a young man. I watched him step away from me on the streams to cast his own line, I watched him take serious and patient aim downrange, I watched his leave the foundation I laid for him. I watched him become an outdoorsman. Now eighteen I find myself having to step away but with ever watchful eyes as I see him step away into life. His decision to take on the responsibility to guard this great country I knew was soon to come as it came to me as a young man. The man I call son will soon be under way with the United States Navy as a Gunners Mate.
How does a father know when he is done? He don't, he keeps being there as mine is for me. Maintaining the watchtower for when needed and awaiting to grant the title of father to the boy who is now a man.
"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” - Jim Valvano
Awesome post John. I follow you over on G+ and just signed up through blogger.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you and your son do a lot of the things my son and I do or have plans to do. One dad to another , it sounds like you have a whole lot to be proud of.
Tell that young man I said "Thanks for your service to our great country!".
Thanks JM and it's great to see you here my friend! I passed along your thanks to him, he appreciated it. We had some great times now and when he was growing up. Enjoy these times my friend, they grow fast :)
ReplyDeleteJohn
ReplyDeleteSo very well said------Sons are the mirror of what you as a Dad once was. In your case the process has mirrored to perfection. I have a son who is grown and gone now and I still admire the man he has become. Thanks for sharing
Such a cool post. Thanks for letting us in on the bond that you two share. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteBill, Thank for stopping by and yes I agree we are a mirror of our fathers and it sounds like your son has a great role model!
ReplyDeleteSanders, Anytime Sanders, thank you for stopping by and enjoying the post!