Phil asking "what kind of life do you want" to an eighteen year old who didn't have permission to want one yet. Most people never get that question from an adult who actually means it.
What a beautiful and touching piece this is. I'm glad you had such good men in your life and I'm sorry that they are no longer physically with you (although they obviously are still with you).
This piece really moved me Michael. My father passed away when I was 28 and my husband Ian’s parents welcomed me into their family. I’m 62 now and they have both since passed away but I still feel lucky to have been loved by them.
I celebrate myself and my husband only. No man gave me advice or steered me in any direction, I had to do it all on my own and it took me a lot longer to get where I’m today. I’m stronger because of it….but I wish a had guidance. Life would have been easier.
Thanks for sharing this lovely tribute to three remarkable men who helped shape your life. I was blessed with a wonderful dad who taught me that the secret of happiness is finding someone to love and doing something you love. It sounds like your three dads-by-choice imparted the same wisdom.
I'm always a little introspective when Father's Day comes around. I've been thinking about this in the context of all the discourse about "masculinity" these days and how treacherous it is to be a kid when everything is trying to monetize and take advantage on your angst. I think I got lucky in a few ways, but mainly that I found my way into some friends that head on straight. Without those it could've been a different story. so many sliding door moments when you're that age.
This is amazing, Michael. I lost my dad to cancer when I was four. My mom has revered him like a saint for 60 years, but my siblings suggest he wasn't quite the man my mother likes to claim. Nevertheless, I am taking the wonderful lesson offered here: I'm afraid it is time for me to go. I'm going to keep that handy in my back pocket.
Extremely touching tribute that, I'm guessing, was hard to write. I really like your outlook, finding the men in your life to celebrate. I'm sorry for all the crap you went through. I think you turned out great.
Phil asking "what kind of life do you want" to an eighteen year old who didn't have permission to want one yet. Most people never get that question from an adult who actually means it.
You're right. And it meant the world to me. Honestly, my time in Australia completely changed the trajectory of my life.
Ditto, Kay. That question is a true gift.
What a beautiful and touching piece this is. I'm glad you had such good men in your life and I'm sorry that they are no longer physically with you (although they obviously are still with you).
Thank you, sir. I'm lucky to have known them.
Wow. What a beautiful piece, Michael. I love this so much.
Thank you so much, Michael. It's much appreciated!
So good! We all need people in our lives like these 3 dads! Role models opening doors (mental or physical) and showing us how to be.
This piece really moved me Michael. My father passed away when I was 28 and my husband Ian’s parents welcomed me into their family. I’m 62 now and they have both since passed away but I still feel lucky to have been loved by them.
Great inlaws can be be wonderful gifts!
Happy Father’s Day to the both of you, because we have all “fathered” people during our lifetimes!!🥰💕
I celebrate myself and my husband only. No man gave me advice or steered me in any direction, I had to do it all on my own and it took me a lot longer to get where I’m today. I’m stronger because of it….but I wish a had guidance. Life would have been easier.
What a lovely trio of father figures!
Absolutely. Together they added up to more than one pretty good dad!
Wonderful storytelling--quite a life you've had! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Jefferson. And thanks for reading!
So. Beautiful.
Thank you.
Thanks for sharing this lovely tribute to three remarkable men who helped shape your life. I was blessed with a wonderful dad who taught me that the secret of happiness is finding someone to love and doing something you love. It sounds like your three dads-by-choice imparted the same wisdom.
They did! And I’m glad you have such a great dad. That’s always nice to hear!
Thanks, Michael! My dad died in 2017 and I miss him daily.
That sounds beautiful, Joanne.
I'm always a little introspective when Father's Day comes around. I've been thinking about this in the context of all the discourse about "masculinity" these days and how treacherous it is to be a kid when everything is trying to monetize and take advantage on your angst. I think I got lucky in a few ways, but mainly that I found my way into some friends that head on straight. Without those it could've been a different story. so many sliding door moments when you're that age.
This is amazing, Michael. I lost my dad to cancer when I was four. My mom has revered him like a saint for 60 years, but my siblings suggest he wasn't quite the man my mother likes to claim. Nevertheless, I am taking the wonderful lesson offered here: I'm afraid it is time for me to go. I'm going to keep that handy in my back pocket.
Extremely touching tribute that, I'm guessing, was hard to write. I really like your outlook, finding the men in your life to celebrate. I'm sorry for all the crap you went through. I think you turned out great.
Thank you very much, Lisa…
That was awesome Michael thank you so much for sharing!
I was lucky my Dad was a lovely man, a real gentleman!
Thanks for reading, Sue. And I’m glad you had such a good dad!
A beautiful reflection and tribute to three exceptional men. Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks, Matt. I hope your kids know how good they have it.