Valentine's Day and My 8 yr old Son

[DonDavis]

As many of you know, I divorced last fall. With Valentine’s coming up, I was trying to think of what to do for my 8 yr old son. Then, it came to me. I’ll just have a “guy night”. No candy or cards. Just him, me and a couple of steaks. Here’s how it went…

He was at his Mom’s last night and this is my weekend with him. When I got him from school today he asked if I had anything planned for Valentine’s Day. I said “Yup. We’re going to a butcher shop and pick out some steaks for dinner. You get to pick out a T-bone." I don’t think he’s ever had one and thought he would get a kick out the 'bone' factor.

We went to Midwestern Meats and he chose his T-bone and I picked out a 'bone in' ribeye. Walking out he asked how much it cost. I told him it was about what I would have spent on some candy, a toy and a card. Back at the casa, he helped with the prep of potatoes, peas and Pillsbury rolls. He put the steaks on the grill, turned ‘em and pulled them off. He went to work on his steak like a pro. I’ve been showing him how to hold his knife and fork. He was doing pretty good and tore through the larger side without missing a step. Mix in some potatoes & peas and I could see him slowing a bit. I showed him how to cut away the other side for leftovers and then told him to have fun chewing the few pieces left on the bone.

He’s been doing well with table manners and thought I would let down the guard for a night. During so, I told him why I did not get him a bunch of candy. I kept it simple.
“Son, Valentine’s Day is a holiday built for women. Guys don’t exchange gifts but something from your Grandpa is ok. Usually, guys work pretty hard for their girlfriends or wives. Guys get gifts from girls but it’s more about the girl. I just wanted to have great dinner with you and tell you I love you.” We chatted a bit about the whole thing and it went pretty well. I didn’t bash on anything. It was more about what I wanted to do with/for him.

What he said at the end was the best gift I could have received.

He wiped his face with napkin, looked at me in the eye and said “Dad, I can’t thank you enough for this awesome dinner. It was the best steak ever.”

“Son, you just did.”

[Wickd89]

Wonderful to see you have a loving relationship with your son. Nothing better than honest one on one time!

So when does he get to drive the 3.2 T? ;-)

[911Rob]

Thanks

[Jeff Alton]

Too cool!

As a divorced father I know how important it is for a father and son to do stuff like that!

Cheers

[Joeaksa]

Good one! The way you did it was excellent as well.

My parents divorced when I was 9 and wish I had spent more time with my Father, so do what you are doing and as often as possible. He later became my best friend and I really miss him now.

[Sapporo Guy]

... this place is starting to make me all teary eyed

Makes me feel great to know that there are many GREAT parents out there!

Thank you!

[notfarnow]

you're a good dad

When I was a kid, I went to visit my dad every month. He lived 200 miles away and I'd go by bus to spend the weekend with him. He was pretty broke for a while there. Sometimes he had enough money for a movie, sometimes we'd go to the park and just walk. Hard to describe how important those weekends were for me.

Make the most of it, dads

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by notfarnow

you're a good dad

When I was a kid, I went to visit my dad every month. He lived 200 miles away and I'd go by bus to spend the weekend with him. He was pretty broke for a while there. Sometimes he had enough money for a movie, sometimes we'd go to the park and just walk. Hard to describe how important those weekends were for me.

Make the most of it, dads

Jake,

If he is still alive now, spend all the time you can with him now. You will thank yourself later when he has passed.

One other thing for everyone. My Father passed 17 years ago and we have no video of him. I have one or two recordings of his voice and thats it, so not much to remember him with in this manner, so make sure everyone makes some video of your loved ones. There will come a day when you are very glad you did.

[dtw]

Nice story.

[scottmandue]

Good job!

[vash]

wow. so happy that you got to be there for his first "man-steak". nicely done!

[cstreit]

That's awesome. It's times like this that will help form him as a person, and your caring example that will make him a good man.

[craigster59]

Great job! I grew up with dad out of the picture for awhile and believe me, what you did will leave a lasting impression. Especially trusting and involving him with the grilling of the steaks. It shows the true bond of Father and son.

[DonDavis]

Thanks guys!

[rammstein]

Originally Posted by DonDavis

It was the best steak ever.”

Awesome!