A father's moment

[NeedSpace]

Today, I was doing some work on my 911 and my almost 4yo boy came to me and said "daddy whacha doin?". To which I replied, working on daddy's porsche". "Can I help you?" He grabbed some q-tips and started cleaning. He continued to work with me for about 30 minutes. It was an amazing moment.



Later we went skating and for the first time, he skated across the rink by himself. Very proud of that little guy. Then at dinner, he asked to drink the salad dressing. This is an odd family tradition that most of my family has requested to do at some point in our childhood. Don't know why. I still do.



I have wanted kids my whole life and given some failed relationships, I had assumed it wasn't meant to be. It is an amazing feeling. I can't imagine life without him. Since he has come around, I can't wait to come home and play with him.

So earlier of this week, I saw this photo. And it has stuck with me all week. I can't imagine, the pride and the fear of sending you kid to war, the stress of not knowing where they are and what they are doing and if they are ok. I only have a glimpse of what this father must be thinking.



I pray all of the sons and daughters come home safely. All those pelicaner's who are serving, thank you. I pray you get home safely and soon.

[widgeon13]

It's worse sending them off than going yourself. At least going yourself, you have some control over the situation.

Nice post.

[motion]

Jesus. That is a very succinct post. +1000

[masraum]

Originally Posted by NeedSpace

So earlier of this week, I saw this photo. And it has stuck with me all week. I can't imagine, the pride and the fear of sending you kid to war, the stress of not knowing where they are and what they are doing and if they are ok. I only have a glimpse of what this father must be thinking.



I pray all of the sons and daughters come home safely. All those pelicaner's who are serving, thank you. I pray you get home safely and soon.

I saw that photo earlier this week as well. It's a powerfully moving photo.

Great post.

[turn9]

It is posts like this that keep me coming back to OT

Best to you and yours.

[Oh Haha]

Excellent post! Thank you for sharing.

My son is not really into cars so doesn't ask to help me with projects and that's ok. I love him no matter what.

My daughter, on the other hand, is thrilled if I ask for her help. She would be under the cars if I let her. (I don't but you get the idea.)

I can't know if I will be ok if they decide to join the service but I can tell you that I will be the proudest parent around if they do.

Thoughts and prayers go out to all of our service people and the parents. Come home safely!

[onewhippedpuppy]

I saw a military farewell at an airport one time, a wife and about 4 year old son saying good bye. All were in tears, it just tore me up to watch. God be with our military, their sacrifices are many.

On a lighter note, I've had a lot of those moments with my now seven year old son. This morning my 21 month old son came out to the garage and crawled under the car with me while I was bleeding my wife's brakes. Even at his age he has a lot of interest in what I'm doing on the car, so I'll probably end up with two little helpers.

[ZOO]

Cool story. My son and I spent some time today in a vacant lot. I am teaching him to drive a standard transmission (he still has almost 8 months to go before a learner's permit). He did well -- so far he's only driven a Miata, and an E36 M3. Not a bad way to start out.

Kids rock!

[Jeff Higgins]

Relish these days, NeedSpace. One day, you will be my age and wonder where they have gone, how they went by so fast. Spend every moment you can with the little guy - he won't be that way for long.

I have two boys myself, now 24 and 21. They were both hanging out in the garage with me from the time they could walk. Now, with both of them grown, we still hang out in the garage together. It's great father and son time. I think our garage time, time shared doing something we all enjoy and participate in, made us closer than we might have been otherwise.

So, nurture that, and let him continue to be a part of what daddy is doing, whatever daddy is doing.

[mossguy]

I agree with the posters above re spending time with my son, who has had seven tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Flight Medic. His is done with that now at age 47, and we spend every Thursday night together at the range. It's never too late!

[HardDrive]

Great post. I feel very blessed to have a child.

[Rick V]

My daughter and first husband at the airport in Richmond a few years ago

[LWJ]

Agreed. As I get wound up for another day of work I think about why I do this? Money for the family. I would be a completely different (worse) person if I didn't have them. I am blessed.

Thanks,
Larry

[jhynesrockmtn]

Very nice post. My son is Army ROTC and his high school best friend is deploying to Afghanistan in two weeks. Ben is home on spring break and his buddy is home visiting family before going off to a now much more dangerous place than just a few weeks ago. I've failed at many relationships but my kids are my pride and joy!

[widgeon13]

As a parent, you worry about your children more than they will ever know, of course until they have their own. Even when grown I worry about our son, not because of what he might do but because of what others could do. Our only child? Is 40, married three years ago and now a father. Getting married was a relief for us as it seemed to end some of his more crazy behavior and becoming a Dad has changed him as well. Our DIL is a great mother and a very positive influence on our son. All great things.

But you still worry. He flies planes and helos for a living so every time he's off the ground I think about him. He's most likely more safe there than in a car on the highway but as I said, parents worry.

One of my greatest joys these days is to fly with him, he makes it seem so easy, of course he does it every day but it will always be a joy for me to share the cockpit with him.

[Rikao4]

I so remember
'Mom your killing me...'
90 yrs old..100 lbs ..
squeezed me like a lemon..
does so every Sunday night..
I'm soooo lucky

Rika

[Superman]

Originally Posted by Rick V

My daughter and first husband at the airport in Richmond a few years ago

Did he go away and not return?

Another question: off topic a little, but where is that photograph of a military reunion showing only their feet, with a pair of boots on the ground and a small pair of sneakers off the ground? I love that photo. Shoulda saved it.

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by Superman

Did he go away and not return?

They got divorced (mistake marriage to begin with and agreed by both of them) but he did not return after that.

[flatbutt]

no words needed for this I should think

[glewis80SC]

Some of the best memories ihave with my Dad and with my kids has been car related.