The Runtyun

She was born the same month that I was, forty years later though. When the excitement of the birth was over and the baby was clean and wrapped up in her birthing cloths, when I stopped feeling woozy and found a certain control over my emotions. The nurse handed me the cooing little bundle–my daughter.

She was warm in my arms. All I could see were her eyes, they were so big. I know that at only a few minutes of age there is not very much for a baby to reference, yet she looked straight at me and she had me. At the time I did not know the adventures that I would go through as a father. The things I would endure as a parent and man. At the time all I saw were eyes and a bright red pudgy face and a little bubble of saliva at the corner of her mouth.

I put her down on the birthing table and just stared. What had I done? This little creature, perfect with ten toes and ten fingers, one little head that looked too big for that little body. What had I done? I put my hand out to her to see what she would do. Nothing. I guess she could not see–being only few minutes old. My finger brushed her hand, she did not jump, but reached out and gripped my finger. She was strong!

She would have to be strong coming into the life I was involved in. We went through a few struggles before getting to the somewhat stable life we live now. During her toddler years she was very out going. Her smile in the morning was brighter than the sun at sunrise. It carried me through some of my darkest days.

Now she is so wise, yet strangely naive. She can understand things beyond her years, yet in another minute ask a question so innocent that I can only wonder. The Runtyun is growing into a fine person despite my parenting skills.

I have stumbled through this whole parenting experiment and you know what? She is doing pretty well despite me.


Sunday, June 21, 2015

On Father's Day Two Thousand and Fifteen

He is a gentle soul, my Father. A man of even temperament. My Father is a thoughtful man. One whom I wish to emulate in so many ways. He is a caring person, one whose patience and empathy are profound forces of character, ones in which I wish to reflect.

My Father over the years, has taught me the real meaning of Love and tolerance. Yet, his Love was there for me to learn from. Throughout all of my trials in life, my Father has supported me, never judging me, though his hand was ever on my shoulder gently trying to guide my way to a better life.

Often times I ignored his wise manner, yet I have become a better man/father because of him. If my life is a reflection of the man, than I need to re-polish the mirror and correct the distortions and aberrations my life has slung upon his life's reflection.

Due to his compassion, patience and love, my life and the future of my beautiful daughter is bright. He has shown us support when most would have thrown their arms up in despair. During my travels through life, I have gone down many dead-end trails, yet he has, with the help of his wonderful wife, my mother, always been at the junctions to help me find my way back.
   
This is your day Dad, and I am truly thankful to be able to spend time with you and revel in the Love that our family feels.

Thank you Sir, for being the man that you are and showing me the way to be a better father and man.



With Love and respect your son, Neil

olc
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